Could Anisimova Challenge Sabalenka in the US Open Final?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Amanda Anisimova defeats Naomi Osaka in a thrilling semifinal.
- Historic win: Anisimova is the first to beat Osaka in a major semifinal.
- Match lasted nearly three hours at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
- Sets up a final clash with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
- Ensures an American woman in every major final this season.
New York, Sep 5 (NationPress) Amanda Anisimova has further solidified her breakout season with a remarkable victory, overcoming Naomi Osaka to secure her spot in the US Open final.
Just two months after reaching her inaugural Grand Slam final at Wimbledon, the American player staged a comeback from a set down to triumph 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3 in an exhilarating match that lasted just under three hours at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
This historic win marks Anisimova as the first athlete to defeat Osaka in a major semifinal. The match featured both competitors exchanging breaks vigorously throughout the initial two sets, but Anisimova found her composure during the critical phases. Osaka had the upper hand in the first-set tiebreak, yet the 21-year-old American responded powerfully in the second, dominating her own tiebreak to equalize the match, according to WTA.
“Naomi is playing phenomenal tennis,” Anisimova remarked post-match. “She’s back to her best, and I am incredibly proud of her. After becoming a mother, her performance at this level is astonishing. She truly challenged me for the final, and I was uncertain if I would cross the finish line.”
“This tournament holds immense significance for me, and that pressure was palpable. Ultimately, I focused on fighting through and savoring the experience. We were both showcasing incredible tennis, and at times I thought, 'How are we making these shots?' But we were making it happen and pressing on.”
In the final set, Anisimova achieved a vital break at 3-1 and maintained her composure, saving two break points while serving for the match before sealing it on her third attempt. She ended the match with 50 winners, handing Osaka only her third Grand Slam hard-court loss after winning the first set.
This victory sets the stage for a clash with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, a rematch of their Wimbledon semifinal, which Anisimova won. With her second consecutive Slam final, she guarantees that an American woman has appeared in every major final this season — the first occurrence of this since 2002.