In a breathtaking display of resilience and raw power, American wildcard Amanda Anisimova pulled off one of the biggest shocks of the US Open, dethroning world number two and reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka.
The gripping third-round clash on Arthur Ashe Stadium saw Anisimova fight back from a set down to secure a stunning 6-4, 3-6, 2-6 victory, marking a triumphant return to the sport's biggest stage after a self-imposed hiatus.
A Rollercoaster of Momentum
The match was a classic tale of shifting momentum. Sabalenka, the Australian Open champion, initially seemed in control, overpowering Anisimova to claim the first set. However, the 22-year-old American refused to capitulate.
Digging deep, Anisimova began to neutralise Sabalenka's formidable power with impeccable timing and fearless shot-making. She broke the Belarusian's serve at critical moments in the second set, levelling the match and sending the New York crowd into a frenzy.
The Decisive Final Set
With the match hanging in the balance, the final set was a masterclass in mental fortitude from Anisimova. She weathered Sabalenka's thunderous serves and groundstrokes, constructing points with intelligent precision.
Anisimova's legendary return of serve, a hallmark of her game, proved decisive. She broke Sabalenka twice in the final set, sealing the monumental victory with a confident forehand winner, before dropping her racket in stunned disbelief.
A Triumphant Return to Form
This victory signifies a remarkable comeback for Anisimova, who stepped away from tennis last year citing mental health and burnout. Her return has been nothing short of spectacular, having also reached the quarter-finals at Wimbledon earlier this summer.
'I just prayed to get through this one,' an emotional Anisimova confessed during her on-court interview. 'I'm just so grateful to be out here and to compete. This means everything.'
What Lies Ahead
With this win, Anisimova has set up a blockbuster fourth-round encounter with another former champion and new mother, Naomi Osaka. The matchup promises to be another electrifying chapter in this year's tournament, pitting two of the game's most compelling comeback stories against each other.
Anisimova's stunning upset has not only revitalised her career but has wide-open a section of the draw, sending a clear message that she is once again a formidable force in women's tennis.
