In a matchup that pitted two of America's rising stars against each other, Amanda Anisimova delivered a commanding performance to defeat defending champion Coco Gauff in the semifinals of the 2025 China Open on Saturday. The 6-3, 6-4 victory sends Anisimova into her first WTA 1000 final since her breakthrough run, while Gauff's title defense comes to an abrupt end. Indeed, the all-American clash, which hadn't seen such a deep run from two U.S. players in Beijing since 2004, lived up to the hype but tilted decisively in Anisimova's favor from the outset.
Anisimova, ranked No. 4 in the world, showcased her aggressive baseline game right from the first set. She broke Gauff's serve early, capitalizing on unforced errors that seemed to plague the younger player. Gauff, known for her relentless defense and speed, struggled to find rhythm against Anisimova's powerful groundstrokes. By the middle of the second set, Anisimova had built a lead that Gauff could only chip away at briefly, but a crucial hold at 5-4 sealed the deal. The match lasted just over an hour and a half, a brisk affair compared to some of the longer battles both had endured earlier in the tournament.
However, this wasn't just about the scoreline. Anisimova's resurgence this year—reaching finals at Wimbledon and the US Open—has been marked by a renewed confidence that was evident here. Gauff, fresh off her French Open triumph, appeared somewhat fatigued after grinding through three-set wins in the quarters and round of 16. Moreover, the Beijing crowd, though sparse due to the early morning start, buzzed with appreciation for Anisimova's iron-willed play, especially after her grueling three-hour quarterfinal win over Jasmine Paolini the day before.
Now, Anisimova awaits the winner of the other semifinal between Jessica Pegula and Linda Noskova, setting up what could be another American showdown in the final. For Gauff, the loss stings, particularly as she aimed to repeat her 2024 success in the Chinese capital. Yet, in the broader scheme of the WTA tour's evolving landscape, such encounters highlight how fiercely competitive the top ranks have become.