Amanda Anisimova Upsets Sabalenka to Reach National Bank Open Semifinals

Amanda Anisimova defeated Aryna Sabalenka to advance to the National Bank Open semifinals, marking her first win over a top-10 player in nearly two years. Anisimova, one of five Americans in the quarterfinals, had previously taken a mental-health break from tennis. She will face Emma Navarro next.

Amanda Anisimova secured a major victory by upsetting second-seeded Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 6-2 at the National Bank Open semifinals. This triumph marks her first over a top-10 player in almost two years.

Among five American quarterfinalists, the 22-year-old returned to form after a mental-health hiatus last year. Anisimova has won two WTA Tour titles—in 2019 in Bogota and 2022 in Melbourne.

"She's an amazing player, so it's always really tough playing against her," Anisimova said about Sabalenka, a two-time Australian Open winner.

Improving her record to 5-2 against Sabalenka, Anisimova previously struggled, losing their last two encounters. "I went in with a different game plan and was happy with how I executed it," Anisimova added. Sabalenka, dealing with eight double faults due to windy conditions, had recently withdrawn from Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury and missed the Paris Olympics.

Next, Anisimova will face eighth-seeded Emma Navarro in an all-American semifinal. Navarro bested Taylor Townsend 6-3, 7-6 (5), who was the first lucky loser to reach a WTA 1000 quarterfinal.

In another all-American quarterfinal, third-seeded Jessica Pegula defeated Peyton Stearns 6-4, 7-5. Last year's champion Pegula will likely meet Anisimova if both proceed to the final.

This year's five U.S. quarterfinalists are the most in any WTA event since 2001.

(With inputs from agencies.)