Anisimova surprised to be in final

US Open runner-up Amanda Anisimova crushed defending champion Coco Gauff in just 58 minutes on Oct 4 to reach her first China Open final.

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The third seed thrashed second-seeded fellow American Gauff 6-1, 6-2 in Beijing.

Anisimova plays the Czech Republic’s 26th-seeded Linda Noskova, who overcame fifth seed Jessica Pegula of the United States 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (8-6).

“I felt really good throughout the whole match,” said Anisimova, beaten in the final in New York by Aryna Sabalenka a month ago.

“All my shots were working today, which is my favourite way to play. Coco’s a really tough player, so I knew I was gonna really have to step it up.”

She also said she was surprised to be back in another final so soon, having taken time off after the US Open and removing a tooth the day of her flight.

“I didn’t really feel like I was match fit ahead of the tourna-

ment,” said the 24-year-old, who is one win away from a fourth career title.