Amanda Anisimova put on one of the best displays of her career at the China Open.
After getting past Jasmine Paolini in the quarterfinals, she lined up a semi-final clash with fellow American Coco Gauff in Beijing.
Anisimova wasted no time in making her mark, racing through the match 6-1, 6-2 in just under an hour to book her place in the final.
It was a nearly flawless showing, as Anisimova used her power to take control against the world number three on Beijing’s Diamond Court.
But while it looked straightforward on paper, the 24-year-old later revealed that a decision she made after the US Open had been having an impact on her performances throughout Asia.
Amanda Anisimova reflects on post-US Open break ahead of China Open
In the aftermath of her semi-final win at the China Open, Amanda Anisimova took a moment to reflect on the time she spent away from tennis following her loss at the US Open final.
“I feel like I took too much time off after the US Open,” she admitted. “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 added that even though it wasn’t an easy decision, taking some time away ended up helping her get back into form during the tournament.
“I think with each match, especially playing tough matches physically where I wasn’t feeling great and having pain before coming here…”
The 24-year-old will now turn her focus towards either Linda Noskova or Jessica Pegula as she prepares for what will be her ninth WTA final appearance.
Amanda Anisimova discusses her break after the US Open final
Speaking to reporters after her match, Anisimova opened up about some of the issues she dealt with following her loss at the US Open.
“I feel like I took too much time off after the US Open,” she said. “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.”
But as the event went on, she started finding her rhythm again and noticed her game starting to come together.
READ MORE: Coco Gauff addresses China Open return after heavy Amanda Anisimova defeat
Anisimova added: “I think I learned a lot this week. 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 because 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.”
Receive exclusive football transfer news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
