Amanda Anisimova reached the final of the China Open after a strong performance against Coco Gauff, winning 6-1, 6-2 in just 58 minutes on Saturday. The American will now face Czech player Linda Noskova in Sunday’s final.
Noskova, seeded 26th, pulled off a surprise win against world number 5 Jessica Pegula in the other semi-final. She saved three match points before winning in three sets.
“I felt really good throughout the match,” said third seed Anisimova, who recently reached the US Open final. “All my shots were working, which is the way I love to play. Coco is a tough player, so I knew I had to play my best.”
Anisimova also said she was surprised to be back in a final so soon. She took time off after the US Open and even had a tooth removed just before travelling to China.
“I didn’t feel match-ready coming into the tournament. I actually wondered if it was a mistake to come,” she admitted. “But I’ve learned that when I’m not feeling my best, I often play with less pressure, and better.”
Gauff struggled from the start, making several mistakes in the first set. She double-faulted twice and quickly went 5-0 down. Although she managed to get one game on the scoreboard, Anisimova took the set easily.
The second set was similar, with Anisimova again racing to a 5-0 lead. Gauff won two games late on, but it wasn’t enough to stop Anisimova finishing the match quickly.
“She’s definitely one of the best,” said Gauff. “I wish I had played better today. I need to step up my game.”
This was only Gauff’s second loss on the main court in Beijing. The first came last year against world number two Iga Swiatek.
Anisimova has now reached another final and also secured her place in the WTA Finals.
Noskova stuns Pegula
In the other semi-final, 20-year-old Linda Noskova beat Jessica Pegula 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (8-6). The match lasted two hours and 28 minutes.
“Jessica played really well,” said Noskova. “It could have gone either way. I’m just very happy to get the win.”
The two players battled through long rallies, with both pushing each other to the limit. Pegula even had match point, but double-faulted, and the set went into a tense tiebreak, which Noskova edged.
“It was a really tough match, both physically and mentally,” Noskova added. “I’m going to enjoy this win.”
The final on Sunday will be Noskova’s biggest career match so far. She is aiming to win her second title, and her first at WTA 1000 level.
