In a thrilling showdown at the US Open, Amanda Anisimova made a remarkable comeback to secure her spot in the final by defeating Naomi Osaka in a gripping three-set match that lasted nearly three hours. The young American, seeded eighth, faced the formidable former world number one and two-time US Open champion, Osaka, in a match that showcased the skill and determination of both players. Anisimova ultimately triumphed with a scoreline of 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3, advancing to her first final in New York and the second major final of her career this year.
Anisimova, who has been on a strong trajectory this tournament, began the match slowly and found herself down a set after an intense tiebreaker. Osaka, seeded 23rd, exerted her power early, taking charge and displaying the high-quality tennis that has marked much of her career. However, Anisimova demonstrated resilience, fighting back in the second set, where she served to level the match, showcasing her powerful groundstrokes and mental toughness.
“It means the world. I’m trying to process that right now. It’s just absolutely a dream come true,” Anisimova said in an emotional post-match interview. The New Jersey native further expressed admiration for Osaka, acknowledging her opponent’s impressive return to the sport after becoming a mother.
The match was a nail-biter, with both players demonstrating their prowess and occasional struggles with nerves. At one pivotal moment, Osaka served for the match at 6-5 in the second set but was unable to close it out. Instead, it was Anisimova who elevated her game, claiming the second set in a tiebreak and carrying that momentum into the decisive third set.
Anisimova’s victory marks a significant milestone in her career and continues the momentum of American women in the current tennis landscape. Her win comes on the heels of an impressive streak where an American woman has reached the final of every Grand Slam tournament this season. This marks the first occurrence of such a feat since 2002—a testament to the strength and depth of talent in American women’s tennis.
On the other side of the draw, Aryna Sabalenka, the defending champion and fourth seed, dispatched Jessica Pegula in their semi-final match, winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. This victory not only puts Sabalenka one win away from defending her title but also adds to her credentials as a top competitor in the sport.
Looking ahead to the finals, Anisimova will face Sabalenka in what promises to be an exhilarating clash. The two players have faced each other nine times before, with Anisimova holding a slight edge in their head-to-head encounters. Her most notable victory against Sabalenka occurred in the semi-finals of Wimbledon earlier this year, when she won a closely contested match.
However, Sabalenka has proven to be a tough opponent, and her victories earlier in the year, including wins at the Australian and French Opens, underline the challenge Anisimova will face. While Anisimova’s confidence is on the rise following her remarkable semi-final triumph, she knows the importance of her upcoming match against the reigning champion.
As anticipation builds for the title showdown on Saturday, fans are eager to see whether Anisimova can capture her first Grand Slam trophy or if Sabalenka will cement her legacy with back-to-back US Open titles. The stage is set for a thrilling conclusion to the tournament, and both players will undoubtedly bring their best as they vie for the coveted title.
