Anisimova beats Osaka at US Open after a gripping three-set battle, winning 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), 6-3 in a semifinal that ended near 1 a.m. in New York. The No. 8 seed needed three match points and 2 hours 56 minutes to finish the job against the four-time Grand Slam champion. “I tried to dig deep,” Anisimova said after sealing the win. Osaka, seeded 23, had been 13-0 in major quarterfinals, semifinals and finals before this loss.
Sabalenka Showdown for the Title
The American meets defending champion and world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Saturday’s final. Their rivalry tilts Anisimova’s way at 6-3, and she upset Sabalenka in the Wimbledon semifinals in July before finishing runner-up to Iga Swiatek. This will also mark the fifth consecutive women’s Grand Slam final featuring an American. Anisimova beats Osaka at US Open and carries momentum—and belief—into another big-stage test.
Osaka’s Comeback Gathers Real Belief
Despite the defeat, Osaka called the run “inspiring” and said she “did the best that I could,” adding it makes her want to train harder. The 27-year-old returned to tour in early 2024 after giving birth and hadn’t reached a Slam’s second week since winning the Australian Open in 2021. Her Montreal final last month restored confidence following early exits at majors, including a first-round loss at Roland Garros. Osaka also noted the perspective of her journey as a tennis mother—only Margaret Court, Evonne Goolagong and Kim Clijsters have won Grand Slams after having children.
What it Means
Anisimova beats Osaka at US Open to book a second straight major final, reinforcing her surge in 2024. Osaka leaves New York with renewed optimism and sharper form than earlier in the season. For fans, the final promises first-strike power on hard courts—and a compelling Sabalenka–Anisimova chapter to close the fortnight.
