Amanda Anisimova showcased trademark resilience to fight back from a shaky start and secure her spot in the China Open quarter-finals. The World No. 4 overcame 2024 finalist Karolina Muchova 1-6, 6-2, 6-4 in a two-hour, three-minute battle, booking her fifth career WTA 1000 quarter-final appearance and second of the season after her title run in Doha.
A Tale of Two Americans
Anisimova’s victory keeps U.S. hopes alive in Beijing, as she joins compatriot Coco Gauff in the last eight. Earlier, McCartney Kessler’s spirited run came to an end at the hands of Germany’s Eva Lys, who advanced to her maiden WTA 1000 quarter-final. While Kessler bowed out, Anisimova continued to demonstrate why she remains one of the most consistent performers on the tour.
Muchova’s First-Set Domination
The opening set belonged entirely to Muchova, who came out firing. The Czech, seeded No. 15, broke twice in quick succession and raced to a 4-0 lead. Anisimova struggled to find rhythm on her serve, conceding 53% of return points on first serve and a staggering 87% when forced to rely on her second delivery. Despite rescuing one service game to avoid a bagel, the American could not halt Muchova’s momentum, dropping the opener 6-1 in just 28 minutes.
Anisimova Flips the Script
But as she has so often done, Anisimova responded with authority. The 22-year-old reeled off five straight games to seize control of the second set, pouncing on Muchova’s brief spell of inconsistency. Dominating all of a sudden behind her first serve and dictating with aggressive returns, she closed out the set 6-2 to level the match.
A Decisive Break at 4-4
The final set saw both players holding firm, with neither willing to blink. At 4-4, the turning point arrived: Anisimova created the crucial break opportunity and converted with precision, surging ahead 5-4. Serving for the match, she held her nerve, sealing the comeback 6-4 to advance once more into the business end of a WTA 1000 tournament.
Muchova vs Anisimova – Full Match Stats
| Statistic | Muchova | Anisimova |
|---|---|---|
| Dominance Ratio | 0.98 | 1.02 |
| Serve Rating | 258 | 255 |
| Aces | 6 | 1 |
| Double Faults | 1 | 2 |
| 1st Serve % | 63% (50/79) | 72% (56/78) |
| 1st Serve Points Won | 62% (31/50) | 71% (40/56) |
| 2nd Serve Points Won | 53% (16/30) | 36% (8/22) |
| Break Points Saved | 25% (1/4) | 63% (5/8) |
| Service Games | 75% (9/12) | 77% (10/13) |
| Ace % | 7.6% | 1.3% |
| Double Fault % | 1.3% | 2.6% |
| Return Rating | 154 | 185 |
| 1st Return Points Won | 29% (16/56) | 38% (19/50) |
| 2nd Return Points Won | 64% (14/22) | 47% (14/30) |
| Break Points Won | 38% (3/8) | 75% (3/4) |
| Pressure Points | 33% (4/12) | 67% (8/12) |
| Service Points | 59% (47/79) | 60% (47/78) |
| Return Points | 40% (31/78) | 41% (32/79) |
| Total Points | 50% (78/157) | 50% (79/157) |
| Match Points Saved | 0 | 0 |
| Max Points In A Row | 7 | 10 |
| Service Games Won | 75% (9/12) | 77% (10/13) |
| Return Games Won | 23% (3/13) | 25% (3/12) |
| Total Games Won | 48% (12/25) | 52% (13/25) |
| Max Games In A Row | 4 | 5 |
| Match Duration | 2h 03m | |
Looking Ahead
With her confidence rising, Anisimova will aim to replicate her Doha title-winning form as she enters the quarter-finals. The win also reinforces her reputation for thriving under pressure, turning a near-rout into a statement victory against one of the tour’s toughest competitors.