Martina Navratilova reacts to Amanda Anisimova’s performance in Wimbledon quarterfinal as she makes it through

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Amanda Anisimova’s impressive 2025 season keeps getting better as she reaches the semi-finals of Wimbledon.

The 23-year-old American won her maiden WTA 1000 title earlier this year when Anisimova defeated Jelena Ostapenko in the final of the Qatar Open.

Rediscovering that form at SW19, Anisimova took down Yulia Putintseva, Renata Zarazua, Dalma Galfi, and Linda Noskova en route to the quarterfinals.

There, she came face to face with Russia’s Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, a former Grand Slam finalist.

Having dominated the first set 6-1, Anisimova failed to serve things out at 5-4 in the second, as Pavlyuchenkova pushed her to a tiebreaker.

Eventually, Anisimova secured the win 6-1, 7-6 [11-9], booking her place in the semi-finals, where she’ll play world number one Aryna Sabalenka.

During commentary, Wimbledon legend Martina Navratilova commented on Anisimova and Pavlyuchenkova’s ‘topsy-turvy’ quarterfinal tie.

Martina Navratilova says you could ‘write a book’ about Amanda Anisimova’s tiebreak win

Speaking to BBC Sport, Navratilova gave her verdict on Anisimova’s tense win over the Russian world number 50.

“You could write a book just about the tiebreak,” said Navratilova.

“It was a really straightforward match, looked like [Anastasia] Pavlyuchenkova couldn’t find the court, then she found the fight within herself, and made a great comeback. 

“Had five set points, three in a row at 6-3, then two more later in the tiebreaker. That was topsy turvy.”

Holding her nerve, the American got the job done, securing her place in the last four of Wimbledon for the first time in her career.

Relieved after an intense win, Anisimova shared her thoughts on the match during her on-court interview.

“It was such a battle today. I was up there in the second set, she started to play some unreal tennis, I just kept fighting,” she said.

“The tiebreak was super stressful, I’m just so happy that I got it done, super excited to be in the semi-final for the first time, it’s super special.”

Anisimova proceeded to thank her team, without whom, she doesn’t believe she would have won in straight sets.

“My whole team here, this wouldn’t have been possible without them, being so tough in that tiebreaker, they are the ones who have implemented that in me,” said Anisimova.

“My sister is here with her husband, and I’m super grateful that they flew in and they got to experience this with me, it doesn’t happen often, so I’m super grateful.”

The 23-year-old continued to thank the fans for their support, having achieved another career first in 2025.

“It’s been an extraordinary year for me, so many highs, it’s been such a ride, I’ve been enjoying every step of the way,” said Anisimova.

“Even times like today, when you’re not sure that you’re going to cross the finish line, I keep reminding myself to enjoy the moment.

“It’s not often you get to play on this special court in front of so many special people. Thank you guys so much for the atmosphere, it’s incredible.”

Anisimova will know there is still more work to be done, however, as she begins preparations for a ninth career meeting with Sabalenka.

Amanda Anisimova and Aryna Sabalenka’s head-to-head record

Anisimova and Sabalenka have played one another eight times previously, as the American leads the head-to-head 5-3.

Sabalenka has, however, already secured a Grand Slam win over Anisimova in 2025, defeating her in the fourth round of the French Open recently.

In straight sets, the Belarusian overpowered Anisimova, advancing to the quarterfinals without too much trouble.

The pair are yet to contest a WTA Tour match on grass, with their Wimbledon semi-final match set to be their first meeting on the surface.

It remains to be seen who will adapt best, with a place in the Wimbledon final up for grabs.

Anisimova and Sabalenka will battle it out in the Wimbledon semi-final on Thursday, July 10.