Amanda Anisimova Advances to China Open Final
In a stunning display of skill and determination, Amanda Anisimova secured her place in the China Open final after defeating defending champion Coco Gauff with a commanding 6-1, 6-2 victory on Sunday. The match, which lasted just 58 minutes, marked a significant milestone for Anisimova as she advanced to her first final in Beijing.
Anisimova, currently ranked third, will now face either fellow American Jessica Pegula or Czech player Linda Noskova in the title decider. The 24-year-old expressed her satisfaction with her performance, stating, “I felt really good throughout the whole match. All my shots were working today, which is my favorite way to play.”
She acknowledged the challenge posed by Gauff, who is known for her resilience on the court. “Coco’s a really tough player, so I knew I was gonna really have to step it up,” Anisimova added. Despite being a month removed from her US Open final loss to Aryna Sabalenka, Anisimova showed no signs of fatigue, instead showcasing her best form.
A Surprising Comeback
Anisimova admitted that she had not been fully match-fit at the start of the tournament. She took time off after the US Open and even underwent a dental procedure the day before her flight to Beijing. “I didn’t really feel like I was match fit ahead of the tournament,” she said. “I was like, is it a mistake that I’m flying there (Beijing) and everything’s just off to a bad start?”
However, Anisimova found her rhythm quickly. She credited her improved performance to the pressure she faced. “When I’m not feeling my best physically or I’m facing a challenge, I actually play better because I don’t have as much pressure,” she explained.
Her dominance was evident from the outset. Anisimova stormed into a 5-0 lead in the first set within 15 minutes. Gauff, uncharacteristically shaky, struggled with her shots, hitting several long and into the net. The 21-year-old reigning French Open champion double-faulted twice, giving Anisimova two set points. However, Gauff managed to get on the scoreboard, but it was too late to turn the tide.
A Swift Victory
The second set saw Anisimova repeat her early success, taking a 5-0 lead again. Although Gauff managed to close the gap by winning two games, Anisimova remained composed and sealed the victory in under an hour. This was Anisimova’s quickest win in Beijing, where she has previously pulled off two three-set comebacks.
Gauff, who was the crowd favorite in the packed stadium, praised Anisimova’s performance. “She’s definitely one of the best,” Gauff said. “Today I would have liked to perform better and I need to step up my game.” Gauff’s only previous loss at Beijing’s Diamond Court had been to world number two Iga Swiatek in 2023.
Anisimova, who recently qualified for the WTA Finals in Beijing, reflected on her successful season. “It’s been a great year for me,” she said. “I know it gets tough for a lot of players because you know, it’s a long year, but I’m looking forward to finishing the season strong.”
Crowd Support and Personal Growth
Despite being the underdog, Anisimova received strong support from the fans throughout the tournament. “The crowd support has been so amazing since the first day I got here,” she said. “I really think that that’s carried me through this entire tournament.”
Anisimova’s journey to the final has been marked by resilience and adaptability. Her ability to perform under pressure and overcome challenges has solidified her position as a top contender in the tennis world. With a chance to claim her fourth career title, Anisimova is poised to make a strong impact in the upcoming final.
