Anisimova Stuns Gauff to Reach China Open Final, Sets Up Clash with Noskova

Amanda Anisimova delivered a stunning performance at the China Open on Saturday, overpowering defending champion Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-2 in just 58 minutes to advance to the final. The U.S. Open runner-up will now face Czech rising star Linda Noskova, who pulled off a dramatic victory over Jessica Pegula in the day’s other semifinal.

Anisimova, seeded third, was in imperious form from the opening game, breaking Gauff’s serve twice to race to a 5-0 lead within 15 minutes. The 21-year-old Gauff, who has been in consistent form since her French Open triumph earlier this year, struggled with unforced errors and double faults, handing her opponent an easy opening set. Despite briefly halting Anisimova’s momentum to win one game, Gauff was unable to turn the tide.

The second set followed a similar pattern, with Anisimova quickly asserting control and surging ahead 5-0 once more. Though Gauff managed to win two games late in the set, Anisimova maintained her composure to seal the win—her fastest of the tournament—without allowing the match to reach an hour.

“I felt really good throughout the whole match,” said the 24-year-old American, who was runner-up to Aryna Sabalenka in New York just a month ago. “All my shots were working today, which is my favorite way to play. Coco’s a really tough player, so I knew I had to really step it up.”

Anisimova admitted she had not expected to make another deep run so soon after the U.S. Open. “I didn’t really feel match-fit ahead of the tournament,” she said. “I even had a tooth removed the day of my flight. But I think when I’m not feeling my best physically, I play with less pressure—and that helps.”

Gauff, reflecting on the loss, praised her opponent’s performance. “She’s definitely one of the best,” she said. “I would have liked to perform better today, but I’ll learn from this.”

The win secures Anisimova’s place in the WTA Finals and gives her a shot at a fourth career title.

Her opponent in Sunday’s final, 20-year-old Noskova, produced one of the biggest upsets of the tournament by defeating fifth-seeded Pegula 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (8/6). The Czech saved three match points before clinching victory in two hours and 28 minutes.

“(Pegula) played incredible,” Noskova said. “It was just two points away from a win or a loss, so I’m just so happy I could pull through. It was a tough match mentally and physically, and I’m going to cherish this win.”

Noskova, chasing the second title of her career and her first at the WTA 1000 level, will now meet Anisimova in what promises to be a captivating final in Beijing.