Amanda Anisimova flipped the script on Wednesday by ousting second seed Iga Swiatek 6-4 6-3 to reach her first US Open semi-final, exacting revenge for one of the most brutal defeats in Grand Slam history.
Less than two months after suffering a devastating 6-0 6-0 loss to the world number two in the Wimbledon final, the American eighth seed completed the turnaround in 96 minutes on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
"Playing here is so freaking special," Anisimova said in her on-court interview. "I've been having the run of my life here ... Today proved everything for me. I can do it."
The 24-year-old's journey from tears in July to triumph on Wednesday epitomizes the sport's capacity for redemption.
After watching back the painful Wimbledon footage on Tuesday night, Anisimova admitted she was "slow as hell" in that final but approached the rematch with renewed purpose, Reuters reported.
"Today is definitely the most meaningful victory I've had in my life," she told reporters. "I really came out there with, like, not an ounce of fear... I was constantly moving and trying to get myself going."
Anisimova next faces Naomi Osaka in the semi-finals after the Japanese 23rd seed beat Karolina Muchova 6-4 7-6(3).
Swiatek acknowledged that her opponent's aggressive return game proved decisive.
"I couldn't win today's match playing like that, serving like that, and with Amanda being so aggressive on the returns," the six-time Grand Slam champion told reporters.
The American dominated on return, converting four of nine break opportunities while Swiatek managed two breaks from just four chances, ending her bid for a seventh Grand Slam title and second US Open crown in the quarter-finals.
