Amanda Anisimova emerged victorious at the WTA 1000 China Open, claiming the title with a hard-fought 6-0, 2-6, 6-2 victory against Linda Noskova on Sunday. This win marks Anisimova’s fourth career title and her second of the current season.
In her heartfelt post-match remarks, Anisimova shared her gratitude, saying, “This win has been really special. A big thank you to my team; you are the best. I’m thrilled for what lies ahead, and I hope we can continue this journey together. To my family back home, I’m sure you’re tuning in. I can’t wait to catch up with you soon.” She also sent a shout-out to her nephews, expressing her love.
Reflecting on her recent journey, Anisimova felt she had grown significantly. “I’ve learned a lot about myself over the past few weeks,” she said. Despite facing challenges, she believes she is making progress in how she tackles difficult moments during matches.
Anisimova’s path to the final included a significant semi-final victory over defending champion Coco Gauff, where she dominated with a 6-1, 6-2 scoreline. The finals match against Noskova lasted nearly two hours and showcased both players’ skills, but ultimately, Anisimova’s experience proved critical.
Noskova, who had made headlines by defeating former world No. 5 Jessica Pegula in the semi-finals, battled well in the final, managing to level the match after recovering from a set down. However, she fell short in the final set as Anisimova returned to form, particularly shining during key moments. The American broke Noskova’s serve at a crucial juncture, closing out the match with four straight games, highlighted by a signature backhand winner.
With this victory, 24-year-old Anisimova ascends to No. 4 in the WTA rankings. She continues to build on an impressive year that includes being a runner-up at both Wimbledon and the US Open. Meanwhile, 20-year-old Noskova’s performance propelled her to a career-high ranking of No. 17, making her the top-ranked Czech player ahead of Karolina Muchova.
Anisimova’s triumph at the China Open places her among elite company, as she becomes the third American woman to capture the title, joining the ranks of Serena Williams and Gauff. Furthermore, her success signifies that she is the first American since Williams in 2015 to win multiple WTA 1000 events in a single season.
Both finalists are set to compete in Wuhan for the final WTA 1000 event of the year. Anisimova is eyeing a sweep of the China tournaments, while also preparing for her debut at the WTA Finals in Riyadh in early November, where she now sits at No. 3 in the Race to the WTA Finals.
In doubles action, the Italian duo of Sara Errani and Jasmine Paolini successfully defended their title, claiming victory over Miyu Kato and Fanny Stollar. The match concluded with a score of 6-7(1), 6-3, [10-2], solidifying their status as one of the most formidable pairs on the circuit.
Their significant win adds to an already impressive record, with three WTA 1000 titles this season, demonstrating their capabilities in both singles and doubles. As Paolini remarked, “It’s always a pleasure to play alongside Sara, and her support both on and off the court means a lot to me.”
As the winners bask in their glory, the tennis world eagerly anticipates the upcoming events where both Anisimova and the Italian pairing will vie for further accolades.
