In a stunning turn of events at the US Open, Amanda Anisimova achieved a career-defining moment by defeating World No. 2 Iga Swiatek with a scoreline of 6-4, 6-3 in the quarter-finals. This result shocked many, particularly given the backdrop of Anisimova’s recent challenges, including a devastating loss to Swiatek in the Wimbledon final just months prior.
Emerging with confidence, Anisimova, the eighth seed, demonstrated a renewed focus and aggression in her game. “Today is definitely the most meaningful victory I’ve had in my life,” she remarked post-match. Her victory was not just a personal triumph but a statement, showcasing her resilience and ability to turn around a previous defeat. With every rally and shot, the electric atmosphere at Arthur Ashe Stadium seemed to lift Anisimova to new heights, as she engaged the audience with her spirited performance.
Swiatek, known for her prowess on the court, acknowledged the shift in dynamics since their last meeting. Despite her recent successes, including winning Wimbledon, she entered this match fully aware of Anisimova’s capabilities. “I know that she’s a good player. She can play great tennis,” Swiatek stated, emphasizing her readiness for a challenging encounter. However, Swiatek faced difficulties on serve, which played a pivotal role in her inability to capitalize on break points.
Throughout the match, Anisimova maintained pressure on Swiatek, converting 4 of 9 break point opportunities while Swiatek managed to convert only 2 of her 4 attempts. The American showcased powerful groundstrokes and effective returning that kept Swiatek on the defensive.
Beginning the first set dynamically, Swiatek initially took an early lead by breaking Anisimova’s serve. However, the American responded with grit, leveling the score before going on to claim the set. The support from the crowd, chanting her name, fueled her momentum and determination.
Despite starting the second set strong, with Swiatek breaking to go up 2-0, Anisimova rebounded brilliantly by winning four consecutive games. This shift highlighted her tactical prowess and mental fortitude, attributes crucial in high-pressure matches. The encounters between the two players were markedly different this time, with Anisimova employing a more aggressive approach and capitalizing on key moments.
Post-match analysis showed that Swiatek struggled with a first-serve percentage of only 50%, allowing Anisimova to dictate points. Swiatek remarked on her performance, noting, “I couldn’t win today’s match playing like that… with Amanda being so aggressive on the returns,” illustrating the sharp contrast to her usual style of play.
With this victory, Anisimova has progressed to her first semi-final at the US Open and her fourth semi-final in Grand Slam history, a testament to her evolving skill set. She mentioned feeling “a bit surreal” about her achievement and expressed her eagerness for the next challenge.
Looking ahead, Anisimova will face Naomi Osaka, who secured her place in the semi-finals with a 6-4, 7-6(3) victory over Karolina Muchova. Their upcoming match promises to be intriguing, as Anisimova has previously triumphed in both of their prior meetings, although they have not faced each other since the 2022 French Open.
As for Swiatek, the loss served as a moment to reflect. Despite her disappointment, she emphasized the importance of moving forward in a demanding sport where resilience is key. “I guess, in tennis, you will get heart-breaking losses, and you don’t have any other option. You just have to move on,” she expressed, embodying the spirit of a competitor ready to face future battles.
Anisimova’s unexpected victory, coupled with her unwavering resolve and the electrifying support of her fans, sets the stage for an exhilarating semi-final that could redefine her career trajectory in women’s tennis.
