In a surprising turn of events at the WTA 1000 China Open, Coco Gauff’s title defense came to an abrupt end when Amanda Anisimova delivered a commanding performance in the semi-finals. Gauff, seeded second, was easily dispatched by her fellow American in a match that finished 6-1, 6-2 in just 58 minutes, marking a significant moment in Anisimova’s career.
Anisimova, currently ranked fourth in the world, set the tone for the match from the outset. She quickly built a 5-0 lead in both sets, demonstrating her aggressive style and tactical prowess. Gauff managed to avoid a complete rout in the first set by finally getting on the scoreboard, but Anisimova closed it out decisively. The second set unfolded similarly, with Gauff momentarily showing signs of resilience before Anisimova sealed her victory shortly thereafter.
After the match, Anisimova expressed her satisfaction: “I felt really good throughout the whole match. My shots were working, and I didn’t have to adjust much. I knew I needed to perform at my best against Coco,” she said. This win not only propels Anisimova into the final but also improves her head-to-head record against Gauff to 2-1.
In the other semi-final, Linda Noskova displayed remarkable grit as she overcame Jessica Pegula, the fifth seed, in a thrilling three-set battle. After dropping the first set 6-3, Pegula retaliated with a convincing performance in the second, only to falter in the match tie-break. Noskova saved three match points in the process, displaying her tenacity in what was a tightly contested encounter.
The match was notable for its ups and downs, with both players trading breaks throughout the final set. Noskova ultimately triumphed 6-3, 1-6, 7-6(6) after a captivating match that lasted two hours and twenty-eight minutes. After her victory, Noskova, the 26th seed, reflected on her successful run: “This is a huge opportunity for me, and I’m really eager to embrace the challenge in the final.”
As the tournament progresses to its crescendo, Anisimova is set to face Noskova in the final. Although Anisimova has a mixed record against both potential opponents—losing all three previous encounters against Pegula and having a split record with Noskova—she is hopeful for continued support from the crowd. “The crowd has been amazing here; their support has fueled my performance,” she said ahead of what promises to be an exciting final match.
This unlikely duo in the championship clash signals a new chapter for both players, as they seek their first WTA 1000 title. For Noskova, this is a career-defining moment, while Anisimova aims to add to her impressive 2025 season, which already includes a WTA 1000 title from Doha and two Grand Slam finals appearances this year. With both players in sensational form, fans can anticipate a riveting final showdown.
