Amanda Anisimova expressed her admiration for Naomi Osaka after defeating the Japanese in the semifinals of the 2025 US Open. This match marked their third encounter on the WTA Tour, and with the victory, the American maintained her 100% head-to-head record against the former World No. 1.
This is Anisimova’s second time reaching the final of a Grand Slam tournament; her first came at the 2025 Wimbledon Championships, where she finished as the runner-up to Iga Świątek after losing with a scoreline of 6-0, 6-0.
What Did Amanda Anisimova Say About Naomi Osaka After Defeating Her at the 2025 US Open SF?
At the 2025 US Open, Anisimova is seeded eighth and she began her campaign by defeating Kimberly Birrell (6-3, 6-2), Maya Joint (7-6(2), 6-2), Jaqueline Cristian (6-4, 4-6, 6-2), and 18th seed Beatriz Haddad Maia (6-0, 6-3) in the first four rounds, respectively.
In the quarterfinals, Anisimova overcame the second seed, Świątek, winning 6-4, 6-3 to advance to the semifinals. There, she faced two-time US Open champion and 23rd seed Osaka. After dropping the first set, the American came back to win the match with a scoreline of 6-7 (4), 7-6 (3), 6-3, advancing to the final.
‘LET’S GO!’ She says! pic.twitter.com/LEh1KA4qmU
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2025
During her post-match on-court interview, Anisimova praised Osaka, stating that she is playing “amazing tennis” and is back to her best form since giving birth to her daughter, Shai, in July 2023.
The American described Osaka’s playing style as “insane” and mentioned that at one point during the match, the former World No. 1 made her doubt her ability to cross the finish line.
“I don’t know. I mean, Naomi is playing amazing tennis. I mean, she’s back where she belongs. And I told her I’m so proud of her after having a baby and playing at this level. It’s insane. She was really giving me a run for the final. I wasn’t sure I would make it past the finish line, and I tried to dig deep, and it was a huge fight out there today,” Anisimova said.
It was great to see @naomiosaka once again make a deep run at a Grand Slam.
Congratulations on a great tournament! pic.twitter.com/E1oRwANNbH
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2025
In addition to her singles campaign, Anisimova also competed in the mixed doubles event at the 2025 US Open alongside Holger Rune. They were seeded fourth but lost in the first round to the wild card pair of Taylor Townsend and Ben Shelton with a score of 2-4, 4-5(2).
Who Will Amanda Anisimova Face at the 2025 US Open Final?
Following her victory over Osaka, Anisimova is set to compete against defending champion and top seed Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final. Sabalenka clinched the New York Major in 2024 by defeating Jessica Pegula in the title clash. This year, she eliminated Rebeka Masarova (7-5, 6-1), Polina Kudermetova (7-6(4), 6-2), 31st seed Leylah Fernandez (6-3, 7-6(2)), and Cristina Bucșa (6-1, 6-4) in the first four rounds.
Originally scheduled to face Markéta Vondroušová in the quarterfinals, Sabalenka advanced to the semifinals after the Czech withdrew due to a knee injury. In the last four, she faced fourth seed Jessica Pegula in a rematch of last year’s final and won 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to reach her third successive US Open final.
Aryna keeps her title defense ALIVE
Sabalenka prevails in a three-set showdown with Pegula to return to the US Open final! pic.twitter.com/jq8hepDUZ3
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2025
Anisimova and Sabalenka have faced each other nine times on the WTA Tour, with the American winning six of those matches. Their most recent encounter came in the Wimbledon semifinals not too long back, where Anisimova triumphed 6-4, 4-6, 6-4.
