BEIJING — Coco Gauff’s title defense at the China Open ended with a 6-1, 6-2 semifinal loss to third-seeded Amanda Anisimova on Saturday.
Anisimova, runner-up at both the U.S. Open and Wimbledon this year, needed just 58 minutes to beat her American compatriot and advance to the final.
“I knew I was going to have to play really well against Coco if I wanted to get the win. I’m really excited to be in the final,” she said.
Anisimova, who has risen to No. 4 in the world rankings, jumped out to 5-0 leads in both sets.
In Sunday’s final, Anisimova will face Linda Noskova, who saved three match points before beating Jessica Pegula 6-3, 1-6, 7-6 (6).
The 20-year-old Noskova became the youngest Czech player to advance this far at a WTA 1000 event since the format was introduced in 2009.
