"It actually helped me to keep fighting," the Belarusian pro recalled using a point of frustration as fuel during the match

Amanda Anisimova ousted the world's No. 1 female tennis player, Aryna Sabalenka, on Thursday in the Wimbledon semi-finals — shocking the sports world as the American moves onto the finals. "Amazing Amanda!" sports announcers called, as the 12th-ranked player beat Sabalenka 6-4, 4-6, 6-4 to nab her first-ever spot on center court.

The 23-year-old star could be the first American woman to win the Grand Slam since 2016. A self-imposed sabbatical may have helped her get there.