Anisimova Upsets Osaka, Sets Up US Open Final Showdown with Sabalenka

Amanda Anisimova produced a stirring fightback to reach her second successive Grand Slam final. The 24-year-old American came from a set down to defeat two-time champion Naomi Osaka 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), 6-3 in the women’s singles semi-final of the US Open. Anisimova will face World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who overcame fellow American Jessica Pegula on Thursday, in Saturday’s showpiece final.

While Anisimova sang her own redemption song by returning to a major final after being double-bageled in the last one she contested, it was a painful defeat for Osaka, who enjoyed an inspiring, resurgent run in New York over the past fortnight.

Osaka reached a Grand Slam semi-final for the first time since her return from maternity leave in 2024. In her previous seven majors before this US Open, she had failed to progress beyond the third round. But in New York, the Japanese star showed glimpses of her vintage best, producing stroke-making of the highest order.

Entertaining the crowd and drawing attention with her flamboyant ‘labubus’, Osaka was thrilling spectators in New York, and it appeared her run might extend further when she dominated the opening set, sealing it in a tie-break. However, once she began to falter on serve and offered up second-serve opportunities, Anisimova seized control.

Anisimova, whose interactions with her coach courtside at Arthur Ashe Stadium were at times volatile, raised the quality of her shot-making to its peak, striking winners off both wings with remarkable consistency. At one stage her coach barked instructions from the box, urging her to remain calm and composed as the tension mounted.

From the second tie-break onwards, Anisimova imposed herself and never looked back.

It was a powerful statement from Anisimova, who avenged her humbling Wimbledon final defeat to Iga Swiatek before outclassing a spirited Osaka in the semi-final.

Ecstatic after booking her place in a home Grand Slam final, the 24-year-old said: “It means the world. I’m still trying to process it right now. It’s absolutely a dream come true. I’ve dreamed of being in the US Open final forever. Of course, the ultimate goal is to be the champion, but for now, I’m just so excited to be in the final. It’s really special.”

Anisimova was also gracious, taking time to applaud Osaka’s performance and her comeback journey: “Naomi is playing amazing tennis. She’s not where she belongs, 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. Honestly, I wasn’t sure I would make it through, but I just tried to dig deep, and yeah, it was a huge fight out there.”

Earlier in the day, Sabalenka demonstrated trademark resilience and unrelenting power to keep her US Open title defence alive, overcoming a spirited Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. Sabalenka will bid to become the first woman in 11 years to successfully defend the US Open crown when she meets Anisimova on Saturday.