Former Wimbledon champion admits she’s almost in tears as Amanda Anisimova beats Aryna Sabalenka to reach the final

Follow us on Google Discover

Amanda Anisimova was faced with a tough test against the world number one as she looked to advance to her first major final.

Standing between Anisimova and a place in the Wimbledon final was world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

More than up for the challenge, Anisimova made a strong start on Centre Court, grabbing the first set 6-4.

Unsurprisingly, the experience of Sabalenka began to shine through, as she levelled the semifinal at one set all.

Refusing to let the opportunity slip through her fingers, Anisimova emerged victorious in three sets, defeating Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

Watching the 23-year-old qualify for her first Grand Slam final, one WTA legend admitted she was almost brought to tears.

Marion Bartoli was ‘almost in tears’ watching Amanda Anisimova reach the Wimbledon final

Talking to BBC Radio 5 Live after the match, 2013 Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli explained why she was so emotional watching the world number 12 secure the win.

“We all knew the potential from Amanda Anisimova when we first saw her reaching the semifinal of Roland Garros, the way she is capable of striking the ball,” she said.

“But after everything she went through with the burnout, to be able to reach her first Wimbledon final, that gave me goosebumps. 

“I’m so emotional, I almost have tears in my eyes. I’ve seen her in those stages before she took that time out, it was so painful to see her that sad and that hurt.”

Struggling with her mental health and burnout, Anisimova took a break from tennis in May 2023, returning to the sport ahead of the 2024 season.

Bartoli continued on to praise Anisimova for her dedication, having just qualified for her first Grand Slam final.

“We all knew the potential she had, of course, but it’s one thing to have the potential, it’s another thing to do the daily work, to do the grinding, to take your suitcase to travel the world to play those tournaments,” she said.

“She’s gone from having zero ranking to now being in a Wimbledon final, taking out the number one player in the world, Aryna Sabalenka, on the Centre Court of Wimbledon, with so much courage and so much determination, that takes someone extremely special.

“I couldn’t be happier for her. Once again, it gives me goosebumps to see her blossom, as she is doing right now. We all knew she could do it, and she has been able to do it. “

The Frenchwoman proceeded to share some kind words about Anisimova’s father, who sadly passed away a week before the American’s 18th birthday.

“I’m sure her dad is watching and is extremely proud of his daughter right now,” said Bartoli.

“When she reflects on this Wimbledon and realizes what she’s achieved, she will look back at these two weeks being extremely magical.

“She absolutely deserves every % of the happiness she is feeling right now.”

Starting from scratch when she returned from her mental health break in 2024, Anisimova has qualified for a Wimbledon final just a year and a half later, a mightily impressive feat.

Marion Bartoli praises Amanda Anisimova for her ‘courageous’ tennis comeback

The 40-year-old proceeded to explain just how much goes into bringing a player back to the top of their game.

“It takes a team around you, it takes the family, it takes the team, it takes people that believe in you, it takes you to believe in yourself,” said Bartoli.

“The road is long, the road is rocky, the road is bumpy, it’s difficult, there are days when you feel you are so far from the goal.”

Anisimova has thanked family and friends throughout her run to the final, vocalising her appreciation for her team.

Bartoli was also keen to comment on Anisimova’s tactical execution against Sabalenka, something she admitted is easier said than done.

“It’s one thing to know that you have to put Aryna Sabalenka on the defensive side, it’s another thing to actually have the weapons to do that, which is so difficult,” she said.

“Amanda Anisimova always had that potential, but she needed to put everything back together in order for her to be able to play the level she’s playing today.

“It’s a lot of hours, it takes a lot of courage, determination, and willingness to do it once more.”

Whilst it was the dream afternoon for Anisimova, it was a nightmare for Sabalenka, as Bartoli gave her verdict on the Belarusian’s third Wimbledon semifinal defeat.

“Unfortunately for Aryna Sabalenka, it will just not be this year,” she said.

“She’s getting closer, she’s there, she’s knocking at the door more and more at Wimbledon, but she will have to wait another year to reach a Wimbledon final.”

Sabalenka will now have to regroup ahead of the US Open in August, where she will look to pick up her first Grand Slam title of the season.

For Anisimova, there’s still work to be done at SW19, as she now prepares for her first Wimbledon final, where she will take on either Iga Swiatek or Belinda Bencic on Saturday, July 12.