Anisimova’s Positivity Powers Stunning US Open Win Over Osaka
Amanda Anisimova has shown once again that sometimes, belief and positivity can carry an athlete through the most difficult of challenges. In an unforgettable semifinal at the US Open, the American eighth seed fought back from a set down to defeat four-time major champion Naomi Osaka in a tense and emotional battle that stretched past midnight in New York. The scoreline—6-7, 7-6, 6-3—only hints at the intensity of the encounter, but what stood out most was the way Anisimova leaned on mental strength to turn the match around.
Early on, it looked like the night might belong to Osaka. She had taken the opening set in a tie-break, and history suggested the odds were heavily in her favor. Osaka had almost never lost a Grand Slam match after winning the first set. Anisimova, by contrast, seemed rattled. She admitted afterwards that nerves and stress were creeping into her game, making her doubt herself. But instead of giving in, she decided to fight back with a different weapon—her mindset.
Also Read:She described how she kept repeating to herself, both on and off the court, that she could do it. That mantra became a lifeline. By visualizing success, by manifesting belief even when her game wasn’t flowing, she managed to stay present. It was not just tennis skills that carried her through the second set tiebreak; it was the conviction that she could hang in against one of the most dangerous players in the sport.
What makes this victory even more remarkable is the backdrop of her season. Just weeks ago, Anisimova suffered one of the most crushing defeats in modern Grand Slam history—a 6-0, 6-0 loss to Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final. A result like that could have broken her spirit. Instead, it became fuel. She worked on her mental resilience, determined not to let that experience define her. Against Osaka, those lessons were put to the test, and she passed with composure.
Her celebration at the end—falling to her knees after three hours of battling—spoke volumes about the emotional weight of the moment. With the victory, Anisimova not only reached back-to-back Grand Slam finals, but also reminded the tennis world that setbacks can be stepping stones when met with courage.
For Osaka, this was still a tournament to be proud of. After returning from maternity leave just last year and struggling to rediscover her form, she showed flashes of the power and movement that once made her world number one. Her run to the semifinals was proof that she remains a force to be reckoned with.
Now, Anisimova sets her sights on the final against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka. It promises to be another fierce contest. But whatever happens, Anisimova has already delivered a powerful reminder: in sport, as in life, the ability to believe when the odds seem stacked against you can make all the difference.
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