(Sports Correspondent: Imran Sohail)
Wimbledon 2025: Fritz and Sabalenka Advance Amid Tech Controversy and Dramatic Comebacks
LONDON: The 2025 Wimbledon Championships continued to deliver high drama and emotional moments as Taylor Fritz reached his first-ever Wimbledon semi-final, while Aryna Sabalenka battled through a tough three-set encounter to book her place in the last four. However, the day was also marred by another malfunction in Wimbledon’s new line-calling technology, raising further questions about the fully automated system introduced this year.
Line Call Controversy Resurfaces
The automated line technology system—implemented to replace human line judges—came under scrutiny again during Fritz’s match against Karen Khachanov on Court One. Early in the fourth set, a point was paused after the system mistakenly called “fault” on a forehand that clearly landed inside the baseline.
According to a statement from the All England Club, the system failed to reset correctly because the ball from Fritz’s first serve was still being retrieved while he began his second serve motion. The incident forced the point to be replayed and highlighted the ongoing issues with the system, which had already drawn criticism after a similar error during Sonay Kartal’s match earlier in the tournament.
Despite the glitch, Fritz, the American fifth seed, held his nerve to defeat Russia’s Karen Khachanov in a hard-fought 6-3, 6-4, 1-6, 7-6 (7/4) victory, advancing to his first Wimbledon semi-final.
Sabalenka Survives Thriller to Reach Third Wimbledon Semi-Final
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka was pushed to the brink but mounted a thrilling comeback to defeat Germany’s Laura Siegemund 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 on Centre Court. The Belarusian top seed was twice down a break in the deciding set and looked on the verge of an early exit before rallying to win in an intense match that lasted two hours and 54 minutes.
After the match, Sabalenka admitted she thought her tournament might be over:
“After the first set I was looking at my box and thinking, ‘book the tickets, we are about to leave this beautiful place.’”
“She played an incredible match. I’m just super happy with the win.”
Sabalenka, who has already appeared in three consecutive Grand Slam finals—including a 2024 US Open title—will now face 13th seed Amanda Anisimova, who defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in another tense encounter.
Anisimova Into First Wimbledon Semi-Final
Amanda Anisimova, 23, held off five set points in a gripping second set to beat Russian world No. 50 Pavlyuchenkova and reach her maiden Wimbledon semi-final.
“That tie-break was super stressful,” said Anisimova. “I’m super excited to be in the semi-finals for the first time. It’s really special.”
Sinner Advances After Dimitrov’s Injury
In Monday’s action, top seed Jannik Sinner progressed to the quarter-finals in heartbreaking fashion after opponent Grigor Dimitrov was forced to retire with an injury despite leading by two sets. Dimitrov slipped after serving an ace and was unable to continue after medical evaluation.
“I don’t take this as a win at all,” Sinner said. “Grigor played incredible tennis today. It’s just an unfortunate moment.”
Sinner will next face Ben Shelton, the American 10th seed, who defeated Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego 3-6, 6-1, 7-6(7/1), 7-5 to book his place in the quarter-finals.
Swiatek Finds Her Groove on Grass
Meanwhile, former Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek delivered a dominant performance after a slow start, defeating Denmark’s Clara Tauson 6-4, 6-1. Swiatek now moves on to face Liudmila Samsonova, who overcame Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in straight sets.
What’s Next at Wimbledon 2025
As the tournament enters its final stages, the remaining players continue to battle not just opponents, but rising pressure and high expectations. With upsets, injuries, and technology glitches all making headlines, this year’s Wimbledon is shaping up to be one of the most unpredictable yet.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach the finals at the All England Club.
