Naomi Osaka has achieved her best Grand Slam finish in over four years, despite her semifinal loss to Amanda Anisimova at the US Open.
After nearly three hours of play at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Anisimova advanced to the final after overcoming Osaka in three sets.
The Japanese star, whose last appearance in the final four of a major was at the Australian Open in 2021, took the first set against the American, but was ultimately denied a third final appearance in New York.
After the defeat, Osaka gave her thoughts on the impressive performance of Anisimova, who will now face Aryna Sabalenka for the title.
Photo by CHARLY TRIBALLEAU/AFP via Getty ImagesNaomi Osaka analyses Amanda Anisimova’s win over her at the US Open
“I wouldn’t say it’s a bigger challenge than I expected, as I kind of knew she is that type of player,” said the former world number one in her post-match press conference.
“It was just kind of funny at times because there is no pattern to what she is doing. It’s kind of like she just hits at the empty court or whatever, and it usually goes in.
“Obviously, she went to the finals of Wimbledon and now she is in the finals here, so it just shows that she is a really good player.
“Honestly, I thought she was the complete opposite of me! Just because with me, I am not trying to hit hard.
“When I am playing, I am watching my opponent and maybe the pace comes off harder, but I was kind of blocking her balls sometimes, so it depends on the pace that you give me.
“I play everyone a little bit differently, so I just happen to know that I have to be aggressive with her because obviously if I give her a softer ball, she is just going to crush it.”
Amanda Anisimova maintains her undefeated streak against Naomi Osaka
Anisimova has now beaten Osaka for the third time in a row, in what marks yet another Grand Slam victory for the 23-year-old in their head-to-head.
She first got the better of the four-time major champion in the third round of the 2022 Australian Open, where, like her most recent triumph, she came back from a set down to win.
MatchWinner2025 US Open SemifinalAnisimova2022 Roland Garros First RoundAnisimova2022 Australian Open Third RoundAnisimovaAmanda Anisimova’s head-to-head record against Naomi Osaka
Then, at Roland Garros later that year, Anisimova emerged victorious in straight sets against Osaka in their first clay-court clash.
After reaching the US Open final, the world number nine has kept her undefeated streak alive against the 27-year-old and will now have a chance to clinch a maiden Grand Slam title.
AloJapan.com