World number one Aryna Sabalenka suffered a disappointing 4-6, 6-4, 4-6 defeat to Amanda Anisimova, 23, in the Wimbledon semi-finals on Thursday, marking her third consecutive exit at this stage of the Championships.
The American's victory secured her place in her first Grand Slam final, where she will face either Iga Swiatek or Belinda Bencic.
The match was marked by several contentious moments that left Sabalenka visibly frustrated.
Anisimova's triumph makes her the youngest American woman to reach a Wimbledon final since Serena Williams, and the victory will propel her to a career-high ranking of world number seven.
Amanda Anisimova has reached the first Grand Slam final in her career
Reuters
The most heated exchange occurred when Anisimova won a point after the ball clipped the net cord and bounced over, but failed to offer the customary apology.
"I looked at her and said 'you don't want to say sorry'. She barely got that point and didn't want to say sorry for the tricky situation, that's on her," Sabalenka revealed in her post-match press conference.
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The Belarusian later admitted her frustration, stating "I'm p***ed off" about the incident.
Another flashpoint came during the second set when Anisimova celebrated prematurely whilst Sabalenka was still attempting to return the ball.
"I was just trying to chase the ball. She was already celebrating it. I was like 'I mean, that's a bit too early,'" Sabalenka explained.
"She kind of p***ed me off like saying 'That's what she does all the time.'
"I was grateful and thankful that she said that because I was like, it actually helped me to keep fighting.
"I was like ok, now I'm gonna show you the tennis. I came back because I got really angry in that moment."
Despite her frustration helping her mount a comeback in the second set, Sabalenka ultimately fell short in the decider.
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Aryna Sabalenka fumed at her opponent in her post-match press conference
Reuters
"Probably in the 3rd set I should've remembered and probably it would've helped. But it is what it is," she reflected.
The defeat marks Sabalenka's third semi-final exit at SW19, having previously lost at this stage to Karolina Pliskova in 2021 and Ons Jabeur in 2023.
For Anisimova, the victory represents a career-defining moment.
"To be honest, if you told me I'd be in the final of Wimbledon, I would not believe you. So many people dream of competing on this incredible court. To be in the final is indescribable," she said.
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