US Open: Amanda Anisimova books final date with Aryna Sabalenka after thrilling victory
By
SABC Sport
5th September 2025
Amanda Anisimova came from behind to defeat Naomi Osaka and set up a US Open final against world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
Anisimova rallied from a set down to defeat the four-time major winner 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3 on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows on Thursday night.
The first set was electrifying, culminating in a tiebreak that Osaka clinched, 7-4. At 2-1 in the tiebreak, Anisimova faltered, double-faulting and missing a forehand on her serve, handing Osaka a 4-1 lead. The Japanese star capitalised.
The second set will linger in Osaka's memory. The match was in her grasp but she tightened up while Anisimova grew bolder. Anisimova dominated the ensuing tiebreak.
In the fourth game of the third set, Osaka's forehand found the net, giving Anisimova the crucial break. That proved decisive as Anisimova surged to the finish line and into the final, sealing victory after three match points.
Anisimova was full of praise for Osaka following the win.
"Naomi is playing amazing tennis and she is back where she belongs," said the American.
"And I told her I'm so proud of her after having a baby and playing at this level. It's insane. She was really giving me a run for the final. I wasn't sure I was going to make it to the finish line.
"I tried to dig deep and it was a huge fight out there today. We were both playing some amazing tennis. [I thought] how are we making these shots? But we were, and we just kept going."
In the other semifinal, Sabalenka came from a set down to outlast Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The Belarusian is eager to put the heartbreak of losing finals to Madison Keys and Coco Gauff at this year's Australian Open and French Open.
"I badly wanted to give myself another opportunity, another final, and I want to prove to myself that I learned those tough lessons and I can do better in the finals," Sabalenka told reporters after her victory.
