American Amanda Anisimova ‘enjoying every step of the way’ in run to Wimbledon semifinals

Once Amanda Anisimova secured her first spot in a grand slam semifinal in six years, the American sunk to the court, first to her knees, and then all the way on to the Wimbledon grass, face first.

She emerged upright with a smile, and she wrapped her arms around herself, as if she was giving herself a hug.

“It’s been an extraordinary year for me,” Anisimova said in her on-court interview after defeating Pavlyuchenkova in Tuesday’s quarterfinal round. “So many highs. It’s just been such a ride, and I’ve been enjoying every step of the way.”

Anisimova will next face world No. 1 and three-time grand slam champion Aryna Sabalenka – setting up a big-hitting semifinal clash.

Anisimova leads the head-to-head matchups with Sabalenka 5-3, though Sabalenka won their most recent encounter, in the round of 16 at the French Open in June.

“I feel like we always bring the best in each other’s game, and we always raise the level when we play against each other,” Anisimova said of Sabalenka. “But yeah, I mean, I always enjoy the challenge that she brings. I’m sure it’s the same vice versa.”

This year’s Wimbledon run, in ways, is years in the making for the 23-year-old Anisimova – one that might not have been possible had she not taken what she has called a “necessary” hiatus from the sport.

Soaring to new heights

Anisimova, who returned to the WTA Tour in January 2024, told reporters Tuesday that it hasn’t always been smooth sailing since her return to the sport.

For starters, there was the task of getting her ranking back up: At the start of 2024, she was No. 442 in the world, coinciding with the extended time off she chose to take.

And a year ago, Anisimova wasn’t even in the Wimbledon main draw, having lost in the third round of qualifying.

But in 2025, it’s been clicking for the American, and she’s soaring higher than ever.

Anisimova, who won her third singles title of her career earlier this year at the WTA 1000 event in Doha, is at a career-high No. 12 in the world. She is guaranteed to be in the top 10 on Monday after Wimbledon.