Amanda Anisimova has reached her first Grand Slam final after beating Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon.
Anisimova beat Sabalenka in a thrilling three set match on Centre Court, continuing her impressive head-to-head against the world number one.
This has continued a breakout season for the American, with Anisimova looking to join Madison Keys and Coco Gauff as a major champion this year.
Nine-time Wimbledon champion Martina Navratilova backed Anisimova’s chances against Sabalenka before the match, and has now pointed out a big advantage her compatriot had in the semifinal.
The advantage Martina Navratilova believes Amanda Anisimova had over Aryna Sabalenka
Anisimova has now won six of her nine matches against Sabalenka, headlined by this most recent victory at Wimbledon.
When reacting to the match on the BBC, Navratilova explained what was unusual about seeing Sabalenka not on top of the rallies.
This is something that Andy Roddick suggested Anisimova was capable of doing to Sabalenka ahead of the semifinal, and Navratilova believes it was evident during the match.
“Sabalenka is used to being on the front foot during rallies and she was playing more defence than Anisimova. She is just not used to that,” said Navratilova.
“Kudos to Anisimova being able to get on top of the point early, either with the serve or the return of serve. Sabalenka got the better of her in that second set, but it was not enough.
“Both players played their best tennis under tough circumstances but Anisimova just a little more power and a little more freedom. I think Sabalenka felt the pressure a little bit more, which is funny because when you are the favourite that can get to you.
“Sabalenka has had a hard time with that. Anisimova happy to be in the semis, if she gets to the final that is a big bonus. Whereas Sabalenka, she is number one seed, so she is expected to win the whole thing. I think that plays funny things to your mind.”
Navratilova also believes that the hot conditions played into the hands of Anisimova, who lives in Miami where it can be very humid.
Although Sabalenka is from Belarus, she now also lives in Miami and is also likely to be more familiar with the heat than most players on the WTA Tour.
“The set almost could have been 6-1, she had some points for 5-1,” Navratilova said about the third set. “But Anisimova lives in Miami. It is hot and humid. It is hotter and more humid than it is today, so maybe Sabalenka is the fitter player but I think Anisimova, the heat does not bother her nearly as much.”
Temperatures in London were around 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit), making it challenging for both players and spectators on Centre Court.
Weather forecast for the Wimbledon women’s singles final
Anisimova will be hoping that Navratilova’s theory is accurate, because the hot temperatures are set to continue throughout the weekend.
This includes the final on Saturday, July 12, at 4pm BST, with temperatures forecasted to be around 29 degrees Celsius (84 degrees Fahrenheit).
It is also estimated that these temperatures will actually feel more like 32 degrees Celsius (90 degrees Fahrenheit).
The humidity is forecasted to be 36%, compared to the annual average humidity in Miami of 76%.
All of this should play into the hands of Anisimova, who will once again be against European opposition in the Wimbledon final when she plays Iga Swiatek.
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