WTA: Anisimova rises to the challenge once again in Beijing

Anisimova has bounced back from these major moments and in serious style. On Sunday, the stars and stripes powerhouse held off ever-improving Czech Linda Noskova – who had saved three match points to deny Jessica Pegula in their semi-final - in the Beijing final.

Anisimova prevailed 6-0, 2-6, 6-2 to collect a second WTA 1000 crown and fourth WTA title of her career.

“It’s been an incredible few weeks. To get the win today has been really special,” said Anisimova, who has qualified to make her debut at the WTA Finals in early November.

“I think I've had a great year so far. There's been a lot of new experiences and achievements that I never have been able to do before. I feel like I'm playing to my full potential. I'm doing all the right things and working really hard as opposed to a few years ago. It's all paying off.

“I'm looking forward to finishing the season strong.”

The world No.4 proved her metal in China, dispatching Katie Boulter 6-1, 6-3 and then home hope Zhang Shuai 7-6(11), 6-0.

Anisimova “loves a challenge” and the world No.4 was forced to demonstrate all her battling qualities that thrived in south-west London and New York City to navigate past seeded rivals Karolina Muchova and Jasmine Paolini, both from a set down.

Into the semi-finals and the American dominated 2024 Beijing champion and compatriot Coco Gauff in a dazzling 6-1, 6-2 statement victory.

As a result, the world No.4 has now toppled the trio above her in the rankings this season. The 24-year-old got the better of Sabalenka at Wimbledon and Swiatek at the US Open too, prior to gaining the ‘W’ over Gauff in Beijing. On her day, Anisimova can overpower and take down anyone.

The trophy lift in China underpins that big-match development, even though preparation was far from ideal.

“It's actually pretty surprising (to win the title) because I feel like I took too much time off after US Open,” she admitted.

“I learned from that because I didn't really feel like I was match-fit ahead of the tournament. Had to take my wisdom tooth out the day that I flew. I was like, ‘Oh, is it a mistake I'm flying there?’ Everything was just off to a bad start.

“I think I learned a lot through this week. I think when I'm not feeling my best physically or I'm facing a challenge, I think I pay so much attention to that, that I actually play better 'cause I don't have as much pressure and I'm just seeing how far I can get. Surprisingly that's when I play my best I feel like. With each match, I've been surprising myself and trying to learn how to work with physical pain, pushing myself in tough matches.

“I feel like actually this week has been a lot of progress in that department. Just really happy that I stuck with it and kept pushing myself even when I thought I couldn't anymore. Just really happy.”

What an insight. Anisimova has clearly developed into an expert at dealing with adversity, reacting within matches, whilst still keeping her perspective, and it’s showing in her exceptional results.

Across to Wuhan, China, for more WTA 1000 action this week, then Anisimova will head to the WTA Finals as a major title contender.

Across to Shanghai and the ATP all-stars are in Masters 1000 action.

Unfortunately, world No.2 Jannik Sinner's title defence ended in unfortunate circumstances on Sunday.

Dutchman Tallon Griekspoor led the Italian 6-7(3), 7-5, 3-2 in their gruelling third-round clash, before Sinner was forced to retire with severe leg cramping in the brutally humid conditions.

Four-time Shanghai champion Novak Djokovic battled back 4-6, 7-5, 6-3 to eventually dismiss qualifier Yannik Hanfmann.

French youngster Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard dealt with more sweltering conditions to edge No.5 seed Taylor Fritz 6-4, 7-5 and will meet Holger Rune in the Last 16.