Iga Swiatek produced a near-flawless performance to reach her first Wimbledon final, brushing aside Belinda Bencic 6-2, 6-0 on Centre Court on Thursday. Earlier in the day, Amanda Anisimova delivered a stunning upset, defeating world number one Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping semi-final to book her place in Saturday’s title clash.
Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion and long considered a claycourt specialist, had never progressed beyond the quarter-finals at SW19 before this year. But she was in complete command against Bencic, breaking the Swiss player five times in a commanding display that lasted just over an hour.
The 23-year-old Pole looked at home on the sun-drenched turf, banishing any lingering doubts over her grass-court credentials. The eighth seed needed just 61 minutes to dispatch Bencic, ranked 35th in the world, and move within one match of completing the rare Roland Garros-Wimbledon double.
Anisimova, meanwhile, overcame intense heat and an intense opponent in a two-hour and 36-minute battle, prevailing 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 over Sabalenka. The American had already made history by becoming only the second woman in the Open era to reach a Grand Slam final after having lost in the qualifying rounds the previous year.
“This doesn’t feel real right now, honestly. Aryna is such a tough competitor and I was absolutely dying out there. I don’t know how I pulled it out,” said an emotional Anisimova.
The 23-year-old first made headlines as a teenager when she reached the French Open semi-finals in 2019 at just 17. But a difficult few years followed, including an eight-month break from tennis in 2023 as she struggled with depression brought on by the pressure and scrutiny of early success.
Since returning, Anisimova has climbed back up the rankings, winning the Qatar Open earlier this year and reaching the Queen’s Club final last month. Her victory over Sabalenka, who was aiming to reach a fourth successive Grand Slam final, has now guaranteed her a place in the top 10 for the first time in her career.
Sabalenka, runner-up at the Australian Open and Roland Garros this year, had taken the second set and led early in the decider. But she could not maintain her advantage, faltering in key moments as Anisimova broke back twice and eventually sealed the biggest win of her career.
The final promises a fascinating contrast in styles, with Swiatek’s precision and athleticism set to face off against Anisimova’s raw power and shot-making.