BEIJING — In a stunning culmination to a remarkable comeback season, Amanda Anisimova captured the China Open title on Sunday, defeating Czech teenager Linda Noskova 6-2, 6-1 in a commanding display of power and precision.
The victory at the WTA 1000 event marks Anisimova's second title at this prestigious level and her first since returning to the tour in April after an indefinite hiatus she took earlier in the year to prioritize her mental health. For the 22-year-old American, it is a triumphant validation of her decision to step away and return on her own terms.
Anisimova, who did not drop a set all tournament, was in devastating form against the 18-year-old Noskova, firing 21 winners and breaking her opponent's serve five times in the 68-minute final. The win represents a dramatic turnaround from just a few months ago, when the former French Open semifinalist was ranked outside the top 300. She is now projected to surge back into the world's top 25.
A Dominant Path to the Title
Anisimova’s week in Beijing was nothing short of spectacular. She navigated a draw packed with elite talent, showcasing the formidable ball-striking that first announced her as a future star. Her path to the final included straight-sets victories over a series of formidable opponents, sending a clear message to the rest of the tour that she is back and a force to be reckoned with.
Her run included wins over:
- Magdalena Fręch: A confident 6-2, 6-2 opening victory.
- Beatriz Haddad Maia: A powerful 6-2, 6-4 win over the 16th seed.
- Lyudmyla Samsonova: A 6-1, 6-4 dismantling of the in-form Russian.
- Elena Rybakina: A statement-making 7-6(7), 6-3 quarterfinal triumph over the third seed and reigning Wimbledon champion.
Reflecting on her emotional week, Anisimova shared in her post-match press conference, "It's been quite a few weeks. I wasn't expecting to win this title coming into this swing. I'm just really proud of myself and how I've been handling things on and off the court."
A Final of Controlled Aggression
From the first ball of the final, Anisimova established her dominance. Her clean, aggressive groundstrokes, particularly her punishing backhand, consistently pushed Noskova deep behind the baseline. The young Czech, playing in her first WTA 1000 final, struggled to find any rhythm against the relentless pressure. Anisimova broke serve early in both sets and never looked back, converting her first championship point with a typically crisp forehand winner.
Noskova, who had an impressive week of her own with wins over players like Ons Jabeur and Daria Kasatkina, was gracious in defeat. "Amanda was just playing amazing today. I couldn't really find my game. She was putting so much pressure on me from the first point," she acknowledged.
The Comeback Trail
Anisimova’s victory in Beijing is the crowning achievement of a courageous return to professional tennis. In the spring, she announced she was taking a break from the sport, citing mental health struggles and burnout. Her return at the clay-court event in Madrid was initially met with uncertainty, but she quickly began to find her form.
Key milestones in her 2023 resurgence include:
- Wimbledon Fourth Round: A strong showing at a major.
- Monterrey Final: Reaching a final shortly after her return, signaling her intent.
- US Open Third Round: Competing well under the bright lights of New York.
- Guadalajara Semifinal: Building consistent momentum on the hard courts.
This title, however, is in a different league altogether. It confirms that Anisimova is not just back on tour, but she is back among the game's elite contenders. The win provides a powerful narrative about the importance of athlete well-being. "I'm just really enjoying my time on the court right now," she said, a sentiment that was palpable throughout her performances.
Looking Ahead to the Future
With this victory, Anisimova has firmly re-established herself as a major threat on the WTA Tour. The 700 ranking points and significant prize money are secondary to the confidence boost this provides. Her game, built on a foundation of clean, early ball-striking and a potent serve, is perfectly suited for the game's biggest stages. This win will undoubtedly make her a player to watch heading into the Australian Open and the rest of the 2024 season.
The WTA Tour has witnessed the triumphant return of a unique talent. Amanda Anisimova’s China Open victory is more than just a trophy; it is a testament to resilience, self-care, and the pure, unadulterated joy of playing the game she loves. As she held the championship trophy aloft in Beijing, it was clear that a refreshed and revitalized champion had arrived, ready to write the next chapter of her promising career.
In her final remarks to the crowd, Anisimova summed up the collective feeling, "It feels amazing. I’m just so grateful to be in this position and to have so many people supporting me. This one means a lot."