Amanda Anisimova defeated Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to reach her first career major final and improve her record to 6-3 against world No. 1.
Early, heavy serving and aggressive baseline play set the tone, as well as heavy second-serve returns.
Both players faced several break points, but it wasn’t until Sabalenka was serving down 4-5 that Anisimova finally broke with a relentless return game and nonstop pressure.
In the first set, Anisimova’s serve saved her from numerous challenges. The 23-year-old American won 82 percent of points behind her first serve, saving all four break points.
But, in the second set, Sabalenka came right back and finally broke before narrowly holding serve twice.
Sabalenka rode that momentum into the third set, breaking right away after Anisimova committed three unforced errors in her opening service game.
However, the 23-year-old American swiftly reciprocated after Sabalenka failed to put away a forehand approach shot.
Anisimova broke in consecutive games to secure a 3-1 lead against her opponent, who clearly lost a mental edge.
However, Sabalenka would not go down without a fight, and despite trailing 5-3 and facing a match point, she broke back to give herself a chance to serve for 5-5.
But Anisimova remained unfazed and broke right back to win a three-set thriller and reach her first Grand Slam final.
On Saturday, Anisimova will look to become the first American woman to win the Wimbledon final since Serena Williams in 2016.