Anisimova Stuns Swiatek at US Open Quarterfinals

New York, Sep 4 (AP) Amanda Anisimova delivered a stunning upset at the U.S. Open on Wednesday, defeating Iga Swiatek 6-4, 6-3 in the quarterfinals. This victory comes less than two months after Anisimova faced a crushing 6-0, 6-0 loss to the six-time Grand Slam champion in the Wimbledon final.

The triumph propels 8th-seeded Anisimova to her third major semifinal, marking her first at Flushing Meadows. “To come back from Wimbledon like that is really special to me,” said Anisimova, the 24-year-old who grew up in Florida. “I feel like I worked so hard to try and turn around from that. Today is really special.” Her powerful strokes and poise on Arthur Ashe Stadium stood in stark contrast to her performance at Wimbledon’s Centre Court on July 12.

During that title match, which lasted a mere 57 minutes, Anisimova could only win 24 points—a tally she surpassed midway through the first set at the U.S. Open. “Everybody knows how Amanda can play. Yeah, she didn't play well in Wimbledon,” acknowledged Swiatek, also 24, from Poland. “But it's not like she's always going to do the same mistakes or feel the same.” Anisimova, who was tearful during her Wimbledon runner-up speech, was all smiles as she addressed the cheering crowd on Wednesday.

“Playing here is so freaking special,” Anisimova enthused, “and I've been having the run of my life here.” She faces another challenge on Thursday as she aims for her second consecutive major final, playing against four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka. Osaka advanced by ousting Coco Gauff on Monday and overcoming No. 11 seed Karolina Muchova 6-4, 7-6 (3).

In her quarterfinal against Swiatek, Anisimova initially faltered, dropping three consecutive points with forehand errors during her first service game. Yet, she quickly regained composure, breaking Swiatek back and taking charge with commanding groundstrokes that yielded 23 winners to Swiatek’s 13. Anisimova also kept her errors to a minimum, with just 12 unforced errors.

“She moved better, she played better,” Swiatek said, noting the contrast from Wimbledon. Swiatek’s serve faltered as well, with only 50% of first serves landing in and resulting in four breaks. “I couldn't win today's match playing like that, serving like that, and with Amanda being so aggressive on the returns,” admitted Swiatek.

The second set saw Anisimova again fall behind 2-0 but regain control to clinch the match. Swiatek’s visible frustration contrasted with Anisimova’s determination. When Swiatek double-faulted to go down 5-3, Anisimova served out the match, relishing her redemption.

“From the get-go, I was trying to fire myself up,” Anisimova said. “She is one of the toughest players I've ever played. I knew I was going to have to dig deep.”

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