The Wimbledon 2025 semi-finals are set, and the paths taken by Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka to reach this stage couldn't be more different. While Alcaraz cruised through his quarter-final match, Sabalenka had to fight tooth and nail to secure her spot.
Carlos Alcaraz, the two-time defending Wimbledon champion, continued his dominant run with astraightforward victory over British hope Cameron Norrie. The match, played on Centre Court, lasted just one hour and 39 minutes, with Alcaraz winning 6-2, 6-3, 6-3. Alcaraz showcased a complete game, marked by 26 more winners than his opponent. His serve proved particularly difficult for Norrie to handle, as the Spaniard won 49 out of 55 points on his first serve. This victory marks Alcaraz's third consecutive Wimbledon semi-final appearance. He has now won 19 consecutive matches at Wimbledon since 2022. In the semi-final, Alcaraz will face Taylor Fritz.
Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, narrowly avoided a major upset in her quarter-final match against Laura Siegemund. The Belarusian had to mount a comeback after losing the first set 4-6. She then rallied to win the next two sets 6-2, 6-4, securing her place in the semi-finals after a thrilling two hours and 54 minutes. Siegemund's unorthodox style, characterized by slices and changes in pace, initially troubled Sabalenka. Sabalenka acknowledged the difficulty of the match, admitting she almost thought about booking her tickets home after the first set. Despite the challenges, Sabalenka's determination and aggressive baseline game ultimately prevailed. Sabalenka will face Amanda Anisimova in the semi-finals.
The contrasting routes of Alcaraz and Sabalenka highlight the unpredictable nature of tennis and the different challenges players face on their journey to Grand Slam glory. While Alcaraz has been in dominant form, Sabalenka has demonstrated resilience and fighting spirit. Both players will need to bring their best tennis to their respective semi-final matches as they vie for a place in the Wimbledon final.
