NEW YORK – Amanda Anisimova produced the performance of her career on Wednesday, stunning second seed Iga Swiatek in straight sets to reach the US Open semifinals and set up a blockbuster clash with Naomi Osaka. The 24-year-old American, seeded eighth, avenged her humiliating double-bagel defeat to Swiatek at Wimbledon two months ago with a 6-4, 6-3 victory under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium. “I’ve been having the run of my life here,” said a jubilant Anisimova. “To come back from what happened at Wimbledon and play this way means everything to me. Today is definitely the most meaningful victory of my life.”
Swiatek, the reigning Wimbledon and Cincinnati champion, started brightly with an early break but struggled with unforced errors at key moments. Anisimova fought back with fearless hitting, seizing the first set when Swiatek pushed a forehand long. The Pole double-faulted to hand over the decisive break in the second set, and though she saved two match points, a fortunate net cord sealed Anisimova’s redemption. “I just didn’t play well enough today,” admitted Swiatek. “I need to move on quickly and focus on the future.” In the same session, former champion Naomi Osaka extended her resurgent run by defeating Czech 11th seed Karolina Muchova 6-4, 7-6 (7/3). The Japanese star, who returned to the tour in 2023 after giving birth to her daughter, struck 30 winners in a vintage display. “It’s been a while since I’ve been in this position,” said Osaka, who won the US Open in 2018 and 2020. “At this stage of a Slam, it’s like boxing with tennis balls — everyone’s fighting for the same thing.” Osaka has never beaten Anisimova, having lost their only two previous meetings in 2022.
On the men’s side, defending champion Jannik Sinner powered past compatriot Lorenzo Musetti 6-1, 6-4, 6-2 in the first all-Italian men’s Grand Slam quarterfinal. The 24-year-old world No.1 was dominant throughout, tying Italian legend Nicola Pietrangeli’s record of 86 Grand Slam wins. “It was a great performance, very solid,” Sinner said. “Every player who reaches a Slam semifinal is playing their best tennis. I’ll need to be ready.”
He will face Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime, who outlasted Australia’s Alex de Minaur 4-6, 7-6 (9/7), 7-5, 7-6 (7/4) in a marathon lasting over four hours. The 25-year-old Canadian returns to a Grand Slam semifinal for the first time since 2021. “It feels amazing,” said Auger-Aliassime. “The last few years were tough, but it’s special to be back here.”
