World No. 1 fumes over early celebrations, net cord moment, and post-match etiquette as Anisimova books final spot
Aryna Sabalenka’s Wimbledon dreams were shattered on Thursday after a dramatic semi-final loss to Amanda Anisimova — but the defeat was only part of the story.
Following the 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 thriller on Centre Court, the world number one turned her attention to what she described as “disrespectful” behaviour from her American opponent.
Sabalenka, who had reached the finals of the last three Grand Slams, was clearly agitated after her latest setback. Although she initially appeared composed in her post-match press conference, it didn’t take long before frustration bubbled to the surface. Two moments during the match left her particularly annoyed — both involving Anisimova’s conduct.
The 27-year-old was first angered when Anisimova appeared to celebrate a point before it had officially ended. According to Sabalenka, the premature celebration disrupted her concentration and sparked the fire she needed to fight back in the second set.
“She was already celebrating while I was still chasing the ball. That pissed me off,” Sabalenka admitted. “She even said, ‘That’s what I always do,’ which really got to me. But it motivated me.”
Her irritation didn’t end there. The Belarusian also accused Anisimova of ignoring tradition after benefiting from a net cord point.
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Typically, players offer an apologetic gesture when luck swings their way, but Sabalenka claims the American didn’t bother. “I looked at her, and I was like, ‘You don’t want to say sorry?’” she said. “She clearly wanted to win at all costs.”
Ironically, the three-time Grand Slam champion had opened her media appearance by warning journalists not to expect a repeat of her Roland Garros meltdown, where she controversially dismissed Coco Gauff’s role in her own French Open defeat.
“If you’re here waiting for the Paris press conference 2.0, you can leave,” she quipped — a line that drew laughter but didn’t stop her from airing fresh grievances.
Despite her criticism of Anisimova’s court manners, Sabalenka still found room to acknowledge her opponent’s performance. She called the 23-year-old “brave” under pressure and admitted she played the bigger points better. “She deserved the win today,” Sabalenka conceded.
Throughout the press conference, Sabalenka stressed that she was working on controlling her emotions. She even delayed her media duties after the match to compose herself, hoping to avoid the backlash she received in Paris. “I didn’t want to be that crazy person again,” she said. “I knew losing control wouldn’t help me stay in the match.”
However, just when it seemed like her new, calmer persona had fully taken over, the Belarusian couldn’t resist one final jab — this time directed at the media. With a mischievous smile, she concluded, “Ha, ha, ha, you didn’t get anything,” before cheekily sticking out her tongue and leaving the room.
Although Sabalenka has vowed to learn from recent controversies, her Wimbledon exit has once again placed her fiery temperament under the spotlight. As for Anisimova, her victory sets up a blockbuster first Grand Slam final where she’ll play against Iga Swiatek.
Tags: Amanda Anisimova, Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Swiatek, #Wimbledon, #Wimbledon2025, #WTA, Grand Slam, Coco Gauff, Roland Garros.
