It wasn’t just the tennis that sizzled on Centre Court — emotions ran high, tension boiled over, and Aryna Sabalenka found herself at the heart of both drama and controversy during a gripping Wimbledon semi-final.
In a match packed with standout rallies and scorching heat, it wasn’t just the points that left a mark — it was the sportsmanship, or lack thereof, that had everyone talking.
Anisimova’s Bold Celebration Sparks Sabalenka’s Fury
Things got tense between Sabalenka and her opponent Amanda Anisimova, especially after two moments that clearly rattled the world No.1.
The American celebrated a winner in the second set before the ball had even flown past Sabalenka — a bold and rare move in professional tennis.
But it was a later moment that really tipped things over.
With game point to go 5-2 up in the deciding set, Anisimova hit a forehand that clipped the net and landed just out of Sabalenka’s reach.
Rather than raise a hand in apology — the usual sign of sportsmanship for such a lucky point — Anisimova threw her arm up in celebration.
The gesture didn’t sit well with Sabalenka at all.
Sabalenka Doesn’t Hold Back After the Match
Speaking candidly after her 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 loss, Sabalenka admitted the incident left her frustrated.
“I just looked at her and said, ‘You don’t want to say sorry?’” she explained, clearly unimpressed.
“She just wanted badly to win this match.
If she doesn’t feel like saying sorry for a point like that, that’s on her.”
She also revealed that Anisimova’s earlier premature celebration got under her skin.
“She was already celebrating before the ball even passed me.
I mean, that’s a bit too early,” Sabalenka said.
“And then she tells me, ‘That’s just what I do.’ That kind of p****d me off, honestly.”
In a strange twist, Sabalenka admitted that her frustration gave her extra motivation. “I was grateful she said that because it helped me keep fighting.
I told myself, ‘Okay, now I’m going to show you tennis.’”
Despite the Tension, Sportsmanship Wins at the End
Though the match had its heated moments, the bad blood didn’t linger once the final point was played.
Anisimova and Sabalenka embraced at the net in a warm hug — a surprising but welcome show of respect after such a fiery battle.
After the win, a beaming Anisimova reflected on the match.
“This doesn’t feel real,” she said. “Aryna is such a tough competitor — I was absolutely dying out there.
I don’t know how I pulled it off.”
She called Sabalenka an inspiration and acknowledged the hard-fought battles they’ve had before.
Off-Court Heroics: Sabalenka Shows Class With a Fan in Need
Away from the on-court drama, Sabalenka showed her softer side during a scary moment in the first set.
With the heat soaring to 30°C, a woman in the crowd fainted.
Without hesitation, Sabalenka rushed over with a water bottle and ice pack to help the struggling spectator.
The match paused for over five minutes as stewards helped the woman to safety.
She was shaded by an umbrella and fanned by others nearby — a reminder of just how brutal the Centre Court conditions can get.
Later in the match, play was again halted when another fan fell ill due to the heat.
Fans Praise Sabalenka’s Thoughtful Gesture
Fans watching both in person and online were quick to praise Sabalenka’s act of kindness.
“Class,” one person posted on X. Another wrote, “Kind gesture appreciated here.”
A third added, “So many fans are sitting without shade, no hats, no water.
The humidity on Centre Court is no joke — Sabalenka did the right thing.”
For all the competitive fire she brings to the court, it was this moment of humanity that truly stood out for many watching.
What’s Next?
With Anisimova moving on to the Wimbledon final, all eyes will be on whether she can keep her cool — and maybe dial down the drama — in her next big test.
As for Sabalenka, it’s back to the drawing board, though her fight, passion, and compassion continue to win her fans far beyond the tennis world.
