Amanda Anisimova fights back to stun Naomi Osaka, sets up US Open title clash with Sabalenka

Amanda Anisimova produced a stunning comeback Thursday night, defeating four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3 to reach the US Open final. The 23-year-old American, seeded 23rd, will face defending champion and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday’s title clash as she seeks her first major crown. Earlier, Sabalenka booked her spot in a third consecutive US Open final by outlasting Jessica Pegula in three sets.


The eighth-seeded Anisimova, 24, who was born in New Jersey, booked her second consecutive Grand Slam final after battling for 2 hours and 56 minutes. At Wimbledon in July, Anisimova made it all the way to the title clash before losing 6-0, 6-0 to Iga Swiatek, whom she defeated in the US Open quarterfinals a few days back.



Osaka, a two-time champion in New York, looked sharp in her first major semifinal since 2021, taking a tight opening set in a tiebreak after twice exchanging breaks with Anisimova. But the eighth seed raised her level in the second set, edging another tiebreak to force a decider.


Anisimova carried the momentum into the final set, racing ahead 4-1 with a forehand winner and holding her composure to seal victory on her third match point. She dropped to her knees, yelling 'Let's go' in celebration after closing out the match.


"I wasn’t sure I would make it past the finish line and I tried to dig deep," said Anisimova, who needed three match points to get the job done. "It was a huge fight out there today."


Anisimova became the first player to defeat Osaka - the former world No. 1 and 23rd seed in New York - at such an advanced stage of a Grand Slam.