World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka is closing in on her long-sought first Wimbledon title—an elusive jewel missing from her impressive Grand Slam collection. The Belarusian powerhouse arrives in the semifinals brimming with confidence and form at the All England Club.
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Road to the Semis
Sabalenka’s campaign at SW19 has been nothing short of dominant—she has yet to drop a set this year at Wimbledon. The top seed began with a commanding 7‑6(4), 6‑4 victory over Marie Bouzková in the opening round , followed by a straight‑sets win against Elise Mertens in the fourth round . The third‑round match against Emma Raducanu tested her resolve—Sabalenka faced deficits in both sets before rallying to secure the win .
Her quarterfinal was arguably the most dramatic. Squaring off with the crafty Laura Siegemund, a veteran unorthodox player ranked No. 104, Sabalenka dropped the first set before battling back to win 4‑6, 6‑2, 6‑4 . The match tested her stamina, but her aggressive mindset and tiebreak prowess shone through—a streak of winning 14 consecutive tiebreaks this season underscores her mental fortitude .
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Grass-Court Conversion? Breaking the Wimbledon Jinx
Despite her Grand Slam pedigree—including two Australian Opens and one U.S. Open—Wimbledon has remained the one jewel missing in Sabalenka’s collection. She’s previously reached the semifinals twice (2021 and 2023) but fell short both times . The grass surface, with its fast-paced and low-bounce characteristics, historically presents challenges for her powerful but sometimes rally-dependent game .
However, this year feels different. She has honed her all-court game, frequently advancing to the net, and bolstered her strategies with insights from the likes of Ash Barty—whom she described as “the smartest” opponent she’s faced—and Novak Djokovic, from whom she gleaned lessons in energy management and return tactics . These adjustments have transformed her grass-court profile, enabling her to adapt and dominate.
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The Pitch for Title Favorite
Bookmakers and analysts have positioned Sabalenka as the leading contender to win Wimbledon 2025. ESPN reports that she remains the outright favorite to capture the title, having held that status since the draw . Her dominance in majors this season has been unparalleled—Australian and French finals, plus this Wimbledon run—and SB Nation ranks her as the top women’s title contender entering the quarterfinals .
What’s at Stake
If victorious in the semifinal and final, Sabalenka will join a rare club of players winning three different Grand Slams, cementing her status among the game’s elite. Moreover, a Wimbledon triumph would bring her ranking points tally to about 13,640—surpassing Serena Williams’ record of 13,615—making her among the most dominant No. 1s in WTA history .
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Upcoming Match & Final Outlook
Sabalenka will face American Amanda Anisimova in the semifinals—the first-time major semifinalist who has upset Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the last round . Despite Anisimova’s momentum, Sabalenka enters as a clear favorite, thanks to her form, seeding, and psychological edge.
The women’s final is scheduled for Saturday, July 12, 2025, on Centre Court, likely slated for a late-afternoon start to accommodate global audiences . With everything on the line, Sabalenka’s pursuit of her first Wimbledon crown could be just a few matches away from fruition.
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The Intangibles
Mental toughness: Her tiebreak dominance attests to unshakeable focus under pressure .
Versatility: Incorporating net play and tactical variety has improved her grass proficiency .
Experience: Multiple major finals this season have prepared her for moments when attention and calmness matter most.
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Sabalenka’s Wimbledon quest is more than just another tournament run—it marks a test of adaptability, resilience, and legacy. Her career has produced three major titles, but a Wimbledon victory would complete her traditional surface Grand Slam set and etch her name among the sport’s all-time greats.
Keep an eye out for another electrifying match—if her quarterfinal was any sign, she might well lift the Venus Rosewater Dish for the first time in her career.
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