LONDON: Amanda Anisimova has become the Grand Slam finalist for the first time following a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 upset victory against world number one Aryna Sabalenka in Wimbledon here at Centre Court on Thursday.

The 13th-seeded Anisimova was playing her second major semifinal since the 2019 French Open at the age of 17.

Anisimova reflected on her victory, saying Sabalenka is a tough competitor and her inspiration.

“This doesn’t feel real right now, honestly. Aryna is such a tough competitor and I was absolutely dying out there. Yeah, I don’t know how I pulled it off,” Anisimova said.

“I mean, she’s such an incredible competitor and she’s an inspiration to me and I’m sure so many other people. We’ve had so many tough battles. To come out on top today and be in the final of Wimbledon is so incredibly special. 

“The atmosphere was incredible. I know she’s the number one, but a lot of people were cheering for me. Huge thanks to everyone.”

The 23-year-old American, who has improved her record to 6-3 against Sabalenka, won the first set after the Belarusian double-faulted.

However, Sabalenka fought back in the second set, as a single break was enough for the world number one to level the match.

Then she broke to start the decider. Anisimova, though, kept her cool, breaking right back and winning back-to-back four games for a 4-1 lead and continuing that momentum to clinch the set to book the spot in the final.

On Saturday, Anisimova will face Iga Swiatek, who defeated Belinda Bencic 6-2, 6-0 in the second semi-final. 

Anisimova and Swiatek have reached the final of Wimbledon for the first time in their career and have not played a match at a senior level yet. 

Swiatek said that Anisimova is an amazing player, and she knows her gameplay.

“She can play amazing tennis, and she loves fast surfaces, because she has a flat game,” Swiatek said about Anisimova. 

“So, you have to be ready for fast shots, for her being proactive. But I’m just going to kind of focus on myself.”

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