Anisimova Advances to Semifinals, Set to Clash with Osaka

NEW YORK: In a stunning upset at Arthur Ashe Stadium, America’s Amanda Anisimova triumphed over world No. 2 Iga Swiatek with a convincing 6-4, 6-3 victory on Wednesday, securing her place in the US Open semi-finals for the first time.

The decisive win unfolded in just 96 minutes, providing a satisfying turnaround for Anisimova, who previously suffered a harsh 6-0, 6-0 defeat against Swiatek in the Wimbledon final less than two months prior.

Anisimova began assertively, dictating the tempo early in the first set with her aggressive style of play, concluding a pivotal rally with an impressive forehand volley. Both athletes engaged in intense exchanges throughout the set, mirroring each other’s shots, until the American ultimately gained the upper hand to claim it 6-4.

In the subsequent set, Swiatek struggled under duress, incurring three double faults during critical junctures. Anisimova exploited these errors, demonstrating her composure and expertise to conclude the match at 6-3 and secure her position in the final four.

“Competing here feels incredibly unique. I am experiencing an amazing streak here. Today validated everything for me, proving that I am capable,” Anisimova expressed.

The 24-year-old is now scheduled to compete against Japan’s Naomi Osaka, who previously defeated Karolina Muchova 6-4, 7-6(3) in their quarter-final match.

Swiatek, who had difficulty enforcing her strategy, acknowledged that Anisimova’s forceful returns significantly contributed to the defeat.

“I couldn’t secure today’s victory with that level of performance, with that quality of serve, especially with Amanda’s aggressive return game,” Swiatek noted.

In other action, Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, seeded 25th, prevailed over eighth seed Alex de Minaur in an exhilarating four-hour battle, achieving a 4-6, 7-6(7), 7-5, 7-6(4) victory. Auger-Aliassime delivered 22 aces to confirm his advancement to the semi-finals.