In her first China Open final, Amanda Anisimova defeated defending champion Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-2, in just 58 minutes on Saturday.
In Sunday’s Beijing title decider, Anisimova will face either fellow American Jessica Pegula, the fifth seed, or Czech Republic’s 26th-seeded Linda Noskova.
Third-seeded Anisimova, who was defeated by Aryna Sabalenka in the final in New York a month ago, said, “I felt really good throughout the entire match.”
“My favorite method of play is today, and all of my shots were working.”
I was already anticipating a lot of action because Coco is a very tough player.
Anisimova, who had taken a break after the US Open and had removed a tooth the day of her flight, said she was relieved to be back in a final so soon.
The 24-year-old, who is one win away from winning a fourth career title, said, “I didn’t really feel like I was match fit ahead of the tournament.”
I was like, “Is it a mistake that I’m flying there (Beijing) and things are just getting off to a bad start?”
However, I believe I learned that when I’m under pressure or physically unbalanced, I actually play better.
Read more about “Suffering” Djokovic’s Battles Past Cilic in Shanghai Opener.
In 15 minutes, Anisimova took control of the first set by hitting a number of long and angled shots into the net.
The 21-year-old reigning French Open champion double-faulted twice to give Anisimova two set points before putting herself on the scoreboard.
But it came too late and was far too little.
In the second set, Gauff’s nightmare persisted as Anisimova once more jumped out to a 5-0 lead.
Gauff was able to reduce that deficit by two games, but Anisimova, who had a strong lead, won.
In the Chinese capital, Anisimova resurrected two three-set comebacks, making it her quickest win to date.
She is undoubtedly one of the best, Gauff said.
“Today, I need to step up my game and perform better.”
Before Saturday, Gauff had only lost to Poland’s Iga Swiatek, who was also in the semi-finals, on Beijing’s center Diamond Court.
Anisimova, who qualified for this week’s WTA Finals in Beijing, continued, “It’s been a great year for me.”
“I’m looking forward to finishing the season strong because it’s a long year for many players,” I said.
Gauff, the second seed, won the overcrowded stadium, but Anisimova praised the crowd.
She remarked, “The crowd support has been incredible since I first arrived here.”
Source: Channels TV
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