Staff Reporter.
@APPhoto.
Amanda Anisimova fought back from a set down to beat the resurgent Naomi Osaka and set up an enticing US Open final against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka.
In a topsy-turvy battle, Anisimova took charge of the deciding set win 6-7 (4-7) 7-6 (7-3) 6-3 and reach back-to-back Grand Slam finals.
The American eighth seed fell to a humbling 6-0 6-0 defeat by Iga Swiatek in her first major final at Wimbledon in July.
But 54 days on, she ensured another shot at Grand Slam glory after following up her semi-final revenge victory over Swiatek with a gritty win against two-time US Open winner Osaka.
Eighth seed Anisimova fell to her knees in celebration after a three-hour tussle that ended at just before 01:00 local time.
Her reward is a meeting Saturday’s showpiece against world number one Sabalenka, who earlier claimed a steely 4-6 6-3 6-4 comeback win over Jessica Pegula.
“It means the world. I’m trying to process that right now – it’s a dream come true,” Anisimova said. “The hope is to be the champion but I’m in the final now and I’m excited.”
Anisimova said of Osaka: “She’s back where she belongs. I told her I’m so proud of her after having the baby. She was really giving me a run for the final.
“I don’t feel sad,” Said Osaka. “I just feel like I did the best that I could. It’s honestly kind of inspiring for me. It makes me want to train and try to get better.”