Amanda Anisimova found herself at the center of an on-court drama during her 2025 Wimbledon semifinal victory over world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Sabalenka suggested that the American celebrated a point prematurely while her opponent was still in play, sparking debate across Centre Court.
In her post-match press conference, Anisimova offered a detailed clarification of her actions, emphasizing on her unintentional “grunt” that was mistaken for celebration.
Amanda Anisimova’s Clarification on Early Celebration Controversy
Anisimova talked about an apparent “early celebration” after a long rally in the third set. She responded that she was not deliberately celebrating but had let out a long grunt than usual amid high stakes. She explained
“No, I wasn’t celebrating. It was just like a long grunt, I guess. I don’t really know what was the deal there to be honest because I didn’t feel like it was that interfering. I tried to not do it again.”
Talking about the intensity of the match, Anisimova said:
“It was just such a high stakes match and I think we were both grunting a lot out there. We have a big game, so that’s the outcome of it, but yeah, I wasn’t really sure what the issue was. But I can play it back. Maybe I was a bit interfering, I don’t really know.”
During her press conference, Sabalenka said:
“Yeah, I was just trying to chase the ball, she was already celebrating it. I was, like, that’s a bit too early. Then she kind of p***** me off saying that, oh, that’s what she does all the time.” This sparked the debate of early celebration on Anisimova.
Aryna Sabalenka on Amanda Anisimova celebrating early during a point in the 2nd set, ‘She kind of pissed me off, like, saying, That’s what she does all the time’
“I just wanted to ask about a point in the 2nd set. She celebrated before the ball went past you. You looked at the… pic.twitter.com/LMB5wTynIT
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) July 10, 2025
Amanda Anisimova Set to Face Iga Świątek In Her First Grand Slam Final
Anisimova secured a 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 win over Sabalenka to reach her first Grand Slam final. She saved 11 of 14 break points and converted her fourth match point after a 2 hour 35 minute battle. Anisimova now leads Sabalenka 6-3 in their head-to-head.
Anisimova’s 2025 season has been impressive so far, having won her maiden WTA 1000 title at the Qatar Open. She holds a 12-2 record on grass courts so far in 2025 and her Wimbledon run will see her break into the Top 10 of the WTA rankings for the first time in her career.
The American is set to face the eight seed Iga Świątek in the final, in what will be their very first senior encounter on the WTA Tour.
