There are few benefits to losing in the semi-finals of a Grand Slam but when Iga Swiatek had her fingers prised off the French Open trophy, it had one unexpected benefit -- it lifted the pressure off her shoulders heading into Wimbledon.

Few would have predicted Iga Swiatek's best Grand Slam result so far this season would come at Wimbledon - including herself.

Iga Swiatek makes light work of Belinda Bencic to set up a Wimbledon final against American Amanda Anisimova.

Amanda Anisimova, the New Jersey-born former phenom who made a French Open semifinals when she was 17 but had yet to break through to a Grand Slam final, will finally compete for a major trophy after the now 23-year-old upset top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka in the Wimbledon semifinals on Thursday, 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.

The American No. 13 seed did not shrink from her duel with Sabalenka on Centre Court, going after her shots at all times.

Anisimova outhit world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka to set up an unlikely final matchup with Iga Swiatek, who defeated Belinda Bencic in Thursday’s other semifinal.