In a match that stretched nearly three hours under the Beijing lights, Amanda Anisimova claimed a hard-fought victory over Jasmine Paolini in the quarterfinals of the China Open. The American triumphed 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-4, advancing to the semifinals with a display of grit that belied her recent inconsistencies on tour.
Paolini, the sixth seed and riding high after a strong run in Asia, started aggressively, forcing a tiebreaker in the first set where she edged ahead. Her baseline power kept Anisimova on the defensive early on. However, Anisimova, known for her explosive forehand, refused to fade. She broke serve in the second set to level the contest, her movement sharpening as the match wore on.
Indeed, the third set turned into a battle of endurance. Paolini's errors crept in—double faults at crucial moments—while Anisimova pounced with 14 aces overall, many landing when it mattered most. The Italian fought back valiantly, saving match points, but ultimately couldn't stem the tide. This win marks Anisimova's seventh quarterfinal of the 2025 season, a testament to her resurgence since returning from a break earlier this year.
Paolini, meanwhile, exits with her head held high; she's notched impressive results this fall, including deep runs in previous events. However, the loss highlights ongoing challenges against top aggressors like Anisimova. For the American, it's a step closer to another title, her first since Toronto last summer. The semifinal matchup awaits, potentially against a familiar foe.
Moreover, this encounter underscores the depth in women's tennis right now—where every point feels like a statement. As the China Open progresses, one can't help but wonder how these rising stars will shape the end-of-year races.