Aryna Sabalenka’s Gesture With Amanda Anisimova at Wimbledon Is Turning Heads originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Tennis has its traditions. Some are sweet. Some are ridiculous. Thursday’s Wimbledon semifinal reminded us of both, and one awkward moment no one can stop talking about.
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Amanda Anisimova shocked the tennis world by beating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in a gripping 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 set. With the win, the 23-year-old reached her first Wimbledon final. But the match wasn’t just about powerful forehands and tense rallies. It was also about one awkward exchange that caught attention.
In the third set, with Anisimova leading 4-2, she caught a lucky break. Her shot clipped the net cord and dropped in, giving her the point. According to tennis etiquette, players usually offer a quick apology in that situation. A simple hand raise. A nod. Something.
Aryna Sabalenka reacts to a point during her match against Amanda Anisimova.Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
But Anisimova? She didn’t bother. No glance, no gesture. Nothing. Sabalenka didn’t take it well. Cameras caught her snapping at the American star, clearly furious about the perceived disrespect. Some called it an intimidation tactic. Others called it childish.
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Still, Anisimova stayed focused. She brushed off the drama and won the match, sending Sabalenka home and punching her ticket to her first Wimbledon final.
The reaction online? Brutal for Sabalenka.
One fan said, “Nobody is ever sorry enough to cede the point.”
Another wrote, “Stop being a sore loser.”
One person asked, “In what world is this bullying? lol.”
Another added, “She’s a big baby. She needs to grow up.”
And perhaps the most telling comment by a fan, “Nobody is sorry for a net cord-it’s a free point.”
One fan showed frustration, “I’m so sick of her.”
The debate continues. Should players stick to old-school manners? Or is it time to ditch these unspoken rules and just play? Either way, Wimbledon fans got a show.
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Related: Aryna Sabalenka Finds Love With Boyfriend Georgios Frangulis Following Tragedy
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
