New York, Sep 5
Amanda Anisimova continued her breakout season with another statement victory, edging past Naomi Osaka to book her place in the US Open final.
Just two months after reaching her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon, the American rallied from a set down to defeat the four-time major champion 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3 in a thrilling contest that stretched just under three hours inside Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Anisimova’s win was historic, making her the first player to ever beat Osaka in a major semifinal. The match saw both players trade breaks relentlessly through the opening two sets before Anisimova steadied herself in the decisive stages. Osaka dominated the first-set tiebreak, but the 27-year-old American hit back in the second, racing through her own breaker to level the match, as per WTA.
“Naomi is playing amazing tennis,” Anisimova said after the match. “She’s back where she belongs, and I told her I’m so proud of her. After having a baby, to be playing at this level -- it’s insane. She was really giving me a run for the final, and I wasn’t sure I’d make it past the finish line.