BEIJING — Defending champion Coco Gauff’s impressive run at the China Open came to a stunning and abrupt halt on Saturday, as she was comprehensively thrashed 6-1, 6-2 by the resurgent Amanda Anisimova in a one-sided semi-final that lasted just over an hour.
The match, highly anticipated as a clash between two of America's most promising talents, failed to materialize into a contest. Anisimova, playing with a potent blend of power and precision, dismantled the US Open champion's game from the baseline, breaking her serve five times and never facing a break point on her own delivery. The victory marks a significant milestone for Anisimova, who is on a remarkable comeback trail after taking a mental health break from the sport earlier this year.
A Dominant Display from the First Ball
From the opening game, the tone was set. Anisimova, whose flat, powerful groundstrokes have always been a weapon, was in devastating form. She struck the ball with clean, early intent, pushing Gauff deep behind the baseline and denying her any rhythm. The first break of serve came immediately, setting the stage for a first-set rout. Gauff, who had been in scintillating form throughout the tournament, winning her previous matches in straight sets, seemed unable to find answers to the relentless assault.
The statistics from the first set painted a bleak picture for the third-seeded Gauff. Anisimova’s aggressive returning and deep, penetrating shots forced a cascade of errors from Gauff's racquet. The 19-year-old American struggled to land her first serve, winning a meager 38% of points behind it in the opening set. Anisimova, by contrast, was clinical, converting all three of her break point opportunities and hitting 12 winners to just 4 unforced errors.
The Anisimova Resurgence
This tournament has served as a powerful statement of intent from Amanda Anisimova. After stepping away from the tour in May for an indefinite period to protect her mental health, her return has been nothing short of spectacular. The 21-year-old, a former French Open semi-finalist, has spoken openly about the pressures of the sport and the need for a break. Her performance in Beijing, which included a victory over world number four Elena Rybakina, demonstrates that her time away has rejuvenated both her game and her spirit.
In her post-match press conference, Anisimova reflected on her journey and her current mindset. "I'm just really happy to be back. I'm enjoying every moment that I'm on the court. After taking a break, I'm just really feeling fresh and I'm having fun out there. I think that's the most important thing, and I think that's what's showing in my tennis."
Gauff's Game Unravels
For Coco Gauff, the match was a rare off-day in what has been a career-best season. Since a first-round exit at Wimbledon, Gauff had transformed her game, winning 24 of her last 26 matches and capturing four titles, including her maiden Grand Slam at the US Open. However, against Anisimova, the facets of her game that have been so potent in recent months deserted her.
Her forehand, an improved but still vulnerable wing, broke down under constant pressure. Her serve, normally a reliable weapon, lacked its usual pop and accuracy. Most tellingly, she was unable to implement her aggressive, forward-moving game plan, consistently being pinned behind the baseline by the sheer weight of Anisimova’s shot-making.
Gauff was candid in her assessment of the performance. "She played really well. I didn't play well. I think it was one of my worst matches of the year. You have those days sometimes. It's just one of those days. All credit to her. She played really well and didn't really give me anything."
Key Factors in the Match
The lopsided scoreline was a result of several key factors where Anisimova held a decisive advantage. The match was a masterclass in aggressive baseline tennis, and Anisimova executed her game plan to perfection. The breakdown of her dominance can be seen in several critical areas:
- Return of Serve: Anisimova stood inside the baseline to receive, taking time away from Gauff and punishing second serves.
- Baseline Aggression: She hit 24 winners to Gauff's 8, consistently ending points on her own terms.
- Unforced Errors: Gauff committed 21 unforced errors, a high number for a best-of-three-set match, highlighting her struggle for timing.
- First Serve Points Won: Anisimova won a dominant 81% of points behind her first serve, never allowing Gauff a look-in.
This tactical breakdown left Gauff with no clear path to victory. Every time she attempted to build momentum, Anisimova would produce a stunning winner or force another error, snuffing out any potential shift in the match's dynamic.
Looking Ahead: The Final and Beyond
With this victory, Amanda Anisimova advances to the biggest final of her career since the 2019 French Open. She will face the current Wimbledon champion, Marketa Vondrousova, in a battle of two of the tour's most fluid ball-strikers. Anisimova will be seeking her first WTA 1000 title and her first title of any kind since 2022. Her ranking, which had plummeted during her hiatus, is now set for a massive surge, likely propelling her back towards the top 30.
For Coco Gauff, the loss, while disappointing, does little to tarnish a spectacular second half of the season. She will now turn her attention to the WTA Finals in Cancún, where she has qualified and will be among the favorites. The defeat in Beijing serves as a stark reminder of the depth and ferocity of competition on the WTA Tour, even for a newly-crowned Grand Slam champion.
Conclusion: A Statement Win
Amanda Anisimova’s 6-1, 6-2 demolition of Coco Gauff was more than just a place in a final; it was a proclamation of her return to the sport's elite. Playing with a renewed sense of freedom and joy, she showcased the world-class talent that has long been predicted for her. For Gauff, it was a humbling experience and a valuable lesson that every day on tour presents a new challenge. As one American star continues her ascent, another has forcefully re-announced her presence, setting the stage for an intriguing final and an exciting close to the 2023 season.