Amanda Anisimova powered past defending champion Coco Gauff with a stunning 6-1, 6-2 victory on Saturday to advance to her first China Open final in Beijing.
The 24-year-old American, who finished runner-up at last month’s US Open, delivered a commanding display that left her compatriot with few answers. In just 58 minutes, she booked a spot in Sunday’s title decider against either fifth seed Jessica Pegula or Czech youngster Linda Noskova.
Anisimova entered the semifinal with little expectation, having taken time off after the US Open and even undergoing dental surgery before arriving in Beijing. But from the first game, she looked sharp, composed, and relentless, dictating play with deep, precise groundstrokes and confident serves.
A One-Sided Start
Anisimova wasted no time asserting control, racing to a 5-0 lead in the opening set as Gauff struggled to settle into rhythm. The reigning French Open champion, usually known for her defensive resilience, committed a series of unforced errors and double faults that handed her opponent early momentum.
Although Gauff eventually held serve to avoid a first-set whitewash, Anisimova quickly closed out the set and carried her momentum into the second. Again, she surged 5-0 ahead before Gauff managed a brief two-game fightback. But the match ended just as swiftly as it began, with Anisimova sealing her quickest win of the tournament.
Form, Focus, And Fire
Anisimova’s resurgence marks a continuation of her stellar 2025 season. Despite feeling unprepared before the tournament, she has played with calm assurance, blending power with precision. The world No. 7, who has already secured qualification for the WTA Finals, now stands one victory away from her fourth career title.
Reflecting on her run, Anisimova said her ability to perform under less-than-ideal circumstances has been a valuable lesson. She credited her focus and the energy of the Beijing crowd for pushing her through.
For Gauff, it was a humbling defeat on a court where she had never previously lost, having reached the semifinals last year. The 21-year-old admitted she fell short of her own standards and vowed to improve heading into the final stretch of the season.
Anisimova, however, will head into Sunday’s final brimming with confidence, eager to cap off an impressive year with another major title.
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