Belarusian star extends winning run over No. 4 seeded American in rematch of 2024 final.
Amanda Anisimova clawed back from a set down to topple four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3 and storm into her first US Open final.
The 24-year-old American, who avenged her Wimbledon loss to Iga Swiatek on Wednesday, lit up Arthur Ashe Stadium with a fearless fightback. Up next is world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who held off home favourite Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, setting up a blockbuster final.
"Oh my God. It means the world," Anisimova said, her voice cracking as she tried to absorb the moment.
"It's absolutely a dream come true. I’ve wanted this forever, to be in the US Open final, and the hope is to be the champion."
Osaka, twice a winner in New York, embraced the spotlight in her first Slam semi since 2021, roaring with delight as she grabbed the opening set in a tense tiebreak after both players exchanged early breaks.
Osaka broke in opening game of the first set only to see Anisimova, aiming for her first Grand Slam title, break back soon and make it 2-2.
Another break for Osaka in the fifth game after a succession of unforced errors by the American put the Japanese firm in the saddle. However, the American levelled the score with a break in the 10th game.
Both players held thereafter to take the set to the tie-breaker, which Osaka won 7-6(4).
But Anisimova, seeded 23rd, refused to blink. Matching Osaka blow for blow, she dragged the match into a second tiebreak and seized it with aggression to force a decider.
From there, the American stormed 4-1 ahead with a forehand winner and never let go, showing the steel that has carried her into back-to-back Grand Slam finals.
For Osaka, the loss brought perspective rather than regret.
"I don't feel sad. It's really weird ... because I just feel like I did the best that I could," she said. "Honestly, it’s kind of inspiring for me — it makes me want to train, get better, and give it my best shot again. I can’t be mad at myself."
With the home crowd firmly behind her, Anisimova will now chase the crown she has long dreamed of lifting in New York.
Earlier, defending champion Aryna Sabalenka staged a grand fightback to beat Jessica Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 and enter the women's singles final at the US Open on Thursday.
The Belarusian had beaten the No. 4 seeded American in seven of nine match-ups, including the last three, before Thursday's semi-final and extended that record with a fine all-round showing in a rematch of last year’s final at the Arthur Ashe stadium.
"It was a really tough match. I had to work hard to get this win. She’s such a great player, such a great fighter. Hopefully I can go all the way again. And thank you guys for bringing the best atmosphere," said Sabalenka after the match.
Sabalenka will take on either four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka of Japan or American eighth seed Amanda Anisimova.
Sabalenka held the early initiative with a punishing sequence of shots as the first four games in the first set went on serve before she broke in the fifth with a forehand winner after Pegula saved two break-points.
However, Pegula broke back in the seventh game, ending Sabalenka’s 30 games winning streak.
Backed by vociferous home fans she broke again and held serve at love in the 10th to take the first set from 2-4 down.
Sabalenka got off to a solid start in the second set, breaking Pegula in the second game and holding in the next to go 3-0 up.
In the fourth, she was 0-30 down and drew level but the American did well to hold.
Both players then held serve before Sabalenka got another break in the eighth game to take the set 6-3.
The deciding set was a battle royal. Sabalenka got off to a rousing start, breaking Pegula in the first game and holding at love to go 2-0 up.
That proved the crucial break as Pegula failed to shake the confidence of the No. 1 seed, who sent down with 43 winners and eight aces.
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