Anisimova, who took a break from the sport in 2023 to protect her mental health, has shown incredible resilience to reach another major semi-final so quickly.
When Swiatek took Anisimova’s serve in the first game of the quarter-final, memories of the Wimbledon final perhaps threatened to resurface.
But this time around Anisimova did not waver from her game plan. She attacked the Swiatek serve, immediately breaking back then biding her time as she displayed superb skill on the backhand side and served brilliantly.
She enjoyed success on the Pole’s second serve – winning 12 of 17 points from it – and found the break at the crucial moment to take the opening set.
Swiatek left the court between sets and returned full of intensity, again breaking immediately but this time consolidating with a hold.
Anisimova could be forgiven for thinking back to Wimbledon but she did not waver, keeping her cool and rescuing the break two games later.
She broke in the eighth game to give herself the chance to serve for the match as Swiatek turned desperately to her coaching box for guidance.
However, Anisimova, heavily backed by a home crowd, was full of composure as she served out the match to reach a third Grand Slam semi-final.
