In an exhilarating conclusion to the China Open, Amanda Anisimova emerged victorious, defeating Linda Noskova with a scoreline of 6-0, 2-6, 6-2. The match, held on a hard court, showcased Anisimova’s formidable skills and determination as she claimed her first title at this prestigious tournament.
Anisimova, the third seed, showcased her prowess throughout the event, including a significant semifinal victory over defending champion Coco Gauff. In the final, Anisimova wasted no time asserting her dominance, swiftly winning the opening set in just 23 minutes. She capitalized on all three of her break point opportunities, setting a strong tone for the championship bout.
However, Noskova, the 20-year-old Czech player, pushed back fiercely in the second set. She demonstrated remarkable resolve by breaking Anisimova early and eventually forcing a decisive third set. Despite this adversity, Anisimova quickly recalibrated her game, winning the final four games of the match and cementing her victory with a precise backhand winner.
This triumph marks a significant achievement for Anisimova, who has notably ascended to the No. 4 spot in the WTA rankings following her impressive performances this year, including runner-up finishes at both Wimbledon and the US Open. It also marks her second WTA 1000 title of the season, with her first coming in Doha back in February.
Reflecting on her journey, Anisimova expressed growth and resilience throughout the tournament. “I feel like I’ve learned a lot about myself,” she said in her post-match press conference. “I think I can take a lot of positives and look at it as a lot of progress for me just figuring out ways to face certain challenges and push myself in moments when it feels like I can’t go any further.”
Noskova’s run in the tournament was noteworthy as she saved three match points in her semifinal match, becoming the youngest Czech player to reach the final stages of a WTA 1000 event since the format’s inception in 2009. While she fell short in the final, her performance throughout the tournament marks her as a player to watch in future competitions.
With her victory, Anisimova joins the ranks of American players who have claimed the China Open title, becoming the third female athlete from the United States to do so, following in the footsteps of tennis legends Serena Williams and Coco Gauff.
