Anisimova pulls off the upset: Beats Swiatek and advances to the US Open Semifinals

Amanda Anisimova Defeats Iga Swiatek and Advances to US Open 2025 Semifinals

After the defeat in the Wimbledon final in July, Amanda Anisimova, with tears in her eyes, addressed the crowd with determination. Despite losing 6-0, 6-0 to Iga Swiatek in a quick 57-minute match, the American tennis player demonstrated a remarkable confidence that captivated those present on center court.

I know today wasn’t enough, but I will keep working. I always believe in myself, so I hope to be back here someday.

Amanda Anisimova

Despite not having returned to a Grand Slam final yet, Anisimova had her chance for revenge against Swiatek in the US Open quarterfinals. Although she started as the clear underdog, with the support of the public in Arthur Ashe Stadium, Anisimova achieved a 6-4, 6-3 victory to advance to her first semifinal in New York.

After the triumph, Anisimova smiled and raised her arms in a sign of celebration, visibly moved by her achievement. “Playing here is very special and I have been having the best streak of my life,” commented Anisimova. “Coming back from Wimbledon like this is really special for me. I feel like I worked very hard to try to change that, and today it showed everything for me. I can do it, so yes. This is really special.”

Anisimova’s season has been a resurrection. After excelling in youth categories and winning the US Open junior in 2017, she burst onto the professional circuit with a surprising semi-final at the 2019 Roland Garros at the age of 17. However, her career was affected by personal and professional problems, including the death of her father and several injuries. After a difficult start in 2023, she announced an indefinite break for mental health, going so far as to consider tennis “unbearable”. After eight months away from the circuit, she returned at the beginning of 2024, reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open, but with mixed results. However, 2025 has been different. Anisimova won the most important title of her career at the Qatar Open level 1000 in February. She reached her first grass court final at Queen’s Club in June, and then followed up with her outstanding performance at Wimbledon, including a thrilling three-set victory over Aryna Sabalenka in the semi-finals, which allowed her to enter the top 10 for the first time. After the defeat at Wimbledon, a phone call with a friend helped her find humor in the situation. After a short break, she returned to play the Canadian Open. In the two tournaments prior to the US Open, she had only achieved two victories and had never advanced beyond the third round in the tournament. However, she arrived at the last Grand Slam of the year with momentum and positivity, and with everything learned from reaching the Wimbledon final.

I think having that experience and experiencing what that final was definitely gives me some ideas and certain things that I can bring with me for this tournament, especially dealing with the stress and tension of it being a home tournament, and there’s a bit of pressure on me. I think the way the final went gave me a better perspective on how I should manage my nerves.

Amanda Anisimova

With her improved profile and ranking, Anisimova has played every match on a main court, and despite the added attention, she has shown incredible composure and mental strength. She has lost only one set and has dominated every match. On Monday, in the round of 16, she achieved a “bagel” set against Beatriz Haddad Maia.

On Wednesday, in front of a crowd that constantly cheered her on, Anisimova was broken in the first game, but immediately recovered, breaking Swiatek’s serve. She won six of the next seven games, thanks to her powerful serve, returns and unwavering attitude. She had 23 winners and only 12 unforced errors.

Swiatek admitted that her inconsistent serve made the difference in the outcome of the match, but she was not surprised by Anisimova’s level. “I think everyone knows how Amanda can play,” said Swiatek. “Yes, she didn’t play well at Wimbledon, but it’s not like she’s always going to make the same mistakes or feel the same.”

Anisimova called this victory the “most significant” of her career. In her third Grand Slam semifinal, Anisimova will face Naomi Osaka. Anisimova has beaten Osaka twice, but they haven’t faced each other since 2022. On Thursday, she will have the opportunity to reach her second consecutive Slam final.

It still feels a bit surreal, for sure. I mean, I have that belief in myself and that confidence that I am capable of playing at the highest level, and I am capable of really taking on these top three and everyone in the top 10. I’ve shown it, and I think I could show it again and again for a long time. It’s really competitive these days, and the Grand Slams are really difficult too, so I’m really happy to have come this far for the first time.

Amanda Anisimova