American tennis star Amanda Anisimova produced a stunning performance to defeat defending champion Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-2 in just 58 minutes on Saturday, booking her place in the China Open final.
The US Open runner-up, who lost to Aryna Sabalenka in New York a month ago, was in complete control from start to finish, dismantling her compatriot with sharp groundstrokes and relentless precision.
Anisimova, seeded third, will now face Linda Noskova in the final after the 26th-seeded Czech player saved three match points to upset fifth seed Jessica Pegula in three tight sets.
Reflecting on her victory, the 24-year-old said everything came together perfectly on court.
“I felt really good throughout the whole match. All my shots were working today, which is my favourite way to play. Coco’s a really tough player, so I knew I was gonna really have to step it up,” Anisimova said.
Despite taking some time off after the US Open — even having a tooth removed the day of her flight to Beijing — Anisimova admitted she didn’t expect to perform at such a high level so quickly.
“I didn’t really feel like I was match fit ahead of the tournament. I was like, is it a mistake that I’m flying there? Everything just seemed off to a bad start. But I think I’ve learned that when I’m not feeling my best physically or I’m facing a challenge, I actually play better because I don’t have as much pressure,” she added.
The match was one-sided from the outset. Anisimova stormed to a 5-0 lead in just 15 minutes, capitalizing on Gauff’s unforced errors. The 21-year-old French Open champion double-faulted twice to hand Anisimova two set points before finally holding serve — but by then, the momentum was gone.
The second set followed a similar pattern as Anisimova once again raced to a 5-0 advantage. Although Gauff managed to claim two games, Anisimova quickly closed out the match, securing her quickest win yet in Beijing after battling through two earlier three-set comebacks.
Gauff later admitted that her opponent had simply been the better player.
“She’s definitely one of the best. Today I would have liked to perform better, and I need to step up my game,” Gauff said.
With the win, Anisimova — who has now qualified for the WTA Finals — is one victory away from clinching her fourth career title.
“It’s been a great year for me,” she concluded with a smile.
