By Ben Phillips
Day 11 of Wimbledon 2025 delivered a striking contrast in semi-final narratives. Still, the outcome is the same: a fascinating final between world number one Iga Swiatek and American 13th seed Amanda Anisimova.
For Swiatek, her match against Belinda Bencic was one-way traffic. The Pole played perhaps the most complete match of her career, demolishing the Olympic gold medallist 6-2, 6-0 in just over an hour. It was a performance that combined ruthless accuracy, elegant movement, and unshakeable intensity. Her ability to control every aspect of the match from the baseline, redirecting pace with ease and punishing any short ball, left Bencic with no answers.
Swiatek won 83% of her first serve points and converted five of the eight break points she created. But stats alone do not tell the full story. From the first point, Swiatek’s body language made it clear she was locked in. She moved smoothly on the grass, a surface she’s previously admitted to feeling less at home on, and played with the aggression of someone determined to silence any remaining doubts about her title credentials on this surface.
It was a reminder that while Swiatek already has five Grand Slam titles, a Wimbledon crown would elevate her into an even more elite bracket: winners on all three surfaces. Given the level she showed on Thursday, it’s hard to argue she isn’t the favourite.
But if anyone can disrupt her rhythm, Amanda Anisimova might be that player.
In the earlier semi-final, the American delivered a gutsy performance to defeat top seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4, reaching her first Grand Slam final. Anisimova’s composure under pressure and ability to handle Sabalenka’s pace were defining factors in the win. She led 5-2 in the first set, saw her opponent claw back to 5-4, but held firm to close it out with measured aggression.
Sabalenka, known for her power and fight, made her surge in the second, taking it 6-4 to force a decider. But it was Anisimova who dictated in the final set, breaking at 4-4 and then serving out the match with authority. The quality of her returning game, especially on Sabalenka’s second serve, set her apart, as did her ability to redirect the ball and vary spin and depth.
It’s been a resurgent season for the 23-year-old, who burst onto the scene as a teenager but struggled with injuries and consistency in recent years. This run to the Wimbledon final confirms that she’s back, and playing with the mix of creativity and power that once made her one of the tour’s most exciting prospects.
So now, the stage is set: Swiatek vs Anisimova for the Wimbledon title.
It’s a matchup that’s both unpredictable and compelling. The two have never played; however, their contrasting styles make for an exciting affair, and both come into the match on top form.
Swiatek brings confidence, movement, and baseline control. Anisimova brings shot variety, flat-struck winners, and a carefree calm that can unsettle even the biggest names. On grass, where timing and decision-making are paramount, the contrast in styles should create a dynamic and potentially dramatic final.
Much will depend on who starts better. If Swiatek finds her rhythm early, she can quickly take the scoreboard pressure up a notch. But if Anisimova can punch first, vary the pace, and force Swiatek off her rhythm, it could be a tighter battle than many expect.
What’s clear is that both players arrive at Saturday’s final in outstanding form. Swiatek has dropped just one set all tournament and is improving with every round. Anisimova has taken out the No. 1 player and grown stronger with each win.
One is seeking to complete a career-defining Slam sweep across all surfaces. The other is chasing a breakthrough moment that would signal the start of a new era in her career.
Whatever happens, this final promises to be a showcase of power, precision, and poise — and a fitting finale to a Wimbledon women’s draw that has delivered high drama and high quality from the very first day.
What to Watch in the Men’s Semi-Finals – Day 12 at Wimbledon
As the women’s draw reaches its dramatic conclusion, the men’s semi-finals also deliver a set of captivating matchups to end the week in style:
Carlos Alcaraz vs Taylor Fritz
Alcaraz, the two-time defending Wimbledon champion, faces Taylor Fritz, the American giant-slayer who’s excelled with serve-borne confidence all fortnight. Fritz’s precision and adaptability have seen him through four tight sets, including a brilliant comeback over Khachanov, but Alcaraz’s returning sharpness and court craft make him formidable. Expect fireworks: Is this the week Fritz can dominate off the baseline, or will Alcaraz’s variety and grit prove decisive?
Novak Djokovic vs Jannik Sinner
In arguably the most discussed match on the schedule, Novak Djokovic meets Jannik Sinner, the reigning world No. 1. Djokovic, seeking a record-breaking eighth Wimbledon title, has used his unrivalled experience and tactical nous to overturn deficits and remains in fine form despite advances in age. Meanwhile, Sinner cruised past Ben Shelton in straights and looks more complete than ever. This one pits generational brilliance against established legend. Expect another classic.
