Naomi Osaka’s US Open Run Halted By Amanda Anisimova
In a match that had more twists and turns than a telenovela, Amanda Anisimova punched her ticket to the US Open final, staging a dramatic comeback to stun Naomi Osaka. This wasn’t just a tennis match; it was a three-hour epic that bled into the early morning hours, a classic that fans will be talking about for years. Anisimova battled back from the brink, ultimately winning 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3 in a contest that felt less like a semifinal and more like a heavyweight title fight.
A Battle Of Wills In Flushing Meadows
From the moment the first ball was struck under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, you could tell this one was going to be special. Both players were on a mission. Anisimova, still chasing that elusive first Grand Slam title, and Osaka, playing in her first major semifinal since becoming a mom, were leaving it all out on the court. The rallies were punishing, the serves were bombs, and the tension was so thick you could cut it with a racquet string.
Osaka came out swinging, taking the first set in a tight tiebreak. She looked like the four-time major champion we all know, relying on her massive first serve and a defense that seemed to have an answer for everything Anisimova threw at her. At that point, you’d be forgiven for thinking Osaka was on a direct flight to the final. But Anisimova had other plans.
Anisimova’s Gutsy Comeback
The second set was a dogfight. Seriously, it was a seesaw of breaks and counter-breaks that would make your head spin. Every time Anisimova seemed to grab the momentum, Osaka would snatch it right back. It was a showcase of pure, unadulterated grit from both sides of the net. But as the clock ticked past midnight, a switch flipped for the American. She dominated the second-set tiebreak, playing with a newfound confidence that carried her into the decider.
By the third set, Anisimova was a woman possessed. She was hitting bigger, serving faster, and her forehand was an absolute weapon. She snagged a crucial break and served for the match, but this being the thriller it was, the drama wasn’t over. Osaka saved two match points, because of course she did. Nerves? Maybe a little. But Anisimova dug deep, saved a break point herself, and finally sealed the deal with a powerful serve and a blistering forehand. The roar from the crowd was deafening; the relief on Anisimova’s face was palpable.
Despite the gut-wrenching loss, Osaka was surprisingly upbeat. “I can’t be mad,” she said, showing the perspective of a veteran and new mother. “It makes me just want to train and try to get better.” It’s that kind of attitude that has made Osaka a fan favorite and a champion.
For Anisimova, it’s on to the final against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, a player she has a surprisingly good record against. If this semifinal was any indication, we’re in for another classic.
