Amanda Anisimova’s breakthrough run at the 2025 China Open has shifted attention to her impressive progress and the high level she has displayed across the tournament. Marking her first-ever appearance in the China Open final, Anisimova has added another remarkable chapter to what has already been a highly successful season. During her post-match press conference, she addressed this and talked about the real reason behind her impressive performance.
What Did Amanda Anisimova Say After Defeating Coco Gauff at the 2025 China Open?
Anisimova made headlines after a dominant performance to defeat defending champion Coco Gauff 6-1, 6-2 in the China Open semi-finals. The commanding win over Gauff, who is ranked No. 3 in the world, took just an hour, with Anisimova seizing control from the start and never letting up. She established a 5-0 lead early in both sets, consistently outplaying her compatriot to secure a place in her maiden final in Beijing.
After the match, Anisimova was asked whether this run in Beijing was something she anticipated, considering her preparation following the US Open. The World No.4 responded by saying that she was surprised by her run as she did not feel “match-fit” enough ahead of the tournament.
“It’s actually pretty surprising because I feel like I took too much time off after US Open. I learned from that because I didn’t really feel like I was match-fit ahead of the tournament. Had to take my wisdom tooth out the day that I flew. I was like, ‘Oh, is it a mistake I’m flying there?’ Everything was just off to a bad start,” Anisimova said.
Despite her uncertain preparation, the American reflected on her ability to play at a high level even when facing physical and mental challenges. She pointed out:
“I think when I’m not feeling my best physically or I’m facing a challenge, I think I pay so much attention to that that I actually play better ’cause I don’t have as much pressure and I’m just seeing how far I can get…Surprisingly, that’s when I play my best I feel like.”
Throughout the week, Anisimova said she experienced considerable progress in handling “physical pain” and pushing herself during demanding matches.
“Just really happy that I stuck with it and kept pushing myself even when I thought I couldn’t anymore,” the 24-year-old said.
Anisimova’s Exceptional Form at the China Open
Anisimova’s brilliant performance at the China Open marks her first appearance in the final of this prestigious tournament and continues what has been a season of breakthroughs. Following deep runs at Wimbledon and the US Open, she has cemented herself as one of the most consistent players on tour, now holding wins against current top-ranked players Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, and Coco Gauff this year.
Anisimova d. Coco Gauff 6-1 6-2 in Beijing
Amanda reaches her 2nd WTA 1000 final of the year.
She’s played great tennis all season… but this was just insane… brilliant ball-bashing at its finest.
✅9th final
✅5th final of 2025
✅Back-to-back top 10 winsTaking unplayable… pic.twitter.com/EUxPev11cE
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) October 4, 2025
She beat last year’s finalist KarolÃna Muchová in the round of 16, after losing the first set 6-1. The American showed her resilience in the quarterfinals as well, overcoming the first set defeat against Italy’s Jasime Paolini, to beat her in three sets.
MORE: Amanda Anisimova Gives Hilarious Update on Her WTA Headshot
She will either face fifth seed Jessica Pegula or the 26th seed, Linda Nosková, in the final.
