Amanda Anisimova shocked the world number1 Aryna Sabalenka 6–4,,,,, 4–6,,,,, 6–4 In the exciting Wimbledon semifinal, it’s as much elastic as it’s about power and accuracy. In a match full of shooting glow and primitive competition fire, Anisimova’s balance, timing and emotional depth brings her to her first Grand Slam final.
I watched the Center Court unfold, not only as a tennis writer, but also as a coach and former teenager who spent their whole lives in the sport. For me, this game resonated well beyond the rankings and statistics.
The first time I saw Amanda us Open 2017. Even then, her game quality was very little – she hit the ball purely and moved with natural grace. She is great, I remember thinking: she will become a star. What I could not have expected was that her journey would reflect my own one day.
[Tim Clayton/Getty Images]
Amanda’s father Konstantin died suddenly 2019 Heart attack. He is also her coach. When I was, I lost my father 25after moving to New York to study for a creative writing master. This loss has trapped yourself in your life. It won’t go away – it’s just a part of what you’re growing in the world. Watching Amanda today, putting her nerves under pressure, facing one of the most terrifying players in the sport, she not only won tennis. She carries something heavier, something familiar.
“It was a tough race, a little roller coaster,” she said later.
“I know I will not only win her mistakes. I do have to bring the game and do my best, especially when I’m proactive. ”
This semifinal is a match between the two biggest hitters on the tour. Sabalenka is a three-time Grand Slam champion, bringing her signature strength and strength. But Anisimova demonstrates her exquisite skills and intense calm. She snatched the ball from baseline command early and deployed her gorgeous backhand with a destructive effect (considered as one of the most beautiful people in the game).
“In the third set, I knew I really had to keep moving forward,” said Anisimova. “Her levels have been improving and getting better and better throughout the game. ”
Six weeks ago in Paris, Sabalenka defeated Anisimova directly. But grass is different, Anisimova has the best career 11 The grassland won behind her and had confidence 5–3 Positive advantages against top seeds.
Others challenged Sabalenka in the past two weeks, but no one tested her like this. Two hours, 37 In a few minutes, Anisimova matched her shooting percentage and found more. Deeper stuff: defense, endurance, arrival.
Sitting in the Royal Box is my childhood idol Björn Borg. As a young player, I looked at him respectfully. Now, that is Anisimova, the tranquility of tranquility-in important moments, unshape, unwelcome, untouchable.
Just a year ago, she couldn’t qualify here. Today, she entered the Wimbledon finals. “It means a lot to me to be able to be at the highest level again in my career,” she said. “I just told myself that I’m going to play and enjoy every moment there.”
For the tennis world, it is a story of comeback and talent. For those who have lived through the losses that have broken you, this is more.
“When I was resting, a lot of people told me that if you spent a lot of time leaving the game, you would never be able to top again.
“It’s just that I can prove that you can prioritize yourself. So this is very special to me. ”
It continues when it feels impossible – find beauty on the other side.
