Coco Gauff’s China Open run came to an abrupt end, marking a significant turning point not only in her season but also in the broader landscape of American tennis. The defending champion, who entered the tournament as one of the top contenders, struggled to maintain her dominance as fellow American Amanda Anisimova delivered a statement victory in Beijing.
Anisimova dominates Gauff in semifinal showdown
Gauff’s semifinal match at the China Open was far from her finest hour. Despite solid performances earlier in the tournament with wins over Kamilla Rakhimova, Leylah Fernandez, Belinda Bencic, and Eva Lys, the 20-year-old faltered under Anisimova’s relentless aggression.
Anisimova dismantled the reigning champion in straight sets, winning 6-1, 6-2 in under an hour. The result stunned many fans who had expected Coco Gauff to reach her second consecutive China Open final. However, it was a statement of intent from Anisimova—proof that the power dynamic in American women’s tennis might be shifting.
A season of contrasts for Coco Gauff and Amanda Anisimova
While Gauff’s season began brightly, crowned by her French Open triumph in June, her momentum has since cooled. Her serve—once one of her greatest assets—has become increasingly inconsistent, leading to early exits at Wimbledon (first round) and the US Open (fourth round).
Anisimova, on the other hand, is enjoying the best season of her career. Starting the year ranked No. 36, she has climbed into the top five of the WTA rankings after reaching back-to-back Grand Slam finals—at Wimbledon and the US Open—and securing her first WTA 1000 title at the Qatar Open.
With her strong form, Anisimova now sits just 17 points behind Coco Gauff in the live WTA Race, closing in on the American No. 1 spot for the first time.
The power shift in American Tennis
If Anisimova overtakes Gauff in the rankings, it will mark a defining moment in American tennis. Gauff has long been seen as the torchbearer for the next generation, but Anisimova’s rise challenges that narrative. Her recent performances have shown consistency, maturity, and composure—qualities that have propelled her to the brink of surpassing her compatriot.
Coco Gauff’s recent form raises questions about her ability to bounce back and maintain her dominance on the world stage. However, with her talent and determination, few would rule out a resurgence in 2026.
The 2025 season’s end has revealed an intriguing rivalry between Gauff and Anisimova—one that could define the next era of American women’s tennis. As both players continue to evolve, their contrasting trajectories set the stage for a compelling battle for supremacy.