Anisimova Triumphs Over Swiatek 6-4, 6-3 to Secure First US Open Semifinal
Amanda Anisimova has had a spectacular season, clinching her inaugural WTA 1000 title in Doha, making her way into the top ten, and advancing to her first grand slam final at Wimbledon.
Despite a disappointing straight-sets loss to world #2 Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon, she turned the tables at Arthur Ashe Stadium, advancing to the semifinals at her home slam. The 24-year-old from New Jersey exhibited exceptional skill, ultimately outplaying the six-time grand slam champion.
Although she dropped her opening service game, Anisimova quickly returned the favor after Swiatek surrendered several unforced errors. Showing confidence, she landed 3/4 first serves and held at love to solidify her break, while the former world #1 managed to hold at 30 to catch up.
Anisimova faced a double break point but responded with consecutive winners, including a second serve ace, to hold for 3-2. Swiatek, battling her own challenges, held despite facing deuce, exhibiting her strength with two powerful winners, one being an ace.
Photo: Javier Rojas/PI via ZUMA Press Wire/dpa
The American maintained her rhythm, landing 3/4 first serves and holding at love again. Swiatek, now serving with fresh balls, struggled significantly, missing six consecutive first serves and facing a break point due to a double fault. Nevertheless, she managed to level the score, thanks to two exceptional forehand winners.
In the ninth game, Anisimova unleashed a stunning forehand down the line, followed by two more winners, securing her hold for 5-4. Swiatek began to falter under pressure, finding herself facing double break point after mishitting backhands, ultimately dropping the set due to an overhit forehand.
Anisimova kicked off the second set by dropping serve after committing three unforced errors, including a double fault. Swiatek capitalized, firing an ace and consolidating her break to lead. Anisimova quickly steadied herself, landing 4/6 first serves and holding at 30, finally getting on the board.
After an incredible inside-in forehand from Anisimova, Swiatek faced another double break point and dropped serve due to a netted backhand. Despite a blazing 107 mph ace, Swiatek struggled, eventually conceding the game when her backhand failed her once more.
Serving with new balls, former world #1 appeared rushed and hesitant, though she managed to hold at 30 for 3-3. Anisimova responded powerfully to open the seventh game, hitting a massive serve out wide and showcasing her skills with two groundstroke winners to hold at 30 for 4-3.
Swiatek’s inconsistency continued, as she racked up unforced errors, including her third double fault, leading to a service break. Anisimova, maintaining her focus, stepped to the line to serve for the match. She opened with a blistering backhand crosscourt and, despite an additional double fault, clinched victory on her third match point with another winning backhand.
This match marked an incredible display from a young athlete determined to shift the narrative. Clearly, she has turned her Wimbledon defeat into a valuable lesson, fueled by the supportive home crowd.
Anisimova’s serve proved pivotal throughout the match. She won 71% of her first serve points and 52% of her second serve points, tallying three aces against just two double faults. Additionally, she saved 2/4 break points while converting 4/9. Notably, she hit ten more winners than Swiatek (23/13) and made three fewer unforced errors (12/15).
While only eight points separated them, it felt much larger, as Anisimova displayed poise and determination, causing Swiatek to crack under relentless pressure.
Next, she faces another former US Open champion for a shot at her first grand slam title. Naomi Osaka, a two-time US Open champion, has demonstrated the caliber of play that has led her to four grand slam victories throughout this tournament.
