BEIJING — Defending champion Coco Gauff has stormed into the semi-finals of the China Open, securing her spot with a commanding 6-0, 6-2 victory over German qualifier Eva Lys on Friday. The American prodigy continues her dominant run in Beijing, setting up a blockbuster semi-final clash against the in-form Amanda Anisimova, who continued her own remarkable comeback story with a win.
A Commanding Performance from the Champion
Gauff, the US Open champion and world No. 3, needed just over an hour to dismantle the challenge of the 23-year-old Lys, who was playing in her first WTA 1000 quarter-final. From the outset, Gauff’s power and precision were too much to handle. She raced through the first set in a mere 22 minutes, winning 24 of the 33 points played and breaking Lys’s serve three times without facing a single break point herself.
The second set followed a similar pattern, with Gauff breaking early to establish a 3-1 lead. While Lys managed to get on the board and hold serve for 2-4, avoiding the dreaded double-bagel, Gauff immediately broke back and served out the match with ease. Reflecting on her performance, Gauff was pleased with her focus and execution. "I think today was one of my best matches," Gauff stated in her post-match press conference. "I played really clean. From the first point, I was focused and I knew I had to be, because she can be a tricky player."
Anisimova's Resurgent Run Continues
Waiting for Gauff in the semi-finals is a familiar foe: fellow American Amanda Anisimova. The 22-year-old Anisimova, who returned to the tour in July after a four-month hiatus for mental health reasons, continued her stunning resurgence by defeating Latvian tenth seed Jelena Ostapenko 6-3, 6-4. Anisimova’s groundstrokes were explosive and her serve potent, as she neutralized the former French Open champion's power to secure her fourth top-20 win since her return.
Anisimova’s journey back to the upper echelons of the sport has been one of the compelling narratives of the Asian swing. After climbing from outside the top 300 back into the top 80, her run in Beijing marks her first WTA 1000 semi-final since Madrid in 2022. Speaking after her victory, Anisimova expressed a renewed joy for the game. "I'm just so grateful to be here and to be playing so well," she said. "I'm just enjoying every moment that I'm on the court. I'm having a lot of fun, and I think that's the most important thing for me right now."
A Look at the Rivalry: Gauff vs. Anisimova
The semi-final will be the fifth professional meeting between the two young Americans, with Anisimova holding a surprising 3-1 head-to-head advantage. Their history dates back to their junior days, but their most notable encounter came at the 2022 Wimbledon Championships, where Anisimova saved two match points to defeat Gauff in a thrilling three-set fourth-round battle.
However, the landscape has shifted dramatically since their last match. Gauff has solidified her status as a Grand Slam champion and a consistent force at the top of the game, while Anisimova is fighting her way back with a new perspective. Gauff is fully aware of the challenge her compatriot presents. "She's playing really well, and she's always been a tough opponent for me," Gauff acknowledged.
Key Factors in the Upcoming Semi-Final:
- Anisimova's Power: Her flat, aggressive groundstrokes, particularly off the forehand wing, can dictate play and push Gauff behind the baseline.
- Gauff's Defense & Speed: Gauff’s exceptional movement and ability to turn defense into offense will be crucial in neutralizing Anisimova's power.
- Mental Fortitude: Both players are in strong mental spaces, but Gauff’s experience in big matches over the past year may prove decisive.
- Return of Serve: Both women possess strong returns; who can attack the other's serve more effectively will gain a significant advantage.
The Road to the Final Four
Gauff’s path to the semi-finals has been impressively straightforward. She opened her title defense with a 6-1, 6-2 win over Ekaterina Alexandrova, followed by a hard-fought 7-5, 5-7, 7-6(2) victory over Petra Martic. Her win over Lys was her most dominant performance of the week, a statement of intent as the tournament reaches its climax.
Anisimova’s run, meanwhile, has been a testament to her resilience and raw talent. She has not dropped a set all week, scoring impressive wins over Magda Linette, 16th seed Veronika Kudermetova, and now the always-dangerous Ostapenko. Her ability to hit through the court and close out points quickly has made her one of the most dangerous floaters in the draw.
Stakes are High in Beijing Showdown
Beyond a place in the final, there is more on the line in this highly anticipated all-American clash. For Gauff, a win solidifies her position at the top of the sport and keeps her on track to defend a title for the first time in her career, a significant mental hurdle for any champion. It would also mark her eighth final of an incredible 2023 season. For Anisimova, a victory would represent a triumphant return to the elite level and signal that she is truly back as a force on the WTA Tour.
The match also carries implications for the WTA Finals in Cancún. Gauff has already secured her qualification, but a strong finish in Beijing could improve her seeding. Anisimova, while a long shot for Cancún, is collecting valuable ranking points that will ensure she is seeded at the Australian Open, avoiding top players in the early rounds. The contrast in their current career trajectories adds a fascinating layer of narrative to this contest.
Conclusion: A Clash of American Titans
The stage is set for a captivating semi-final at the China Open. On one side is Coco Gauff, the reigning US Open champion and model of consistent excellence, playing with the confidence of a player who has broken through to the sport's absolute summit. On the other is Amanda Anisimova, a player of immense and undeniable talent, who is playing with the freedom and gratitude of someone who has rediscovered her love for the game after stepping away.
Their contrasting styles and compelling personal journeys promise a high-octane, must-see encounter. As Gauff looks to continue her title defense and Anisimova aims to extend her fairytale comeback, tennis fans are guaranteed a showcase of the present and future of American women's tennis. The Diamond Court in Beijing will host a battle that is about much more than just a place in a final; it’s a testament to resilience, power, and the thrilling unpredictability of sport.