Wimbledon 2025 LIVE!
Amanda Anisimova will face Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final after battling to a thrilling win over world No1 Aryna Sabalenka. The 23-year-old American was playing in only her second Grand Slam semi-final but showed no signs of nerves as she went toe-to-toe with the top seed over two hours and 38 minutes on Centre Court.
Anisimova served for the match in the decider at 5-3 and was broken, but quickly recovered to break for a 6-4 4-6 6-4 victory in the following game. It was far more routine for Swiatek, the eighth seed, who swatted aside Belinda Bencic 6-2 6-0 to reach a first Wimbledon final.
The five-time Grand Slam champion, who has won every major final she has played in, has previously struggled on grass, but there have been far more encouraging signs this season and she was in ruthless form in hammering Bencic in a little over an hour.
Wimbledon women's semi-finals latest news
- Swiatek to face Anisimova in Wimbledon final
- Swiatek dominant in first set against Bencic
- Anisimova beats Sabalenka in three sets to reach final
- Sabalenka sends match to a decider
- Anisimova edges first set against Sabalenka
Bencic 2-6 0-6 Swiatek
18:05 , Matt VerriBencic nets the backhand, this is motoring towards a very tame conclusion.
Shen then lets a Swiatek forehand go, lands right on the line. 15-30.
Match point, after yet another return winner. Just been relentless from Swiatek.
Pole shows ridiculously good defence to stay in the point, but Bencic eventually puts away the smash. Deuce.
Another match point coming up for Swiatek.
Which she takes! One final winner and it’s an absolute demolition job.
Bencic 2-6 *0-5 Swiatek
18:00 , Matt VerriBencic had a couple of break points in the opening game of this set.
She didn’t take those and now she needs a miracle to get back into this match.
Maybe not done yet, clips a forehand down the line to get to deuce in this game.
But Bencic slips mid-point again, and is sitting down watching like everyone else as Swiatek has the simplest of backhands.
One game away.
Bencic 2-6 0-4* Swiatek
17:55 , Matt VerriThere is the double break!
Swiatek has been on another level to Bencic so far this evening and a place in the Wimbledon final feels inevitable now.
Bencic 2-6 *0-3 Swiatek
17:54 , Matt VerriBencic continues to spend the majority of her time camped behind the baseline, forced into another loose shot.
Swiatek feeling maybe a bit too confident, going for everything. Two returns fly long and wide.
That forehand is perfect, though. And Bencic then pulls her shot wide, break point for Swiatek. We could be on bagel watch here.
Juuust out. Swiatek about an inch from having a double break. Back to deuce.
Bencic 2-6 *0-3 Swiatek
17:47 , Matt VerriDon’t want to rule anything out - but not sure how Bencic gets back into this match. Swiatek is looking so, so good.
We’ve had a succession of forehand winners, now the backhand is hitting through Bencic’s defences.
And Swiatek is also up at 83% of points won behind the first serve. Make that 84%, ace down the T.
Bencic 2-6 0-2* Swiatek
17:44 , Matt VerriThose missed opportunities looking increasingly significant.
Swiatek hammers a backhand return past Bencic, 0-30. The Swiss’ serve just isn’t troubling Swiatek at all.
Looping forehand return this time and it drops just in, two break points.
Wild forehand from Swiatek wastes the first of them, but two flat backhands later she has the break!
Bencic 2-6 *0-1 Swiatek
17:40 , Matt VerriBencic had her chances but Swiatek comes through that game.
Winner fired down the line, her 14th of the match and she’s up and running in the set.
Do feel like Bencic really needed to break there. Swiatek’s forehand giving her basically nothing, have to take the chances when they come.
Bencic 2-6 0-0* Swiatek
17:38 , Matt VerriDouble fault from Swiatek gives Bencic a bit of an opening at 15-30.
And more than a bit of an opening now - two break points as the Swiatek forehand lands long.
Bencic goes for it off the second serve return... just wide. Very nearly made it.
Swiatek saves the second break point too, forehand doing all the damage. Deuce.
Bencic 2-6 Swiatek
17:31 , Matt VerriSwiatek stranded as Bencic goes for the backhand behind her - sends it long.
The Pole then thunders a return right at Bencic’s feet, that’s too good. 0-30 and Swiatek looking to wrap up the set here.
Three set points! Moves well up the court and flicks it crosscourt. Bencic didn’t guess correctly.
Hand up in apology as a mishit return gets the job done - Swiatek takes the first set 6-2!
Bencic *2-5 Swiatek
17:27 , Matt VerriSwiatek nervously looking to see if that backhand caught the line. Landed bang on it, as she bounces away in celebration.
Bencic nicely up to the net and puts away the drive volley, but she gets the forehand all wrong next point.
Swiatek has to work a bit harder for it but she does hold and is a game away from the set.
Bencic 2-4* Swiatek
17:23 , Matt VerriDoes already feel like a different match to those opening couple of games.
Bencic getting more balls in play, not allowing Swiatek to dominate. And the eighth seed is making some mistakes.
Snatches at the forehand and Bencic holds to love to stay in touch in this set.
Bencic *1-4 Swiatek
17:19 , Matt VerriBencic hasn’t found a way to make an impression in Swiatek’s service games yet.
This one quickly getting away from her, 40-0 as a forehand is pulled wide.
But Bencic has pulled it back to 40-30, she’s finally settling in this match and giving Swiatek something to think about.
Not enough to prevent Swiatek from holding, but she’ll be feeling a bit better at the changeover.
Bencic 1-3* Swiatek
17:16 , Matt VerriWe’ve picked up from where we left off, Swiatek with the forehand return crosscourt and that’s too good.
She then launches the ball up in the air, Bencic lets it bounce before putting away the overhead. Backs it up with a confident winner down the line, more like it. 30-15.
Swiatek makes a couple of unforced errors and Bencic is on the board. Needed that.
Right then, good to go. Ten minutes nearly since the last point.
Bencic needs to settle... quickly. Swiatek looking completely locked in and firmly on top in those three games.
Still waiting for the green light to continue play.
That spectator is still receiving some treatment, on what is still a really hot day.
Bencic standing in the shade by the baseline, Swiatek back to sitting down.
Delay here after the change of ends.
Medical issue in the crowd it looks like, as we had a couple of times in the previous semi-final.
Bencic, meanwhile, is massaging her left knee. Giving her problems, she keeps trying to stretch it.
Bencic *0-3 Swiatek
17:04 , Matt VerriBencic spending a lot of time pinned behind the baseline. Great depth on Swiatek’s groundstrokes.
An unreturned first serve, followed by an ace down the T.
Swiatek with a rapid hold and she’s 3-0 up after 11 minutes.
Bencic 0-2* Swiatek
17:01 , Matt VerriIt took a few points but Swiatek does finally miss a shot. Forehand looped long.
Such clean hitting and Bencic is left in a heap behind the baseline, slipping after being worked side to side.
Swiatek puts the volley away into the empty court, 15-30. Bencic back up and fine to continue.
That’s long from Bencic, Swiatek with a break point to make the perfect start. More concerning is Bencic stretching out her left leg.
Swiatek with a simple put-away at the net and these are ominous opening exchanges.
Bencic *0-1 Swiatek
16:56 , Matt VerriSwiatek quickly into her work, a couple of nice winners in the opening game as she finds her range.
And there’s another one, forehand down the line and Bencic didn’t bother moving for that one.
Confident start from the Pole.
Here we go!
16:53 , Matt VerriRight then, time to get up and running in the second semi-final.
It will be Swiatek to serve first.
Bencic nodding away as the umpire talks ahead of the coin toss.
Swiatek, meanwhile, is wearing out every bit of grass within range and swatting furiously at the air. Slightly different approaches.
Must be exhausting being Swiatek. Relentlessly intense.
If this was the requirement to be a professional tennis player, I’d fancy my chances of making it.
Sadly there are a couple of other things that probably rule me out. Ability for one.
Anyway, Swiatek and Bencic are about to walk out.
That's one way to warm up for a #Wimbledon semi-final 😅
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) July 10, 2025
It's fair to say Iga Swiatek has her eyes on the prize! 👀🎾 pic.twitter.com/PomwLc15B4
Not long to wait
16:38 , Matt VerriIga Swiatek and Belinda Bencic are expected out on Centre Court at 4:45pm. Just over five minutes to go.
Both of them are competing in their first Wimbledon semi-final.
Sabalenka left frustrated
16:32 , Matt VerriThe stats are very, very tight.
Anisimova won 108 points, Sabalenka 106. They both won 43 on return.
The world number one had more break points, but took only 3/14. Anisimova was at 4/11.
Sabalenka hit more winners, fewer unforced errors... but she is out.
Reaction from Amanda Anisimova
16:25 , Matt Verri"This doesn't feel real right now. Aryna is such a tough competitor. I was dying out there.
“She's such an incredibly competitor, such an inspiration to me and so many other players. We had so many tough battles and to come on top today to get into the final at Wimbledon is incredibly special.
“The atmosphere was special today. I know she's number one but so many were cheering for me so I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone."
Sabalenka stuck in the semis
16:21 , Matt VerriSabalenka has now lost in the semi-finals in her last three visits to Wimbledon.
It also follows back-to-back Grand Slam final defeats in Melbourne and Paris earlier this season.
She’s getting to the business end of these tournaments... but not regularly getting over the line.
Sabalenka 4-6 6-4 4-6 Anisimova
16:14 , Matt VerriClose... but out. Anisimova can’t quite drop the return right on the baseline. 15-40, two match points left.
Sabalenka saves the second! She’s painting the lines, risking disaster, but it pays off as Anisimova’s lob lands just long. And I do mean just long. 30-40.
ANISIMOVA WINS IT!
A wonderful crosscourt forehand and the American, on her fourth match point, gets over the line.
Sabalenka takes about five seconds to get off the court.
Sabalenka 4-6 6-4 *4-5 Anisimova
16:12 , Matt VerriSabalenka still has to hold serve here to stay in the match.
Anisimova makes a good start to the game, deep return forces the error. 0-15.
Now a stunning drop shot from the American - could have done with this about five minutes ago. 0-30 and two points away again.
Three match points! Sabalenka long with the backhand.
Sabalenka 4-6 6-4 *4-5 Anisimova
16:08 , Matt VerriSabalenka has a second serve to attack, but she sends the return low into the net. Match point!
Can’t take it! Anisimova misses the backhand by a long way and we’re back to deuce.
And now break point again - Sabalenka strides forward and confidently puts away the smash.
SABALENKA BREAKS! The errors started to flow from Anisimova and we’re back on serve.
Sabalenka 4-6 6-4 3-5* Anisimova
16:06 , Matt VerriDoes feel like a question of how many first serves Anisimova can get in.
That is tight as anything. Anisimova off balance, strange swing of the forehand and it flies long. 15-30.
But the first serve is in next point and Sabalenka slices the return long. 30-30.
Break point! Anisimova sends the backhand out - nerves are not being particularly hidden right now.
First serve gets the American out of trouble again. Deuce.
Sabalenka 4-6 6-4 3-5* Anisimova
16:03 , Matt VerriSabalenka will be desperate to set up one last chance of breaking Anisimova’s serve.
Looks like she’s going to get it. First serve catches the line, and Anisimova’s slice then floats wide.
The American then misses a pretty simple backhand, hold to love.
Now... the main event. Anisimova to serve for the match.
Sabalenka 4-6 6-4 *2-5 Anisimova
16:00 , Matt VerriThese two games will feel a long, long way away for Anisimova.
Even more so at 15-30, but Sabalenka is then off balance and sends a forehand into the net.
And that’s so well played, drop shot brings Sabalenka forward and Anisimova is left with a simple overhead into the empty court.
Net cord at a perfect time for the hold! It was sort of a hand up in apology, sort of a fist pump.
I’d suggest Anisimova didn’t feel very sorry.
Sabalenka 4-6 6-4 2-4* Anisimova
15:57 , Oli GentThe top seed is serving with an anger about her, but she balloons her follow-up backhand long off the second serve. First blood, Anisimova.
The American doubles that advantage, soaking up the Belrarusian’s power before stepping inside the baseline to whip a delicious forehand into the corner for 0-30.
Pressure on, but champions deliver. Sabalenka crashes a serve and forehand putaway to open her account for this game, and Anisimova will be disappointed as she nets a forehand return.
And what a point to give the American a break point! She charges into the net, and stands her ground with some superb volleying as Sabalenka tries to break her down with pass after pass. She looks for the sliced backhand up the line, and does it clip the sideline? No, the electronic line judge rules!
Anisimova spurns the break point, and a scream-and-serve combo from Sabalenka gives her the game point. One final delivery down the T and backhand winner to wrongfoot her opponent does the damage. She’s still in this.
Sabalenka 4-6 6-4 *1-4 Anisimova
15:50 , Matt VerriSabalenka, unsurprisingly, is eyeing an immediate response. 0-30 and pressure back on Anisimova.
Two break points! Drop shot isn’t the best but the backhand pass that follows from Sabalenka is perfect.
Second serve... slapped into the net. There goes one break point.
And there goes the second, Sabalenka can’t make the backhand down the line. Deuce.
SHOT! Such a good point, Anisimova does brilliantly to run down the drop shot and just clips the line with the backhand.
But back to deuce, as Anisimova pulls a forehand wide. Tension building.
Anisimova has game point again, cleverly puts the forehand behind the scrambling Sabalenka. And she does hold! Two games away.
Sabalenka 4-6 6-4 1-3* Anisimova
15:44 , Matt VerriDouble fault to start the game for Sabalenka, but she follows it with a unreturned first serve.
Chance for Anisimova at 15-30, only for Sabalenka to get real kick on the second serve. Anisimova can’t control the forehand, swinging above her head.
But Sabalenka mishits that forehand into the net, deuce. And now break point after another poor unforced error!
Sabalenka just has the put away the forehand at the net... hammers it long!
Anisimova a break up.
Sabalenka 4-6 6-4 *1-2 Anisimova
15:38 , Matt VerriSabalenka with a poor backhand return and she’s almost at her chair before the ball lands, marching over to change racket.
This one seems to be working, brilliant angle on the backhand. 30-30.
Couple of loose shots later and Anisimova has her hold to edge in front.
Sabalenka 4-6 6-4 1-1* Anisimova
15:34 , Matt VerriWouldn’t say either of these two particularly have a Plan B in general, but Anisimova might need to try something different. Momentum is with Sabalenka.
Or not, whatever. Just keep hitting harder and harder - works here as she launches a return back at Sabalenka’s feet. Deuce.
World number one now nets a backhand, break point!
Deep groundstrokes from Sabalenka and it forces the mistake. Back to deuce.
And now back to break point. This game has ticked over six minutes now.
Anisimova breaks back! Straight back on serve in this third set.
Sabalenka 4-6 6-4 *1-0 Anisimova
15:26 , Matt VerriSabalenka really feeling it now.
Clean, clean hitting, Anisimova scrambling across the court but it’s one flat backhand too many. 0-30.
American then sends a routine shot into the net and it’s three break points.
Sabalenka needs only one! She lands the first blow in the decider.
Sabalenka 4-6 6-4 Anisimova
15:20 , Matt VerriDouble fault from Sabalenka, but she makes up for that with the latest in a long line of forehand winners. 30-15.
Great return from Anisimova, Sabalenka can’t get that back. 30-30.
Chance for the American as he gets a look at a second serve, but she slaps it into the net. Set point.
A big first serve later and we’re going to a decider on Centre Court!
Sabalenka 4-6 *5-4 Anisimova
15:15 , Matt VerriThey’re taking it in turns to follow a winner with an unforced error. Another long, long game. That’s seven deuces now.
Anisimova holds on! Sabalenka sends a second serve return into the net and the American has somehow found a way to get out of that game.
Sabalenka 4-6 5-3* Anisimova
15:13 , Matt VerriAnisimova’s turn to net a forehand, gives Sabalenka another set point.
Once more the serve does the job for the American, still scrapping away in this game and this set.
SO GOOD! Best point of the match, Anisimova has about six chances to finish it off but Sabalenka scrambles superbly behind the baseline and then makes a sensational backhand pass. Set point again.
Nope. Sabalenka off balance and sends a backhand long.
Sabalenka 4-6 5-3* Anisimova
15:11 , Matt VerriAnisimova looking to extend this set and at least force Sabalenka to serve it out.
World number one has other ideas, whips a forehand winner crosscourt. 30-30, two points away from a level match.
Anisimova then complaining about the line calling again, as Sabalenka’s forehand is called in. Set point!
The American saves it with a perfect forehand down the line.
Another set point coming up, Sabalenka has stepped up the intensity again. But she nets that return, looks furiously up at her box. Back to deuce.
Sabalenka 4-6 5-3* Anisimova
15:06 , Matt VerriAnisimova straight on the attack, 0-30 and looking to break back immediately.
As ever, Sabalenka’s answer is to go for more. Big first serve, big forehand. 30-30.
And then some touch to go with it, rushing to the net and dropping the ball over with Anisimova behind the baseline.
Ace out wide and Sabalenka consolidates the break.
Sabalenka 4-6 *4-3 Anisimova
15:02 , Matt VerriSabalenka trying her best to slow things down and keep Anisimova waiting. Feels like she’s trying to rattle the American but that hasn’t been working yet.
That was very tight, though. Forehand halfway up the net met with a scream of anguish from Anisimova. 30-30.
Break point! Great rally, both of them swinging for the hills and Sabalenka comes out on top.
Double fault! Anisimova gifts Sabalenka the break.
Sabalenka 4-6 3-3* Anisimova
14:58 , Matt VerriAnisimova has to be very close to getting a hindrance call. Backhand winner down the line, she lets out almost a celebratory grunt with Sabalenka stills scrambling in pursuit of it.
Would say that Sabalenka doesn’t particularly have a leg to stand on in that particular debate, despite her look to the umpire.
She’s now making even more noise than usual, which is impressive in itself. All getting a bit heated.
Fair to say the world number one is fired up and she swats a backhand winner past Anisimova.
Ace, hold, and an even bigger scream. And a smirk from Anisimova.
Sabalenka 4-6 *2-3 Anisimova
14:53 , Matt VerriI was halfway through typing that Sabalenka hasn’t really showed any frustration yet, despite the scoreboard.
But she then sends a return out and lets out a massive scream, so forget that.
Anisimova decides to join the noise game and roars after sealing a routine hold.
Sabalenka 4-6 2-2* Anisimova
14:51 , Matt VerriThis game just being played on Sabalenka’s backhand.
Two lovely winners, either side of one shot that landed just out with Anisimova nowhere near it.
Sabalenka then holds with an ace out wide, which draws another questioning look from Anisimova at the grass.
Sabalenka 4-6 *1-2 Anisimova
14:47 , Matt VerriAnisimova gets lucky with a net cord, which leaves Sabalenka off balance and making the mistake. That was a big point at 15-30.
Latest clean winner from Anisimova is followed by a deep Sabalenka return to get the world number to deuce.
Anisimova thinks she has an ace out wide, called out. Few words with the umpire - or rather to the umpire. Fairly one-sided conversation.
Sabalenka tries to hit the skin off the ball with that forehand... flies long. There’s the hold for Anisimova.
Sabalenka 4-6 1-1* Anisimova
14:43 , Matt VerriSabalenka doesn’t bother moving for that, Anisimova crunches a forehand return down the line.
But the American goes for too much with that long. Throws her arm up and slaps her thigh in frustration.
Nothing she can do as Sabalenka then whips her own forehand winner down the line to hold.
Sabalenka 4-6 *0-1 Anisimova
14:40 , Matt VerriSuch clean hitting from Anisimova. Not much subtlety to the gameplan, but she’s going toe-to-toe with Sabalenka for power and enjoying these longer rallies.
Sabalenka with a tame return into the net and Anisimova makes a confident start to the set.
Anisimova with her arms outstretched speaking to the umpire. I’d imagine that conversation might have involved the words ‘where is she?’
Eventually Sabalenka does stroll back onto Centre.
Anisimova to serve at the start of this set.
Sabalenka has gone off court after that set, to cool down in more than one way I’d imagine.
Anisimova has stayed at her chair, ice towel wrapped around her neck.
Sabalenka 4-6 Anisimova
14:33 , Matt VerriUp to six deuces now. Could be a decisive game come the end of the match.
Flat crosscourt backhand earns Anisimova a second set point.
Double fault! What a time for that. Anisimova takes the first set!
Sabalenka *4-5 Anisimova
14:30 , Matt VerriThird deuce coming up. Sabalenka battling hard to stay in this set.
Wouldn’t say Anisimova has a great poker face. Swipes her racket at her leg after finding the net.
But she then clubs a heavy forehand into the corner of the court, back to deuce again.
Set point! Sabalenka goes for the big backhand down the line, can’t make it.
Not a great time to shank a return miles long. Deuce!
Sabalenka *4-5 Anisimova
14:27 , Matt VerriScream of frustration as Anisimova sends a forehand low into the net.
But now it’s Sabalenka’s turn to be irritated after an unforced error. 30-30 - Anisimova two points away from the set.
Shot! Pressure on but Sabalenka produces a brilliant backhand winner. Anisimova then responds with one of her own. Deuce.
Another 120mph serve gets Sabalenka to game point, but she basically shrugs as a winner is then laced down the line from Anisimova.
That spectator has been helped up the stairs, back down some other stairs and out of Centre Court.
Hopefully they’ll be ok now they’re out of the sun.
Play is good to resume.
Looks like we could have another pause in play.
Umbrellas have gone up again, seems to be another spectator struggling in this heat on the same side of the court.
Sabalenka again over with some water and ice.
Sabalenka *4-5 Anisimova
14:18 , Matt VerriSabalenka has a swing at thin air, ace out wide from Anisimova skids under her racket.
American then slightly off balance but still finds a perfect backhand winner. All the pressure now back on the Sabalenka serve.
Sabalenka 4-4* Anisimova
14:15 , Matt VerriAnisimova drops a perfect return over the net. Racket up in apology would suggest it wasn’t particularly deliberate.
Ace down the T gets Sabalenka to 30-30... Anisimova basically stopped waiting for a fault call that didn’t come.
That’s then too good. 120mph serve out wide, delicate drop shot. Sabalenka holds.
Sabalenka *3-4 Anisimova
14:10 , Matt VerriBig, big hold.
A couple of backhands from Sabalenka fly long and Anisimova has found a way to hold serve.
Had to save four break points to do so.
Sabalenka 3-3* Anisimova
14:09 , Matt VerriHow costly will those missed opportunities prove for the American?
She throws in a double fault and that’s 0-30.
That backhand lands just long and Sabalenka has three break points to take control of this set.
Two serves don’t come back, 30-40 and Anisimova only has one more break point to save. Which she does! Brilliant backhand winner, she’d dragged herself to deuce.
Ace... and then another double fault. Anisimova making it hard for herself.
They were fairly average early in this match but that’s a superb drop shot from Sabalenka to earn another break point.
Saved again! Sabalenka slaps a return into the net. Deuce once more.
Sabalenka 3-3* Anisimova
14:04 , Matt VerriSabalenka races to the two points she needs to wrap up that hold.
Level in this first set, Anisimova has had the first break points but couldn’t convert.
That spectator has been helped off Centre Court. Fingers crossed it’s nothing serious.
Players back up and we’re underway again after a delay of about five minutes.
Match paused. Umpire has spotted something in the crowd, looks like someone sitting in the sun needs some attention.
Sabalenka over with some cold water and a big umbrella comes to provide some shade.
Both players will take a seat while the member of the crowd is seen to.
Sabalenka *2-3 Anisimova
13:58 , Matt VerriDouble fault from Sabalenka, who hasn’t really got going. 0-30.
Anisimova has a second serve to look at too, but it’s a poor return into the net. Throws her head back in frustration.
Two break points! Louder and louder grunting until Anisimova makes a great crosscourt backhand.
First saved with a timely serve, and Anisimova then sinks to her knees as she sends a forehand long. Deuce.
Sabalenka *2-3 Anisimova
13:53 , Matt VerriFirst potential opening for either play. Anisimova can’t make the forehand down the line, Sabalenka has a chance at 15-30.
Maybe not. Shanks her return about six feet long. Don’t need the electronic line calling switched on for that.
Or that - Sabalenka now manages to hit a return over her head and six rows back in the Royal Box. Good effort.
Middle of the racket didn’t see much action in that game.
Sabalenka 2-2* Anisimova
13:50 , Matt VerriDoesn’t really feel like we’ve had a rally of note yet. Anisimova slices a couple of returns long to start the game.
117mph ace follows, first of the match. And it’s a hold to love, as the American loops a forehand comfortably hold.
Sabalenka *1-2 Anisimova
13:46 , Matt VerriSabalenka again turns to the drop shot - sends this one halfway up the net.
That’s 0/3 with the drop by my count, Anisimova cruising up to the net and putting away the volley a couple of shots later.
Hold to love.
Sabalenka 1-1* Anisimova
13:43 , Matt VerriFirst forehand winner of the match for Sabalenka to start the game. Would suggest it might not be the last.
World number one goes for the drop shot, but it’s not great and Anisimova has plenty of time to get there and make the backhand pass.
Follows that with a big first serve to get out of the game.
Sabalenka *0-1 Anisimova
13:39 , Matt VerriCouple of loose returns into the net from Sabalenka, who then hammers one long. Yet to find her range.
Then mishits that return but it turns into a very useful drop shot, one Anisimova can’t get back in play.
Sabalenka finds the net again and it’s an opening hold.
Anisimova wins the toss and elects to serve first.
PLAY.
Here we go!
13:31 , Matt VerriSabalenka and Anisimova have walked out into the Centre Court sunshine.
All four players this afternoon looking to earn a place in the Wimbledon final for the first time.
Anisimova reflects on time away from tennis
13:27 , Matt VerriAmanda Anisimova reached the French Open final as a 17-year-old, but four years later took some time away from the sport to avoid burning out.
She’s still only 23, but already been a lot going on in her career.
"I learned a lot about myself, my interests off the court and just taking some time to breathe and live a normal life for a bit," Anisimova said.
"What I've learned is to listen honestly to yourself, to your intuition and what your body is telling you."
Swiatek feeling at home on grass
13:16 , Matt VerriIga Swiatek came into this tournament as the eighth seed, having fallen down the rankings after a difficult 12 months.
Grass has never been a surface she has particularly enjoyed, but that appears to have changed this season.
She reached the Bad Homburg final and is now in a first Wimbledon semi-final.
"It feels great. Even though it's the middle of the tournament I got goosebumps after this win," she said after her quarter-final win.
"I've really enjoyed playing [on grass] this year and hopefully it's going to last as long as possible. This year I feel I can work with it."
Four on the bounce?
13:08 , Matt VerriAryna Sabalenka has a remarkably consistent record on the biggest stage.
She is looking to reach a fourth consecutive Grand Slam final, having fallen at the final hurdle in Melbourne and Paris already this season.
Sabalenka has not failed to reach the quarter-finals of a Grand Slam since the French Open in 2022, and only once in that run has she not been in the last-four.
Considering that record, Sabalenka might be a bit frustrated she doesn’t have more than three titles to her name.
Anisimova with positive memories
13:01 , Matt VerriInterestingly, Amanda Anisimova has won five of the eight matches she has played against Aryna Sabalenka. Not many have that kind of record.
However, that includes the first four times they met - Sabalenka has won three of the four since.
They’ve never met on clay, but Sabalenka beat Anisimova at the French Open last month in straight sets.
Standard Sport prediction
12:53 , Matt VerriAryna Sabalenka has not yet been at her dominant best at these Championships, but has continued to find a way.
There was a scare against Emma Raducanu and even more so against Laura Siegemund in the quarter-finals. That will give Amanda Anisimova hope and she has quietly made her way through the draw.
But she has faced only one seed so far - 30th seed Linda Noskova - and this is a big step up. Sabalenka should have enough.
Iga Swiatek, meanwhile, is enjoying her best Wimbledon run and finally looks comfortable on the grass.
She has dropped only one set so far and has rarely been troubled, whereas it’s been harder work for Bencic.
We’re going for Sabalenka and Swiatek to both progress in straight sets.
How to watch women's semi-finals
12:45 , Matt VerriTV channel: Get that remote ready.
The action started today on BBC Two from 12:30pm BST, before coverage on BBC One begins at 2pm.
If the semi-finals are still going on at 6pm, get ready to turn back to BBC Two.
Live stream: UK viewers can enjoy uninterrupted, and free, coverage on BBC iPlayer or the BBC Sport website.
Live blog: Even better than all of that - stick here with us.
Order of play
12:38 , Matt VerriAryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova will walk out on Centre Court at 1:30pm BST to kick the afternoon’s action off.
Iga Swiatek vs Belinda Bencic will follow that match, so it’s difficult as ever to predict when that match will start.
We’ll say around 3:45pm and you can blame Sabalenka and Anisimova if that’s wrong.
Good afternoon!
12:29 , Matt VerriHello and welcome to Standard Sport’s LIVE coverage of the women’s singles semi-finals at Wimbledon!
We’ve reached the serious end of the tournament, with a place in Saturday’s final on the line.
First up it’s world number Aryna Sabalenka taking on Amanda Anisimova, before Iga Swiatek then takes centre stage against Belinda Bencic.
Two really intriguing matches - should be a brilliant day under the SW19 sun!
We’ll have all the latest updates and build-up before full coverage of those two matches.
