In a heart-pumping third-round showdown at the China Open, Amanda Anisimova edged past home favorite Zhang Shuai in a match that had fans on the edge of their seats! 🌟 The 24-year-old American triumphed 7-6(15-13), 6-0 after a grueling 1-hour-40-minute battle in Beijing.
A Battle of Grit and Grace
Zhang, 36, electrified the crowd early with fierce forehands, breaking Anisimova for a 5-3 lead. But the 🇺🇸 star fought back, saving FIVE set points in a jaw-dropping tiebreaker that stretched to 28 points! 🚀 "I told myself to play hard," said Zhang post-match, praising her opponent's "incredible power."
From Comeback Queen to Top Contender
Anisimova’s win marks another milestone in her redemption arc 📈 – she’s now World No. 4 after returning from a 2023 hiatus. The two-time Grand Slam finalist joins tennis’ elite 150-win club alongside Swiatek and Gauff. Next up? A showdown with Czech star Karolina Muchova!
While Zhang’s China Open journey ends here, her fighting spirit won cheers nationwide 🇨🇳. As night fell on the court, one thing was clear: this generation of tennis stars is serving up 🔥 entertainment!
