NEW YORK (AP) — In a thrilling US Open semifinal that concluded just before 1 a.m. Friday, Amanda Anisimova triumphed over four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka with a score of 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), 6-3. This match showcased the remarkable firepower of both athletes, known for their explosive first movements on the court.
The 24-year-old Anisimova, seeded No. 8 and hailing from New Jersey but raised in Florida, secured her place in her second consecutive major final after an intense battle lasting nearly 3 hours.
“I wasn’t sure I could pull through, but I really dug deep,” Anisimova shared, recalling that she needed three match points to seal her victory. “It was an incredible fight out there today.”
In pure jubilation, Anisimova shouted, “Let’s go!” and celebrated by kneeling on the court, taking in the monumental moment.
Set to face the defending champion and current No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka for the title on Saturday, Anisimova will meet a formidable opponent. Sabalenka advanced by defeating Jessica Pegula in a grueling three-set match on Thursday and boasts three Grand Slam titles, all on hard courts.
Earlier this year at Wimbledon, Anisimova marked a significant breakthrough by overcoming Sabalenka in the semifinals, boosting her head-to-head advantage to 6-3, and reaching the final, although she fell to Iga Swiatek with a score of 6-0, 6-0. However, she quickly rebounded, knocking out Swiatek in the US Open quarterfinals in straight sets.
With this win, Anisimova becomes the first player to defeat Osaka, once ranked No. 1 and seeded 23rd at this tournament, in the later stages of a Grand Slam. Previously, Osaka held an impressive 14-0 record in major quarterfinals, semifinals, and finals, claiming two titles each at the US Open and Australian Open.
Anisimova made her first deep run in a Grand Slam at just 17 during the 2019 French Open. In 2023, she took a necessary break from the sport, citing struggles with mental health and burnout that persisted for nearly a year.
Just a year ago, Anisimova was ranked 50th and diligently working to reclaim her standing. Now, she’s not just back—she’s better than ever.
When asked about her victory over Osaka, Anisimova humbly remarked, “Oh, my God. I don’t know. I mean, Naomi is playing exceptional tennis. She’s truly back where she belongs.”
What set Anisimova apart? She maintained focus, shaking off the opening set and a 6-5 deficit in the second.
Her fearless approach in the clutch moments, unleashing powerful groundstrokes that consistently found their target, was key. While Osaka also favored this style, she struggled to match Anisimova’s intensity down the stretch and sought assistance from a trainer for her left foot during the final set.
Throughout the match, both players frequently turned to their coaches in the corners, exchanging insights and strategies.
Osaka displayed visible frustration after a break in the second set, angrily striking the ball and tossing her racket aside.
Osaka delivered serves reaching up to 119 m.p.h. and recorded 15 aces, while Anisimova’s stellar backhand and nearly matching forehand propelled her to an impressive total of 50 winners—18 more than Osaka’s count.
“At times, I was thinking, ‘How are we making these shots?’” Anisimova reflected. “But we were.”
Indeed, they both were. Yet, it was Anisimova who prevailed with a more commanding performance.
