Amanda Anisimova was visibly in disbelief after defeating Emma Navarro to reach the final of the 2024 Canadian Open. This is the first time the American has advanced to the final of a WTA 1000 tournament.
Anisimova used her protected ranking to secure her spot in the main draw of the WTA 1000 hard-court tournament in Toronto. She kicked off her campaign by defeating compatriot Caroline Dolehide 6-1, 6-4 in the first round, followed by a 6-4, 6-3 victory over fifth seed Daria Kastkina in the second round.
The former World No.21 advanced to the quarterfinals after her third-round opponent, 10th seed Anna Kalinskaya, withdrew from their match after the first set, with the scorecard reading 6-2, 0-0 ret., due to an injury.
In the quarterfinals, Amanda Anisimova caused a major upset by defeating second seed Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 6-2. She most recently overcame eighth seed Emma Navarro 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 in one hour and 55 minutes in the semifinals to secure her place in the championship match, her first WTA 1000 final.
After scoring the winning point against Navarro, Anisimova was visibly shocked and was seen covering her mouth in disbelief. The 22-year-old then approached the net, shook hands with her opponent and the chair umpire, and then basked in the cheers of the spectators present at the Centre Court of the Sobeys Stadium.
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Amanda Anisimova will face Jessica Pegula in the final of Canadian Open 2024
Amanda Anisimova will go up against her compatriot, third seed, and defending champion Jessica Pegula in the final of the 2024 Canadian Open.
Pegula began her campaign at the WTA 1000 hard court tournament in Toronto in the second round after receiving a first-round bye. She started strong by defeating Karolina Pliskova 7-5, 6-4 in her opening match and then overcame American qualifier Ashlyn Krueger 6-2, 6-4 in the third round.
The World No.6, who has consistently reached the semifinals or better since making her debut at the Canadian Open in 2021, secured her spot in the final by defeating Peyton Stearns 6-4, 7-5 in the quarterfinals and then taking down 14th seed Diana Shnaider 6-4, 6-3 in the semifinals.
Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula have faced each other twice on the WTA Tour, with the latter winning in both encounters, Their most recent matchup was in the second round of the 2024 Charleston Open, which Pegula won 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(3). The 22-year-old will look to challenge the World No.6 and potentially claim the title for herself.