Daijiworld Media Network – New York
New York, Sep 5: American star Amanda Anisimova produced a stunning comeback to defeat four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), 6-3 in a thrilling US Open semifinal that stretched close to three hours and ended past midnight on Friday.
The eighth seed, who grew up in Florida, stormed into her second consecutive Grand Slam final, showing grit and resilience against one of the sport’s toughest competitors.
“I wasn’t sure I would make it past the finish line, but I tried to dig deep. It was a huge fight out there today,” Anisimova said after sealing victory on her third match point. Overcome with emotion, she dropped to her knees on the court and shouted, “Let’s go!”
With this win, Anisimova became the first player to stop Osaka at this stage of a major. Until Thursday’s match, Osaka had maintained a perfect 14-0 record in Grand Slam quarterfinals, semifinals and finals.
Anisimova will now face defending champion and World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday’s title clash. Sabalenka, who owns three majors, all on hard courts, got past Jessica Pegula in the other semifinal.
The American will take confidence from her Wimbledon run earlier this year, where she upset Sabalenka in the semifinals before finishing runner-up to Iga Swiatek. Notably, Anisimova also knocked out Swiatek in the US Open quarterfinals.
Osaka, seeded 23rd in New York, showed flashes of brilliance with 15 aces and serves clocking at 119 mph, but her left foot appeared to trouble her in the final set, forcing a medical timeout. She vented her frustration by tossing her racket after being broken in the second set.
Anisimova, however, rose to the occasion with her trademark backhand and solid forehand, hitting 50 winners — 18 more than Osaka.
“Sometimes I was like, ‘How are we making these shots?’ But we were,” Anisimova laughed, reflecting on the high-quality exchanges.
The much-anticipated final between Anisimova and Sabalenka promises fireworks, as the American aims to capture her maiden Grand Slam title while Sabalenka looks to defend her crown.