Tennis thrives on stories of redemption, and few arcs this season have been as compelling as Amanda Anisimova’s. Just two months after being humbled by Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final with a brutal 6–0, 6–0 loss, the American staged a dramatic reversal at the 2025 US Open quarterfinals, defeating the world No. 2, 6–4, 6–3, in a stunning upset at Flushing Meadows.
The win not only avenged one of the harshest defeats of her career but also propelled Anisimova into her maiden U.S. Open semifinal, igniting hopes of a new American champion in front of a roaring home crowd.
From “Double Bagel” Humiliation to Redemption
The Wimbledon final in July had been one-sided to the point of cruelty. Swiatek, playing with ruthless precision, handed Anisimova the dreaded “double bagel” — a 6–0, 6–0 defeat that made headlines around the world. Many doubted whether the 23-year-old could recover mentally from such a bruising loss, particularly with another Grand Slam looming so soon.
But in New York, Anisimova turned that humiliation into motivation. “I had to remind myself that one match doesn’t define me,” she said after the quarterfinal victory. “I went back to work, adjusted my game, and told myself that I could do it. Today proved everything for me.”
Her resilience was evident from the first ball. Far from the nervous, error-prone player who froze at Wimbledon, Anisimova played with freedom, aggression, and unwavering belief.
The Match Breakdown
The quarterfinal began with Swiatek as the overwhelming favorite. The Polish star, already a four-time Grand Slam champion and one of the most consistent players on tour, entered the match riding a wave of dominant performances.
Yet, from the opening games, it was clear this would not be a repeat of Wimbledon.
First Set (6–4 Anisimova): Swiatek broke early to lead 2–0, but Anisimova immediately struck back, leveling the score with powerful returns that rattled the Pole. At 5–4, Anisimova earned two set points on Swiatek’s serve and converted the second with a blistering backhand winner down the line.
Second Set (6–3 Anisimova): Momentum stayed firmly with the American. She broke for a 3–1 lead and consolidated with commanding service games. Swiatek had her chances, but uncharacteristic errors at critical points betrayed her nerves. Anisimova, meanwhile, remained steady, sealing the victory with an ace that sent the Arthur Ashe crowd into a frenzy.
Statistically, the match highlighted Anisimova’s transformation: she struck 34 winners to Swiatek’s 18 and won 72% of her first-serve points, a significant improvement from her struggles on grass.
Swiatek’s Struggles
For Swiatek, the loss was a rare stumble in an otherwise spectacular season. The 24-year-old had reached at least the semifinals in all three prior Slams of 2025 and looked poised for another deep run in New York.
But against Anisimova, her usually unshakable rhythm faltered. She committed 29 unforced errors — nearly double her average — and appeared unsettled by the American’s aggressive returning. After the match, she admitted:
“I couldn’t win today with Amanda being so aggressive on the returns. She took time away from me, and I didn’t adjust quickly enough. That’s tennis.”
Still, Swiatek remained philosophical, noting that defeats are part of the sport and motivation for growth.
The Crowd Factor
Playing in front of a partisan U.S. Open crowd proved a decisive boost for Anisimova. Each winner was met with thunderous applause, and chants of “Let’s go, Amanda!” echoed across the stadium as she closed in on victory.
The home support helped her maintain composure when Swiatek threatened a comeback in the second set. “I felt the energy, and it gave me so much strength,” Anisimova said. “I’ve dreamed of moments like this since I was a kid.”
A Defining Moment for Anisimova
The win marked the most significant of Anisimova’s career to date. Once hailed as a teenage prodigy, her rise had been interrupted by injuries and personal struggles, including the tragic loss of her father in 2019. For years, she hovered on the fringes of tennis’ elite, showing flashes of brilliance but lacking consistency.
Now, in 2025, she seems to have found her footing. Reaching the U.S. Open semifinal represents both a personal and professional breakthrough, proving she belongs among the very best.
“This is the most meaningful victory of my career,” she declared. “Not just because of the opponent, but because of everything I’ve gone through to get here.”
What’s Next
Anisimova’s path only gets tougher from here. She faces Naomi Osaka in the semifinals, a battle between two powerful baseliners with Grand Slam pedigrees. The winner is likely to face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the final.
But if her performance against Swiatek is any indication, Anisimova has the weapons — and the belief — to go all the way.
A Broader Symbolism
Beyond the statistics and storylines, Anisimova’s victory is emblematic of tennis’ unpredictability. It shows how quickly fortunes can shift — from despair at Wimbledon to triumph in New York. It is a testament to the sport’s demand for mental strength as much as physical prowess.
Her win also breathes new life into American tennis. With Coco Gauff’s early exit and Serena Williams retired, fans have been yearning for a new face to carry the torch. Anisimova’s fearless performance against one of the game’s giants may just be the spark needed to reignite American hopes at their home Slam.
Amanda Anisimova’s upset of Iga Swiatek will be remembered as one of the defining moments of the 2025 U.S. Open. It wasn’t just a victory; it was a story of resilience, redemption, and revival.
To rebound from the humiliation of a double bagel defeat in a Grand Slam final and, in the very next Slam, defeat the same opponent on one of tennis’ grandest stages — that is the stuff of legends.
Whether or not Anisimova lifts the trophy, her performance has already earned her a place in the hearts of fans and a renewed standing in the women’s game. And for Swiatek, it is a reminder that even the best must adapt, regroup, and continue the fight.
The contrast between Wimbledon and New York encapsulates the beauty of tennis: every match is a new chapter, and redemption is always possible.
