FLUSHING MEADOWS, Sept. 5, 2025 — Amanda Anisimova rallied from a first-set tiebreak loss to beat Naomi Osaka 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3 late Thursday at Arthur Ashe Stadium, earning a place in the U.S. Open final against reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka.
Key Takeaways
- Anisimova defeated Naomi Osaka 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3 to advance to the U.S. Open final.
- The match lasted nearly two and a half hours and finished close to 1 a.m. local time.
- Anisimova overcame visible fatigue and a second-set tiebreak swing to seize momentum.
- She will face world No. 1 and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
- This result extends a run of American women reaching Grand Slam finals this year.
- Osaka described the match as motivating and said she intends to train and improve after the loss.
Verified Facts
Anisimova lost the opening set tiebreak 7-6(4) but stayed in the match, breaking early in the second set and forcing a 7-6(3) tiebreak she won to level the match. She closed out the decider 6-3, converting match points after a series of high-quality baseline rallies.
Multiple moments late in the second set suggested Anisimova was physically taxed: she was frequently heaving for breath and appeared to struggle to generate first-serve speed. Despite that, she delivered cleaner ball-striking in key moments and took advantage when Osaka missed consecutive points in the second-set tiebreak.
The match ran about two and a half hours. At 5-3 in the third, Anisimova held serve to reach match point and then finished the victory with an inside-in forehand winner, dropping to her knees at the net in an emotional celebration.
By reaching the final, Anisimova will face Aryna Sabalenka, who earlier beat Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-2, 6-4. Sabalenka is the tournament’s defending champion and the current world No. 1.
Context & Impact
This result follows Anisimova’s difficult Wimbledon final in which she was beaten decisively; the victory in New York comes 54 days after that loss and signals a swift rebound in form and confidence.
A deeper run by Anisimova keeps alive a notable trend in 2025: American women reaching the late stages of Grand Slams. For tournament dynamics, a final between Anisimova and Sabalenka pits a clean-hitting, second-serve punisher against a power-driven, relentless aggressor who has added variety to her game.
- Tactical note: Anisimova’s aggression on second serves and improved defensive stretches were decisive.
- Match timing: Playing late at night tested both players’ stamina and composure.
Official Statements
I wasn’t sure I would make it past the finish line. I just tried to stay positive.
Amanda Anisimova
I did the best that I could. It’s inspiring — it makes me want to train and try to get better.
Naomi Osaka
Unconfirmed
- Whether fatigue from late-night scheduling will affect Anisimova’s recovery before the final remains uncertain.
- Long-term effects of Anisimova’s quick return to form after Wimbledon are open to interpretation and will depend on her preparation for the final.
Bottom Line
Amanda Anisimova’s victory over Naomi Osaka is a notable comeback that sends her into a high-stakes U.S. Open final against Aryna Sabalenka. The win highlights Anisimova’s improved resilience and shot-making under pressure; Sabalenka’s power and defending-champion experience will present a stern test.
Expect a final framed by Anisimova’s ability to attack second serves and Sabalenka’s capacity to end points quickly with heavy hitting and improved variation.