NEW YORK — After her win against Beatriz Haddad Maia on Labor Day, Amanda Anisimova shared her wish for more support from the New York crowd. On Wednesday, she got just that. The fans in Arthur Ashe Stadium cheered loudly as she defeated six-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek, advancing to her first US Open semifinal with a score of 6-4, 6-3.
This match was particularly significant since Swiatek had dominated Anisimova in their previous meeting, winning 6-0, 6-0 at Wimbledon. Both players exchanged breaks early in the match, but Anisimova held her composure to secure the first set. On her second chance, she took the set after a long rally ended with a Swiatek error.
Swiatek started strong in the second set, taking a 2-0 lead. However, fueled by the crowd’s chants of “We love you Amanda,” Anisimova quickly turned the tide, winning three straight games. Although Swiatek managed to tie it up, she couldn’t keep up the momentum. Anisimova, with the help of a fortunate net cord, held serve and secured a break to go up 5-3. Serving for the match, she faced some pressure but ultimately claimed victory with a shot that caught the net and fell just out of Swiatek’s reach.
Anisimova’s performance was impressive, finishing the match with 23 winners compared to Swiatek’s 13. She converted four out of nine break points, while the world No. 2 had limited chances, only converting two of four.
This win marks Anisimova’s second victory over a Top 2 player, following her memorable upset of Aryna Sabalenka at Wimbledon. She’s also the first American woman since Venus and Serena Williams to reach the semifinals at all three Grand Slam surfaces. Anisimova previously made it to the semifinals of the French Open in 2019.
Looking at user reactions on social media, many fans celebrated her win as an inspiring moment. One popular tweet highlighted how her determination and talent have captivated the audience. Engaging with her fans has become a crucial part of her journey, showcasing the positive impact of crowd support in sports.
In a sport where mental strength is as vital as physical skill, Anisimova’s ability to thrive under pressure speaks volumes about her character. According to a recent study by the Journal of Sports Psychology, athlete performance often improves with strong crowd support, emphasizing the importance of fan engagement in competitive sports.
As she moves forward in the tournament, all eyes will be on Anisimova. Her story is a reminder of how resilience and community support can lead to incredible achievements in sports.
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