US Open: Anisimova stuns Swiatek to set up semi-final with Osaka

Amanda Anisimova produced the upset of the tournament as she avenged her Wimbledon heartbreak with a stunning 6-4, 6-3 victory over Iga Swiatek to reach the ongoing US Open semi-finals, where she will face Naomi Osaka.

Just two months ago, Anisimova endured a crushing double bagel defeat to Swiatek in the Wimbledon final — the first 6-0, 6-0 women’s final at the All England Club in over a century.

But under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, the American flipped the script, showing resilience, aggression and a touch of fortune to oust the world No. 2.

Anisimova’s Redemption

Swiatek broke serve in the opening game, raising fears of another one-sided contest, but Anisimova hit straight back. From there, both players traded blows until Anisimova pounced in the 10th game, breaking to claim the first set.

The Pole again struck first in the second, but Anisimova steadied herself and broke back in the fourth game, as the crowd roared her on, she kept Swiatek under pressure and earned the decisive break when a double fault from the former champion handed her the chance to serve out the match.

Three match points came and went before a net cord dribbled over in her favour to seal the most significant win of her career.

“This has been such a dream,” Anisimova said. “To come back from Wimbledon like that is really special to me. I worked so hard to try and turn it around, and today proved I can do it. It was such a tough match, but I dug deep.”

Swiatek’s Response

Swiatek, who revealed she has been battling a foot issue throughout the US Open, congratulated Anisimova on social media:

“Thank you New York and congratulations Amanda — you played amazing. This US Open was challenging for me and my team, but I’m proud of what we did. I’ll be back next year with determination.”

Expert Reaction: Robson Hails Mentality Shift

Former British No. 1 Laura Robson praised Anisimova’s mental turnaround after Wimbledon:

“To respond like that, against someone who beat you love and love only weeks ago, is such a testament to how much work she’s done off the court. She had a clear game plan, dictating play and not letting Swiatek rush her. Her backhand down the line was outrageous today.”

Osaka’s Resurgence Rolls On

In the night session, Naomi Osaka booked her place in the semi-finals with a gritty win over Karolina Muchova 6-4 7-6 extending her unbeaten record in Grand Slam quarter-finals to 5-0.

The 23rd seed, dressed in a sparkling purple outfit, battled through tense moments but prevailed to continue her remarkable resurgence after returning from maternity leave.

“It means so much,” Osaka said. “Two years ago I was watching the semi-finals from the stands, hoping I’d get another chance. My dreams are coming true. I’m just grateful to my team and proud of how I fought tonight.”

Semi-Final Showdown: Anisimova vs Osaka

The semi-final pits two comeback stories against each other; Anisimova leads their head-to-head 2-0, though they have not met since Roland Garros in 2022.

For Anisimova, it is a chance to reach her first Grand Slam final; for Osaka, an opportunity to edge closer to a fifth major crown.

Friday night at Flushing Meadows promises fireworks.