World number one Aryna Sabalenka has criticised Amanda Anisimova’s on-court conduct following a dramatic Wimbledon semi-final loss that ended her hopes of reaching her first final at the All England Club.
Sabalenka, 27, was visibly frustrated after falling 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to the 13th-seeded American in a tense clash under the scorching Centre Court sun. While Anisimova’s resilient performance earned her widespread praise, Sabalenka was left fuming over what she called disrespectful behaviour.
Speaking to reporters after the match, the Belarusian took issue with two moments that sparked her ire. First, she accused Anisimova of prematurely celebrating a point. “I was just trying to chase the ball. She was already celebrating it. I mean, that’s a bit too early,” Sabalenka said. “She kind of pissed me off saying, ‘Oh, that’s what she does all the time.’”
Despite the irritation, Sabalenka admitted the moment sparked a surge of motivation that helped her rebound in the second set. “I was grateful that she actually said that… I came back because I got really angry in that moment.”
She was also upset when Anisimova failed to offer a customary apology after winning a point off a net cord deflection. “I just looked at her and, I mean, for sure she didn’t hear me. I was like, ‘You don’t want to say sorry?'”
Sabalenka tried to maintain composure throughout the post-match press conference, alluding to her controversial outburst after losing the French Open final to Coco Gauff. “You’re not going to see the Roland Garros press conference,” she told the media. She acknowledged her emotional struggles, saying, “We all can lose control… I kept reminding myself that’s not an option.”
Still, her calm persona faltered in the final moment as she playfully stuck out her tongue and quipped, “Ha, ha, ha, you didn’t get anything.”
Despite her frustrations, Sabalenka credited Anisimova for being brave under pressure, admitting, “She was the better player today.”
