Amanda Anisimova wins China Open, defeating Noskova in final

Third-seeded Amanda Anisimova claimed the China Open title with a 6-0, 2-6, 6-2 win over Linda Noskova in the final of the hard-court tournament on Sunday.

Anisimova, who ended fellow American Coco Gauff’s title defense in the semifinals, sealed the match with a backhand winner down the line and fell on her back as she won the trophy for the first time.

Anisimova beats Noskova to win China Open

Her rival gave her a tough challenge but ran out of steam in the closing stages of their encounter, which lasted one hour and 46 minutes.

Anisimova, the runner-up at both the U.S. Open and Wimbledon this year who has risen to No. 4 in the world rankings, claimed her second WTA 1000 title of the season. She also won in Doha in February.

The 20-year-old Noskova had saved three match points in the semifinals to become the youngest Czech player to advance this far at a WTA 1000 event since the format was introduced in 2009.

Anisimova needed just 23 minutes to take the opening set after converting all three break points. Noskova forced a decider after breaking Anisimova at the start of the second set. The American player then raised her game and won the last four games.

Anisimova became the third American player to capture the trophy after Serena Williams (2004, 2013) and Gauff.

During the trophy presentation, Anisimova acknowledged her opponent.

“It’s been an incredible few weeks,” Anisimova said. “I want to congratulate Linda. You’ve been playing amazing and you’re still so young, so I’m sure we’ll have a lot more finals to play in. I’m excited to see you progress and see how your career goes. I’m sure it’ll be really great, so congratulations to you and your team.”

She added, "To get the win today has been really special. Thank you [to my team] for sharing that with me -- you guys are the best. I’m excited for a lot more and hopefully we can keep going. Also, to my family back home, I’m sure you’re watching right now. I’m excited to talk to you guys and see you soon. I love you. And to my nephews, who I think might be watching -- hi Jackson, Kylo, I love you guys.”

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