Anisimova vs Osaka

We have an incredible, if unexpected, women’s semifinal in store for us at the US Open on Thursday. Amanda Animisova reached this stage by avenging her 6-0 6-0 loss in the Wimbledon final, while Osaka has looked back to her elite self this summer. Which of these women do you think will reach the final? Our writers share their thoughts. Predicting this match are Jordan Reynolds, Zain Mustafa, Yesh Ginsburg, Ateet Shrivastava, and Andreas Pelekis. We also have predictions for the other semifinal, between Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula.

US Open Women’s Semifinal Predictions

Jordan:

It will be fascinating to observe how Osaka approaches this match against one of the few players who hits harder than her from the baseline, especially on the backhand side. The two-time US Open champion has been willing to dig in and be consistent in the rallies, showing that against Coco Gauff. But I think Anisimova will hand Osaka her first Grand Slam semifinal loss. Although the Japanese star’s level in New York has been excellent, I think she will get overwhelmed if Anisimova plays near the level she found against Iga Swiatek. The home favorite was in inspired form.

Prediction: Anisimova in 2

Zain:

A battle of heavy hitters, this will be the first meeting between Amanda Anisimova and Naomi Osaka since both returned back to the tour. Fans can expect a classic hard-court showdown filled with power and clean ball striking.

Coming off her stunning win over the world’s most in-form player, Iga Swiatek, Anisimova should be full of confidence as she looks to reach yet another Major final, this time in front of her home crowd. For Osaka, this stage represents a return to where she belongs. Already a two-time US Open champion, she looks comfortable and ready to reclaim her place among the elite.

This match will come down to serving and first-strike tennis. For Anisimova, the key will be using her backhand to redirect play and keep Osaka moving. For Osaka, it will be about controlling rallies with her forehand and dictating whenever possible. Expect a close contest, perhaps with a tiebreak or two, but in the end, the home favorite, and the player leading the head-to-head, gets the slight edge for me.

Prediction: Anisimova in 3

Yesh:

This should be an incredible match. I’m not sure anyone in the world is playing as well as these two are right now. Osaka has tremendous power, yes, but also exceptional court coverage and problem-solving. Anisimova, meanwhile, hits the ball so flat and so hard that not even the best in the world have responses. The American crumbled a bit in the Wimbledon final, but she seems past that right now. I’m thinking she’s going to grab a maiden Major title at her home Slam.

Prediction: Anisimova in 2

Ateet:

Amanda Anismova got her revenge for the Wimbledon final as she defeated Iga Swiatek in straight sets. She went after Swiatek’s second serve and made the most of it. Naomi Osaka is playing some of her best tennis and has a similar game to Anisimova. Both players have the ability to run away with the match when they are on and I expect a close one considering the form of these two. Anisimova has the edge in head-to-head but I’m backing Osaka to reach her first Grand Slam final since 2021.

Prediction: Osaka in 3

Andreas:

Anisimova is having the best season of her career, while Osaka has brought back glimpses of her best this tournament. Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has never lost in a Grand Slam quarterfinal, semifinal, or final. That stat might be interesting against Anisimova, who could be nervous in front of a home crowd in a prime time match. Both players are surely going to play offensive tennis against one another, and it should come down to whoever is more consistent. It’s hard to bet against Osaka with just one set dropped, but Anisimova coming off a stunner against Iga Swiatek could give her a nice confidence boost. She’s also won all of her matches against the former World No. 1. Going for the American in a close match, but it’s either athlete’s match to win or lose.

Prediction: Anisimova in 3

Main Photo Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

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