Simona Halep’s bid to win a second Wimbledon title is given a huge boost as she eases aside US hotshot Amanda Anisimova in straight sets to become first woman to book semi-final spot
- 2019 Wimbledon champion Simona Halep has booked her spot in the semi-finals
- The Romanian held her nerve on Centre Court against Amanda Anisimova
- Halep won 6-2, 6-4, to become the first women’s singles player in the last four
Simona Halep’s quest to win her first Grand Slam title in three years took a giant step forward as she taught American hotshot Amanda Anisimova a lesson with a 6-2, 6-4 win on Centre Court.
Halep, who won the 2019 women’s singles title at SW19, is considered second-favourite this week behind Ons Jabeur but her credentials were enhanced following this slick quarter-final display.
Anisimova is a rising star in the women’s game and deserves credit for breaking Halep down 5-2, racing back to keep the pressure on at 5-4.
Simona Halep roared her way into the Wimbledon semi-finals with a straight sets victory
The 2019 Wimbledon champion defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-2, 6-4, out on Centre Court
Anisimova missed three break points down 5-4 in the second set and was left to rue them all
But at the second time of asking Halep showed her class, holding off three break point opportunities to claim the second set 6-4.
‘I play the best tennis [here],’ Halep said. ‘I have to believe, I start to do that and it feels good.
‘The crowd gives me a lot of energy and a lot of support.’
She added: ‘I played a tough opponent today. She could crush the ball in the end and I didn’t know, actually, what to do. But I just believed in myself. I said I have to stay there, strong on my legs. They helped me today.’
Halep is, along with top seed remaining Ons Jabeur, considered one favourites to win the title
She is now coached by long-time coach of Serena Williams, Patrick Mouratoglou (left)
Halep, a former world No 1, has now reached the final four at the All England Club for the third time in her career.
Since beating Serena Williams in 2019, Halep has suffered badly with injuries and as a result her ranking has fallen away.
At the French Open back in May, fans grew concerned for Halep when she was seen suffering a panic attack.
Back at Wimbledon she has now looked to find her mojo again and she will be a tough out for any of the remaining players.
Halep will face Elena Rybakina in the semi-finals, after her win over Australia’s Ajla Tomljanovic.
Anisimova is a rising star and she showed her grit to fight back valiantly during the second set
Former Manchester United and England star David Beckham (right) was among those watching on. Pictured: Beckham alongside his mother Sandra, sat in the Royal Box at Wimbledon
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