Centre Court at Wimbledon is buzzing as world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and American No. 13 seed Amanda Anisimova go toe-to-toe in a women’s semifinal that’s now in a decisive third set. As of 3:15 PM ET the match is tied at 6-4 4-6 with momentum swinging wildly.
I have watched some epic tennis battles but this one’s got my heart racing—every point feels like a mini-drama. Here’s the latest on this gripping showdown at SW19.
A Clash of Titans
Anisimova grabbed the first set 6-4 leaning on her lethal backhand which fans online called “a weapon” after she fired six winners in the opener. Sabalenka answered back in the second set leveling it 4-6 with a 115mph ace and a roar that echoed through Centre Court. The third set saw Sabalenka break early at 0-40 exploiting an Anisimova backhand error but the American fought back breaking Sabalenka’s serve to keep it tight.
I remember a college match where a single break turned the tide—this set’s anyone’s game. Anisimova’s 5-3 head-to-head lead over Sabalenka adds extra spice to this duel.
Key Moments Shaping the Match
Anisimova started strong holding serve at 5-4 in the first set and capitalizing on Sabalenka’s double fault to seal it. Sabalenka’s frustration showed early with errant forehands but she found her groove in the second set saving four set points in a tense ninth game.
A fan on X noted Sabalenka’s clever shift to targeting Anisimova’s forehand avoiding that deadly backhand which only notched one winner in set two. The third set’s early exchanges saw Sabalenka’s 84% first-serve points won give her an edge but Anisimova’s break-back at deuce shows her resilience.
I have seen players crack under pressure like this but Anisimova’s holding tough.
Why This Semifinal Is Huge
This match is a career-defining moment for both. Sabalenka a three-time Grand Slam champ is chasing her first Wimbledon final after losses in her 2021 and 2023 semifinals. Anisimova in her second Grand Slam semifinal since the 2019 French Open at 17 is riding a 11-2 grass-court record in 2025. Her comeback after a 2023 mental health break—prompted by burnout and the loss of her father—has fans rooting hard.
I knew a teammate who took a similar break and returned stronger and Anisimovas story feels just as inspiring. A win here could make her the first American woman in a Wimbledon final since Serena Williams in 2019.
Heat and Heart on Centre Court
London’s 88°F heat forced two pauses in the first set as fans needed medical help. Sabalenka showed heart rushing water to a struggling spectator a move that drew cheers. Anisimova faces a $4000 fine from her fourth-round match but is appealing it staying focused on court.
Social media’s buzzing with praise for her clutch hold at 0-40 in the second set keeping her in the fight. Sabalenka’s 14-match tiebreaker streak and 7-1 semifinal record this season make her the -285 favorite per DraftKings but Anisimova’s +230 odds and past wins over her keep hope alive.
How to Watch Live
Tune in now on ESPN ESPN+ or ESPN Deportes with coverage starting at 8 AM ET. Streaming’s available on Fubo or DirecTV with free trials for new users. UK fans need a TV license for BBC Sport while Indian viewers can catch it on Star Sports or JioHotstar.
I have streamed matches on the go with ESPN+ and it’s seamless—perfect for catching every rally. Follow #Wimbledon on X for fan reactions or check Wimbledon’s official social media for updates.
The winner advances to face Iga Swiatek or Belinda Bencic in the final on July 12. With Sabalenka’s power and Anisimova’s poise this third set will decide who gets a shot at the Venus Rosewater Dish.
Who’re you backing? Share and keep refreshing for the latest as this epic battle unfolds.