Amanda Anisimova’s semifinal victory at the 2025 U.S. Open was a riveting display of grit and growth—a match that started with shaky footing but ended with unshakeable belief.
Anisimova stumbled early, struggling with both her forehand and backhand in the opening set. Her unforced errors mounted and she showed visible frustration, allowing Naomi Osaka to take the first set 7-6 (4) in a tense tiebreak—clearly the better of the two at that stage.
But from the second set onwards, something clicked. Amending her technique and calming her nerves, Anisimova restrained the rush of mistakes and gradually wrestled momentum back. In a high-pressure second-set tiebreak, she held steady, outlasting Osaka 7-6 (3). It was a demonstration of maturity and mental strength—her best tennis when it mattered most.
In the deciding third set, Anisimova hit her stride. Her forehand began to find its targets and her two-handed backhand—the weapon that’s long defined her game—produced winner after winner. As Osaka’s movement slowed and her foot appeared to bother her, Anisimova capitalized, eventually defeating her 6-3, sealing her place in the final after a nearly three-hour battle.
Later she reflected on the victory, saying it was “a huge fight out there” and admitting she wasn’t sure she’d make it through. Her earnings of 50 winners—18 more than Osaka’s total—reflected not luck, but controlled aggression and confidence under fire.
This win sends Anisimova into her second consecutive Grand Slam final. She’ll take on world No. 1 and defending U.S. Open champion Aryna Sabalenka, setting up a compelling showdown between two powerful, aggressive baseliners.
As for Osaka, she acknowledged Anisimova’s performance with grace, calling it inspiring and vowing to work even harder moving forward—remarkable resilience from a player rebounding from a long break and a return to motherhood.
Match Summary-:
Set Score Notes-
1st Lost 6-7 (4) Unforced errors, shaky strokes2nd Won 7-6 (3) Regained composure, won the tiebreak3rd Won 6-3 Dominant baseline play, clinical finish.
Anisimova’s turnaround—especially navigating through struggles with her forehand and backhand to command control in the final two sets—highlights her mental toughness and evolution as a player.
She’s not just battling opponents on court now; she’s battling past doubts and proving to herself that she belongs at the top. Reach her first U.S. Open final is not just sporting success—it’s redemption, confidence, and promise.
Amanda Anisimova now joins the elite field in the final, face-to-face with Sabalenka in what promises to be a high-octane showdown. Win or lose, she’s shown she belongs—and how far she can go when she steps up.
