Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Amanda Anisimova Survives Tiebreak Thriller Against Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova to Reach First Wimbledon Semifinal in 2025

Amanda Anisimova held off a fierce late rally from Pavlyuchenkova to book her first-ever semifinal appearance at the All England Club.

Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Amanda Anisimova stormed into her first-ever Wimbledon semifinal with a commanding 6-1, 7-6(11-9) win over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on Tuesday, matching her career-best Grand Slam result from the 2019 French Open. The 23-year-old American was dominant early but had to survive a gripping 20-point second-set tiebreak to seal the win.

Amazing Amanda Anisimova ✨#Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/TclfDifiZa
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2025

From Breadstick to Brink: Anisimova Wins a Wild One

Anisimova was untouchable in the first set, handing out a 6-1 breadstick in just 27 minutes. Her serve was a major weapon throughout the contest, firing 6 aces and 26 winners overall. Pavlyuchenkova struggled to read Anisimova’s pace early on, while the American punished short returns and dictated points with aggressive first strikes.

The second set, however, was an entirely different scene. Anisimova started strong again but Pavlyuchenkova gradually clawed her way back, breaking late and leveling things at 5-5. With Anisimova serving for a spot in the semifinals at 6-5, the Russian fought hard to push the set into a tiebreak, one that turned into a dramatic mini-epic.

Pavlyuchenkova led 6-3 and had four set points, but Anisimova dug deep and turned the tide. The tension stretched to 11-9 before Pavlyuchenkova blinked first, netting one final forehand to end the match.

The smile on her face!

Amanda Anisimova takes down Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 6-1, 7-6(9) to reach her first #Wimbledon semi-final pic.twitter.com/8QMwLHtGap
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 8, 2025

The result marks a significant breakthrough for Anisimova at SW19. She had previously reached the quarterfinals in 2022, where she lost to Simona Halep, but had never gone further. This run equals her deepest Grand Slam push, her 2019 Roland Garros semifinal run, where she was stopped by eventual champion Ashleigh Barty.

Sabalenka Ahead, But Anisimova Has History on Her Side

To go one better this time, Anisimova must now take down world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the semifinals. While Sabalenka is the current top seed and a force on grass, history favors the American. Anisimova holds a 5-3 head-to-head advantage, having won their first four meetings, including during her breakthrough at the 2019 French Open.

Anisimova d. Pavlyuchenkova 6-1 7-6

Incredible moment.

Amanda reaches her 1st Wimbledon SF.

Her first Slam SF since 2019.

✅2nd Slam SF
✅11-2 on grass in 2025

An unbelievable talent who’s walked a tough road with so much strength.

Her moment has finally arrived.

🇺🇸❤️ pic.twitter.com/jDpRsBZBzj
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 8, 2025

However, Sabalenka has won three of their last four matchups, including a straight-sets win at Roland Garros just weeks ago. Anisimova now stands one match away from her maiden Grand Slam final.

Mandatory Image Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Amanda Anisimova

Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova

Wimbledon 2025

Rudra Dubey

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I’m an academic turned sports writer from Raipur, India, specializing in the NFL, MMA, and tennis at The Playoffs. I previously wrote for Sportskeeda and hold a B.A. and M.A. in History. My journey into sports media began far from the field, rooted in the arts and sciences. Funny enough, I didn’t grow up a sports fan; I used to see it all as just noise. But a fateful writing job introduced me to the world of sports, and what began as a gig quickly became a passion. I understood those voices aren’t noise; they’re emotions of true sports fans, and now I am one of them, writing with the same energy I once questioned.