The US Open is nearing its conclusion, with an exciting semifinal match set between Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova. Here’s a preview and prediction for this much-anticipated matchup.
Naomi Osaka
The Japanese player is returning to form, having once been ranked No. 1 in the world. This season, Osaka won a Challenger title, a notable feat for a clay tournament.
With high expectations, Osaka has reached the semifinals and has won the US Open twice before. She has been very confident in her matches, defeating Belgian Minnen 6-3, 6-4, American Baptiste 6-3, 6-1, and Australian Kasatkina 6-0, 4-6, 6-3. A key victory was against Coco Gauff, where she won 6-3, 6-2. In her last match, Osaka beat Czech Karolina Muchova 6-4, 7-6. Currently ranked 24th, she is likely to return to the top 20 soon.
Amanda Anisimova
The American player has made significant strides this season, moving up from No. 36 to No. 9. Anisimova won the title in Doha, reached the final in London, and made a notable run at Wimbledon, where she lost to Swiatek in the final.
At the US Open, Anisimova first defeated Kimberly Birrell 6-3, 6-2, and then Mayu Joint 7-6, 6-2. In the third round, she edged Romanian Cristian 6-4, 4-6, 6-2, before a strong victory over Haddad Maia 6-0, 6-3. In the quarterfinals, she surprised Swiatek with a 6-4, 6-3 win.
Though Anisimova has not yet won a Grand Slam, a victory at home would be particularly meaningful.
Head-to-head
These players have faced each other twice before, with Anisimova winning both times. Their last encounter was in 2022, and both players have improved since then.
Prediction
This matchup features two strong competitors who are hard to surprise. Bookmakers see it as closely contested, but I would lean toward Osaka. She has experience in winning major tournaments and tends to perform well under pressure. My prediction: a straight win for Naomi Osaka.
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