In a thrilling encounter that stretched nearly three hours into the early morning hours at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Amanda Anisimova delivered a masterclass in resilience to defeat Naomi Osaka 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3 and advance to her second straight Grand Slam final.
The 24-year-old American’s victory represents a stunning continuation of her career resurgence, coming just two months after suffering a devastating 6-0, 6-0 defeat to Iga Świątek in the Wimbledon final. That humbling experience appears to have only strengthened her resolve, as evidenced by her commanding performances throughout this US Open campaign.
A Tale of Two Comeback Stories
The semifinal showcased two remarkable comeback narratives colliding on tennis’s biggest stage. Osaka, the four-time Grand Slam champion, had been climbing back to prominence after her own extended break from the sport for mental health reasons. Her journey to the semifinals marked her deepest Grand Slam run since winning the 2021 Australian Open.
For Anisimova, the path to this moment required overcoming the psychological scars from Wimbledon. Just 48 hours earlier, she had delivered perhaps the performance of the tournament by dismantling world No. 2 Świątek in straight sets – a stunning reversal from their previous encounter at the All England Club.
Match Analysis: Momentum Swings and Mental Fortitude
The contest began with Osaka asserting early dominance, racing to a 2-0 lead in the opening set. However, Anisimova’s fighting spirit quickly emerged as she clawed back to level at 2-2, establishing the pattern of momentum shifts that would define the entire match.
First Set: Osaka’s Early Statement
Despite Anisimova’s comeback efforts, Osaka’s experience and precision proved decisive in the crucial moments. Leading 5-3, the Japanese star appeared poised to take control, but Anisimova’s power hitting and defensive retrievals forced the set to a tiebreak. Though Anisimova mounted another comeback attempt in the tiebreak, Osaka’s clutch play secured the opener 7-6(4).
Second Set: Anisimova’s Determination
The second set witnessed even more dramatic swings. Osaka again built advantages, reaching 6-5 and serving for the match. With the finish line in sight, many expected the former world No. 1 to close out proceedings. Instead, Anisimova’s relentless power and improved shot selection began to neutralize Osaka’s tactical advantages.
In the crucial tiebreak, Anisimova’s aggressive approach paid dividends. Her fearless shot-making and improved court positioning allowed her to seize control when it mattered most, taking the tiebreak 7-3 to force a decisive third set.
Third Set: American Ascendancy
The final set revealed the true character difference between the two players as fatigue and pressure mounted. While Osaka appeared to fade physically and mentally, Anisimova discovered another gear. Her serve, which had been vulnerable at times during the first two sets, became a weapon as she consistently hit her spots under pressure.
Breaking early to establish a 3-1 lead, Anisimova never looked back. Her forehand, the shot that carried her through the Świątek upset, continued to find the lines at crucial moments. When Osaka attempted to mount one final challenge, Anisimova’s composure held firm, ultimately sealing the victory 6-3.
Statistical Breakdown
The match statistics tell the story of two elite competitors pushing each other to their limits:
- Total Match Time: 2 hours, 58 minutes
- Anisimova Aces: 8
- Osaka Aces: 12
- Winners: Anisimova 45, Osaka 38
- Unforced Errors: Anisimova 41, Osaka 35
- Break Points Converted: Anisimova 4/12, Osaka 3/8
The numbers reveal how evenly matched these players were, with small margins determining the outcome in crucial moments.
Historical Context and Head-to-Head
This victory improved Anisimova’s head-to-head record against Osaka to 3-0, having previously defeated the Japanese star in their two prior Grand Slam encounters. Their first meeting came at the 2022 Australian Open, where Anisimova prevailed in a tense three-set battle that also featured a tiebreak.
The psychological edge Anisimova holds over Osaka became evident in the late stages of this match, as her confidence grew while Osaka appeared increasingly frustrated with her inability to close out the contest.
Road to the Final
Anisimova’s path to the final has been nothing short of spectacular. After a challenging start to 2025 that included inconsistent results and the devastating Wimbledon loss, few predicted this level of performance at Flushing Meadows.
Her quarterfinal victory over Świątek – the same player who had humiliated her at Wimbledon – provided the perfect psychological boost heading into the semifinals. The 6-0, 6-0 Wimbledon scoreline now seems like ancient history as Anisimova has found her optimal game style and mental approach.
Mental Health and Athletic Performance
Both players have been outspoken advocates for mental health awareness in professional sports. Their respective journeys back to elite-level tennis serve as powerful examples of resilience and the importance of prioritizing psychological wellbeing.
Osaka’s return to Grand Slam relevance after her extended break demonstrates that athletes can successfully navigate mental health challenges while maintaining their competitive edge. Similarly, Anisimova’s ability to bounce back from the Wimbledon devastation shows remarkable mental strength and professional maturity.
Final Preview: Anisimova vs. Sabalenka
Saturday’s final will pit Anisimova against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, who defeated Jessica Pegula in the other semifinal. The matchup presents an intriguing contrast in styles and experience levels.
Sabalenka enters as the heavy favorite, given her recent dominance and current world No. 1 ranking. However, Anisimova’s current form and proven ability to rise to big occasions suggest this final could be far more competitive than the rankings indicate.
For Anisimova, reaching the final represents the culmination of a remarkable journey that began with heartbreak at Wimbledon and now offers the opportunity to capture her first Grand Slam title on home soil.
Looking Forward
Regardless of Saturday’s outcome, Anisimova’s semifinal victory over Osaka establishes her as a legitimate contender for future Grand Slam titles. At 24, she appears to have found the mental and tactical maturity necessary to compete with the sport’s elite on the biggest stages.
Her ability to channel the disappointment from Wimbledon into motivation for improvement demonstrates the kind of champion mindset that separates good players from great ones. Whether she can complete the fairy tale with a US Open title remains to be seen, but her journey to the final already represents one of the year’s most compelling sports stories.
The match against Osaka will be remembered as a defining moment in both players’ careers – a testament to the power of perseverance and the unpredictable nature of elite competition.
