Tennis Legends React as Amanda Anisimova Stuns Iga Swiatek at US Open 2025

SME News UK. The US Open delivered one of its biggest shocks of the tournament as Amanda Anisimova stunned world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals, booking her place in a highly anticipated semi-final clash against Naomi Osaka.The American produced one of the finest performances of her career, defeating the six-time Grand Slam champion 6-4 6-3 in front of a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium. The victory comes just months after Anisimova suffered a crushing 6-0 6-0 defeat to Swiatek in the Wimbledon final, making the turnaround all the more remarkable.A Triumphant ComebackThe 24-year-old has been one of the stories of the season, returning to the top of the women’s game after a break from the sport. She followed up her run to the Wimbledon final with another deep push at her home Slam, showcasing a combination of power and composure that left Swiatek searching for answers.“She hits the ball so smoothly on the backhand side—it might be the best backhand in the game right now,” one former champion commented. “The way she struck the ball against Iga, so hard and so fearless, there was nothing Iga could do when Amanda played like that.”Henin: “I Didn’t Believe in Her Anymore”Seven-time Grand Slam champion Justine Henin admitted she had doubted whether Anisimova would ever return to her best after her struggles in recent years.“Two years ago, I didn’t believe in her anymore,” Henin said. “When we saw her struggles, we didn’t think she would come back like this. But it’s a lesson in courage and hard work. She took time to step away, to take care of herself, and now she’s using those difficult moments to her advantage. It’s impressive.”Henin also pointed to the significance of the American’s opening service game, recalling how nerves had cost her at Wimbledon. “Amanda had a game point in her first service game but managed to break back straight away—that was very important. She came on court with a much bigger idea than just doing better than Wimbledon.”Eyes on Osaka ShowdownAnisimova’s path to the last four included a 6-0 6-3 victory over Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia in the previous round, before her sensational dismantling of Swiatek. The win sets up a blockbuster semi-final against Naomi Osaka, who is also enjoying a resurgence in New York.With her fearless ball-striking and revitalized confidence, Anisimova has firmly reestablished herself among the sport’s elite. As Henin summed up: “She has incredible resources, and when she plays like this, she can beat anyone.”The US Open crowd will now brace for a semi-final showdown between two of the game’s most powerful hitters—Anisimova and Osaka—in what promises to be one of the matches of the tournament.