In a stunning display of resilience, Amanda Anisimova avenged her brutal Wimbledon final loss to Iga Swiatek, defeating the second seed 6-4, 6-3 to reach her first-ever US Open semifinal. Less than two months after suffering a devastating 6-0, 6-0 loss to Swiatek, the American flipped the script on Arthur Ashe Stadium, showcasing a complete turnaround that has been hailed as one of the most remarkable comebacks in tennis.
The victory was more than just a win for Anisimova; it was a testament to her mental fortitude and a powerful moment of redemption. After the match, a jubilant Anisimova said, "Today is definitely the most meaningful victory I've had in my life." The 24-year-old admitted to rewatching the painful Wimbledon footage the night before the match, realizing she was "slow as hell" in that final. She vowed to approach the rematch with "not an ounce of fear," and her fearless ball-striking proved the difference.
Anisimova's aggressive approach on return flustered Swiatek, who struggled to find her rhythm. The American converted four of her nine break opportunities, while Swiatek managed only two breaks from four chances. Swiatek was candid in her post-match comments, acknowledging her opponent’s dominance. "I couldn't win today's match playing like that, serving like that, and with Amanda being so aggressive on the returns," the six-time Grand Slam champion told reporters.
Despite a brief moment of déjà vu when Swiatek broke Anisimova in the first game of the second set, the American remained composed. She immediately broke back and maintained her focus, buoyed by the support of a roaring home crowd. Anisimova's ability to maintain her composure in key moments, including a crucial break in the eighth game of the second set, showcased her mental growth since her return to the sport after a mental health break in 2023.
Anisimova's journey from Wimbledon devastation to a US Open breakthrough serves as a powerful reminder that in tennis, the greatest comebacks often follow the most crushing defeats. With this win, she has not only secured a spot in her first US Open semifinal but has also become the first American woman since Venus and Serena Williams in 2002 to reach the semifinals on all three Grand Slam surfaces in a single year. She will now face Naomi Osaka, another player on a powerful comeback journey, for a spot in the final.
