In a gripping Wimbledon 2025 quarter-final, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka faced a formidable challenge from 37-year-old German veteran Laura Siegemund, ultimately prevailing 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 to secure her place in the semifinals. The nearly three-hour battle on Centre Court was a testament to Siegemund’s unorthodox style, which frustrated Sabalenka with its mix of slices, spins, and deliberate pacing. Tennis legend John McEnroe, commentating for BBC One, noted that Siegemund’s tactics were strikingly similar to those she deployed against Coco Gauff at the 2023 US Open, where her relentless variety “drove Coco absolutely crazy.” Sabalenka, reflecting on the match, admitted, “I think there’s a big possibility that I would have lost this match if I didn’t learn that lesson at the French Open,” referring to her 70-unforced-error defeat to Gauff earlier in 2025.
Siegemund, ranked No. 104 and the oldest woman in the quarter-finals, entered Wimbledon with a 2-5 career record at the tournament and only four wins on the 2025 WTA Tour. Despite her underdog status, she pushed Sabalenka to the brink, breaking her serve six times and nearly taking a 5-3 lead in the decisive third set. Her approach, described by Sabalenka as “not annoying, but smart,” relied on changing the depth, speed, and angles of her shots, forcing opponents to work tirelessly for every point. “You have to run. You have to earn the win,” Sabalenka said, acknowledging the physical and mental toll of facing Siegemund. A controversial extended bathroom break between the second and third sets further tested Sabalenka’s patience, drawing mixed reactions from the Centre Court crowd, some of whom shifted their support back to the Belarusian.
McEnroe drew parallels to Siegemund’s 2023 US Open first-round match against Gauff, where similar tactics led to a heated confrontation. Gauff, then 19, grew frustrated as Siegemund repeatedly signaled she wasn’t ready for serves, slowing the match’s pace. “She’s never ready when I’m serving. She went over the clock like four times. You gave her a time violation once. How is this fair?” Gauff protested to the umpire, earning roars from the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd. Despite losing the first set, Gauff rallied to win 3-6, 6-2, 6-4, going on to claim her first Grand Slam title. Siegemund, tearful in her press conference, lamented the crowd’s treatment, saying, “They treated me like I was a cheater… They had no respect for the player that I am.” McEnroe noted that Siegemund’s slice-heavy approach and net play in 2023 mirrored her strategy against Sabalenka, making her a nightmare for power players like Gauff and Sabalenka, who thrive on rhythm.
Sabalenka’s journey to the Wimbledon semifinals marks her third appearance at this stage, having fallen short in 2021 and 2023. Her powerful game, which has secured her three Grand Slam titles, including two Australian Opens and a US Open, was tested by Siegemund’s craftiness. “She pushed me so much, and honestly after the first set I was just looking at my box thinking, ‘Guys, I mean like book the tickets,’” Sabalenka quipped, highlighting the moment she feared an early exit. Her ability to win 12 of the final 16 points in the third set showcased her growth in managing emotions, a lesson learned from her French Open final loss to Gauff, where she struggled with 70 unforced errors. Now, Sabalenka faces No. 13 seed Amanda Anisimova, who leads their head-to-head 5-3, in a bid to reach her first Wimbledon final.
The match also highlighted Siegemund’s resilience. Despite her low ranking and injury-plagued career, she eliminated No. 6 seed Madison Keys earlier in the tournament, proving her ability to unsettle top players. “She’s got it,” McEnroe said, praising her ability to disrupt opponents with her unique style. For Sabalenka, the victory keeps alive her dream of becoming the second active woman, after Venus Williams, to reach finals at all four majors. As she prepares for Anisimova, Sabalenka remains focused, saying, “I definitely think this surface suits her game really well.” With Wimbledon’s grass courts amplifying her power, Sabalenka’s redemption arc continues, but Siegemund’s tactical brilliance ensures this match will be remembered as a test of both skill and mental fortitude.
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