NEW YORK — In a stunning reversal of fortune, American Amanda Anisimova delivered a masterclass in power and precision to topple world No. 2 and reigning Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in a pulsating US Open quarterfinal on Wednesday night. The victory served as a measure of revenge for Anisimova, who fell to the Polish star in straight sets just two months prior in the final at the All England Club.
The match, played under the lights on a raucous Arthur Ashe Stadium, lived up to its blockbuster billing. It was a brutal, physical battle of baseline aggression, with Anisimova’s fearless ball-striking ultimately overpowering Swiatek’s legendary defensive skills. The win propels the 22-year-old American into her first US Open semifinal, where she will face Coco Gauff in a highly anticipated all-American clash.
A Different Player, A Different Outcome
From the first ball, it was clear that this was not the same Anisimova who appeared overwhelmed by the occasion at Wimbledon. In that final, she won just five games. On Wednesday in New York, she was the aggressor, dictating play with her thunderous groundstrokes and refusing to be pushed around by the top seed’s heavy topspin.
Anisimova’s strategy was clear: take time away from Swiatek by hitting deep, flat, and early. She executed it to near perfection, particularly on her backhand wing, which fired crosscourt winners with relentless consistency. The key statistics told the story of her dominance:
- Winners: Anisimova blasted 40 winners to Swiatek's 25.
- Net Points: The American was a perfect 10/10 on net approaches.
- Break Points: She converted 4 of her 7 break opportunities.
Swiatek, known for her mental fortitude, never looked completely comfortable. While she fought valiantly to force a deciding set, her usually reliable forehand was prone to uncharacteristic errors under the constant pressure from Anisimova. The American’s serve, which has been a weapon throughout the tournament, also held firm in crucial moments, bailing her out of trouble with several aces and service winners.
Quotes from the Court
An emotional Anisimova was nearly lost for words during her on-court interview. "I honestly can't believe it," she said, shaking her head in disbelief. "I knew I had to play my best tennis today and just be aggressive. Iga is an incredible champion, so this means a lot. I just told myself to fight for every point."
For Swiatek, the loss was a disappointing end to her North American hardcourt swing, though she was gracious in defeat. "Amanda played amazing tennis, with really high intensity. She was just better today," the Pole conceded. "It wasn't my best match, but a lot of that was because of her. She didn't let me get into any rhythm. All the credit to her."
The Road to Redemption
Anisimova’s journey back to the top of the game makes this victory all the more remarkable. After bursting onto the scene as a teenager and reaching the 2019 French Open semifinals, she took an extended break from the tour in 2023, citing mental health concerns and burnout. Her return this season has been a story of steady progression, rebuilding her game and confidence match by match.
This win over Swiatek is arguably the biggest of her career, signaling not just a return to form, but an arrival at a new level of maturity and resilience. Her coach, former pro Darren Cahill, could be seen beaming from the player’s box, a testament to the hard work they have put in behind the scenes. The victory also marks a significant shift in the WTA landscape, proving that Swiatek’s dominance, while still formidable, is not insurmountable.
Looking Ahead: An All-American Semifinal
The stage is now set for a blockbuster semifinal against fellow American and third seed Coco Gauff. Gauff advanced earlier in the day with a straight-sets win over Markéta Vondroušová. The matchup promises to be a thrilling contrast in styles: Anisimova’s flat, powerful hitting against Gauff’s incredible athleticism and defensive prowess.
The two are familiar foes, having come up through the junior ranks together. Gauff leads their head-to-head 3-1, but their matches have always been tightly contested. Anisimova will undoubtedly ride a massive wave of confidence and home-crowd support. "It's going to be another battle," Anisimova said. "Coco is having an amazing year. I'm just going to try to recover and bring the same level. It should be a lot of fun."
For Amanda Anisimova, this US Open run is more than just a deep Grand Slam result; it is a powerful statement. It is a story of perseverance, of overcoming personal struggles, and of a belief that was never truly lost. As she proved on the sport's biggest stage, with a racket in her hand and determination in her heart, she can indeed do it.