The China Open in Beijing has delivered some electrifying tennis this week, with the women’s singles draw producing a string of dramatic upsets, gritty comebacks, and the emergence of new stars on the WTA circuit. As the tournament barrels toward its highly anticipated final, all eyes are on Amanda Anisimova and Linda Noskova, two players whose journeys to the championship match have been nothing short of captivating.
Amanda Anisimova, the 24-year-old American, stands just one win away from hoisting the China Open trophy. Her path to the final has been a showcase of resilience and raw talent. Anisimova dispatched Katie Boulter 6-1, 6-3 in her opening match, setting the tone for a dominant run. She then overcame local favorite Shuai Zhang in straight sets, 7-6(11), 6-0—a tiebreak thriller followed by a near-flawless second set. The American’s ability to rebound from adversity was on full display in her quarterfinal clash against Karolina Muchova. After dropping the first set 1-6, Anisimova stormed back to claim the next two sets 6-2, 6-4, booking her place in the semifinals.
But it was her semifinal victory over Cori Gauff, one of the tour’s brightest young stars, that truly turned heads. Anisimova played some of her best tennis of the year, overpowering Gauff 6-1, 6-2. The win not only secured her spot in the final but also underscored her return to top form on the hard courts—a surface where she’s enjoyed considerable success throughout her career.
Standing between Anisimova and the title is the Czech sensation Linda Noskova. At just 20 years old, Noskova has already carved out a reputation as one of the most promising talents of her generation. Her 2025 season has been marked by consistency and breakthroughs, with a 34-22 win-loss record, including an impressive 22-13 mark on hard courts. Noskova’s recent five-match winning streak is a testament to her growing confidence and tactical maturity.
Noskova’s route to the final included a convincing 6-3, 6-4 win over Britain’s Sonay Kartal in the semifinals. The Czech’s ability to seize control in key moments was evident as she broke Kartal early to take a 3-1 lead, then weathered a brief comeback before closing out the set. Despite Kartal’s spirited resistance—she’d previously upset Russian fourth seed Mirra Andreeva—Noskova held firm, converting crucial break points and sealing the match in just over an hour. “There were times where she played lights-out tennis and sometimes you’ve just got to let that kind of opponent ride the wave,” Kartal admitted after the match, acknowledging the Czech’s relentless pressure.
Noskova’s achievements this season extend beyond Beijing. She reached the final in Prague earlier in the year and is set to make her debut in the WTA top 20 when the new rankings are released. Remarkably, she becomes only the third player born since 2004 to reach 10 WTA semi-finals, joining the likes of Coco Gauff and Diana Shnaider. Her career record on hard courts—86 wins to 43 losses over the past seven years—speaks to her adaptability and tenacity on the game’s fastest surfaces.
The head-to-head record between Anisimova and Noskova adds another layer of intrigue to the final. The two have split their previous encounters 1-1, with Noskova holding the edge on hard courts in major tournaments. Their upcoming clash in Beijing marks their third meeting, and with both players in peak form, the stage is set for a riveting showdown.
Looking back at the semifinals, the China Open was also a proving ground for other top contenders. Jessica Pegula, world number seven and a former US Open finalist, reached the semifinals after a hard-fought victory over fellow American Emma Navarro. Pegula dropped the first set in a tiebreak but rallied to dominate the next two sets, ultimately winning 6-7(2-7), 6-2, 6-1. After the match, Pegula reflected on her mental approach: “She did a good job of staying tough, but at the same time I felt I was playing the right way. I told myself to not get too frustrated. That kind of allowed me to play more free.”
Local fans in Beijing have taken a particular liking to Pegula, nicknaming her “Dafu,” meaning “big rich” in Chinese—a playful nod to her family’s business background. Navarro, similarly, is dubbed “second rich,” highlighting the unique connection both players have with the crowd. Pegula’s run was ultimately halted by Noskova, who continued her surge by securing a place in the final.
Meanwhile, Sonay Kartal’s performance in Beijing, despite her semifinal loss, signals a bright future for British tennis. Kartal will soon surpass Katie Boulter to become the new British No. 2, thanks to her strong showing and memorable upset over Mirra Andreeva earlier in the tournament. “Not overly pleased with the performance today, but regardless I had an incredible week,” Kartal said, underscoring the positive momentum she carries forward.
The China Open’s draw this year has been notable for its unpredictability and the emergence of new rivalries. With established stars like Gauff falling to surging opponents and young talents like Noskova and Anisimova rising to the occasion, the women’s game continues to evolve at a rapid pace. Noskova did not compete in the China Open last year, making her run to the final all the more impressive. Her surge into the top 20 and her current winning streak suggest that she’s poised to become a fixture at the top of the game.
As the final approaches, both Anisimova and Noskova have plenty to play for. For Anisimova, it’s a chance to cap off a resurgent week with a major title on one of the sport’s biggest stages. For Noskova, the opportunity to claim her first China Open crown—and to do so in her debut appearance at the tournament—would be a historic achievement.
Their head-to-head battle is perfectly balanced, and with both players boasting recent wins over top-tier opponents, predicting a winner is no easy task. Will Anisimova’s experience and power give her the edge, or will Noskova’s momentum and youthful energy prove decisive?
One thing’s for certain: fans in Beijing and around the world are in for a treat. The China Open women’s final promises high drama, world-class shot-making, and perhaps the beginning of a new rivalry to watch for years to come.
With the tournament’s final match just hours away, anticipation is at a fever pitch. Whether it’s Anisimova or Noskova who lifts the trophy, this year’s China Open has already delivered unforgettable moments and signaled the arrival of a new era in women’s tennis.