NEW YORK — In a stunning display of grit and resilience, American Amanda Anisimova mounted a breathtaking comeback to defeat former champion Naomi Osaka 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 in a US Open semifinal for the ages. The victory, achieved under the bright lights of a raucous Arthur Ashe Stadium, propels the 22-year-old into her first Grand Slam final, where she will face the formidable world No. 1 and defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka.
For a set and a half, it appeared the occasion belonged to Osaka, who was playing in her first major semifinal since becoming a mother. The Japanese star was in imperious form from the baseline, her powerful groundstrokes pushing Anisimova deep behind the court and neutralizing the American’s own aggressive game. Osaka broke serve twice to seal the opening set and seemed poised to run away with the match. Anisimova, however, had other plans.
A Shift in Momentum
The turning point came deep in the second set. With Osaka serving at 4-3, Anisimova fended off a game point with a blistering cross-court backhand winner—a shot that would become her signature weapon as the match progressed. She secured the crucial break, and with the crowd now fully behind her, she began to unleash her full arsenal. The statistics tell the story of her remarkable turnaround:
- First serve points won: 45% in the first set, skyrocketing to 78% in the decider.
- Winners: She struck a total of 38, with 25 coming in the final two sets.
- Break points saved: She saved 8 of the 11 she faced after the first set.
Anisimova’s coach, Carlos Rodriguez, was seen urging her to step into the court and take time away from Osaka. The tactical adjustment paid dividends. Anisimova began meeting the ball early on the rise, redirecting Osaka’s pace with interest and finding angles that had previously been unavailable. "I just had to trust myself," Anisimova said in her on-court interview. "Naomi was playing unbelievable tennis, and I was just trying to hang in there. I knew if I could find my rhythm, I could make it a battle."
Osaka’s Valiant Effort Falls Short
For Osaka, the loss is a heartbreaking end to a fairytale run that captivated the tennis world. Since returning to the tour, she has spoken openly about the pressures of competition and the joy she has rediscovered in the game. Her powerful performance for much of the match was a testament to her hard work and immense talent. While unforced errors crept into her game as Anisimova raised her level, Osaka’s sportsmanship and grace in defeat were palpable. "Amanda just played amazing. She never gave up, and that’s something I’ve always admired about her," Osaka stated. "I’m disappointed, of course, but I’m also proud of myself for getting this far. This is just the beginning for me again."
Sabalenka Awaits in the Final
Awaiting Anisimova in Saturday’s final is a daunting challenge: Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian powerhouse advanced with a commanding 6-2, 6-3 victory over rising Czech star Karolína Muchová. Sabalenka has been in devastating form all tournament, dropping only one set and utterly dominating opponents with her explosive serve and punishing groundstrokes from both wings. She is seeking to become the first woman to successfully defend her US Open title since Serena Williams in 2014.
A Clash of Styles and Stories
The championship match presents a fascinating contrast in styles and narratives. Sabalenka is the established force, a player who has honed her raw power into consistent, championship-winning tennis. Anisimova is the resurgent talent, a former French Open semifinalist who took an extended break from the sport in 2023 for mental health reasons, citing burnout and exhaustion. Her return to this stage is one of the most compelling stories of the season. Their head-to-head record is tied at 2-2, though Sabalenka won their most recent encounter in straight sets earlier this year.
Sabalenka was full of praise for her final opponent: "Amanda is a great player. She hits the ball so clean and so hard. It’s always tough to play against her. She’s had an amazing comeback, and it’s great to see her back at the top. It’s going to be a great battle. I have to bring my best tennis and focus on my game."
The Stage is Set for a Spectacle
The final promises to be a thunderous affair, with both women possessing some of the cleanest and most powerful ball-striking ability on tour. The outcome will likely hinge on a few key factors:
- First Serve: Whichever player can land a high percentage of first serves and dictate points from the outset will gain a significant advantage.
- **Emotional Control:** The pressure of a Grand Slam final is immense. Managing nerves will be paramount.
- **Return of Serve:** Both have huge serves, so the ability to neutralize and attack the return could break open matches.
Anisimova, who has spoken about rediscovering her love for the game without the weight of expectation, seems to be playing with house money. "I’m just so grateful to be here," she reiterated, a wide smile on her face. "A year ago, I wasn’t sure if I’d ever play again. Now I’m in the final of the US Open. I’m going to go out there, fight for every point, and enjoy every second."
Sabalenka, however, is the seasoned champion who knows what it takes to win on this stage. Her focus and intensity are unmatched. This final is not just a battle for a trophy; it’s a clash between a champion at the peak of her powers and a fearless challenger who has fought her way back to the sport’s summit. The tennis world eagerly awaits what promises to be a spectacular conclusion to the final Grand Slam of the year.