Anisimova and Noskova to Clash in China Open Final

BEIJING, China — Amanda Anisimova and Linda Noskova will face off in the China Open final on Sunday, marking a fresh matchup between the No. 3 seed Anisimova, 24, and the No. 26 seed Noskova, 20. Together, their combined age is just one year younger than Venus Williams.

This final is significant as it is only the second WTA 1000 title match featuring players born in the 2000s. Anisimova advanced after a stunning victory over defending champion Coco Gauff, winning 6-1, 6-2. This win matched the fewest games she has ever lost in a completed WTA match.

“I felt like I couldn’t really have a chance of getting a rhythm out there,” Gauff commented, disappointed with her performance. In contrast, Anisimova expressed satisfaction with her play: “I didn’t really have to adjust much,” she told reporters.

This final marks Anisimova’s fifth of the year, placing her just behind Aryna Sabalenka, who has reached eight finals. Meanwhile, Noskova reached her first WTA 1000 final by overcoming the No. 5 seed Jessica Pegula, after saving three match points and winning 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (6).

“It was a roller-coaster match,” Noskova said. She became the youngest Czech player in 30 years to reach a WTA 1000 final, breaking Petra Kvitova‘s record. Their head-to-head record is tied at one win apiece, with Noskova winning their first encounter and Anisimova taking the most recent.

Before the tournament, Anisimova was uncertain about her form, stating she didn’t feel match-fit after taking time off. After a wisdom tooth extraction on the same day she traveled to China, she succeeded remarkably, defeating two Top 10 players. “I’m just seeing how far I can get,” she said.

Noskova leads the tournament with 24 aces and will need her strong serving strategy against Anisimova, who excelled with her returns against Gauff. “I will try to prepare myself,” Noskova commented. “I will try to find what I could have done better.”

The China Open has historically been a launching pad for players’ careers, with past champions going on to achieve great success. As both players enter their first WTA 1000 final, anticipation builds for fans and players alike.