After dismantling the world number 3, Aryna Sabalenka in the QF of the Canadian Open, Amanda Anisimova revealed her career goals. The 22-year-old American now just wants to take one step at a time. Firstly, she aims to break into the Top 100 and then she wants to forward to winning a major title and becoming the world’s number one. Next up for her in the semis is another American, Emma Navarro, who has been in red-hot form this year! Can she beat the ‘Giant Killer‘ in the ‘All-American‘ clash?

Emma Navarro vs Amanda Anisimova: Preview

Navarro has already won one title this year. Apart from that the 23-year-old has also made it through to three SFs and three QFs in her previous tournaments. Her incredible runs in the 2024 season have now made her one of the solid contenders in whichever tournament she steps in.

Even here, if we take a look at her previous results, Navarro defeated Magda Linette (POL) by 6-2,6-4 in her first match (R32). Then in the R16 and the QF, she beat Markt Kostyuk (UKR) and her compatriot Taylor Townsend respectively in a similar fashion. Interestingly, Navarro failed to hit even a single ace against Townsend but she committed 8 double faults.

Even Anisimova is entering this match after having witnessed comprehensive victories in her first four matches. She defeated, Caroline Dolehide (USA) and Daria Kasatkina (RUS) in the first two rounds. Then, in her third and fourth matches, she emerged victorious against Anna Kalinskaya (RUS) and the Belarusian tennis star, Sabalenka. Overall, she has looked quite impressive so far in this tournament. If we take a look at her season so far, her best record previous this tournament in this season has been reaching the QF at the Citi Open.

Navarro vs Anisimova: Head-to-Head

These two players haven’t played against each other much in their careers so far. Currently, Anisimova leads the H2H record by a 1-0 margin:

• 2022 Indian Wells Open R1: Anisimova 6-2,6-2. 

However, Navarro has now become a completely different player since their last meeting. She has become more mature and has also got some good results against some of the tough opponents in the last few months. So, beating her may not be a cakewalk this time!

Prediction: Navarro to win in straight sets

The 2024 season so far has been the breakout season for Navarro. Although both of them haven’t dropped a set yet in this tournament, Navarro’s incredible form will give her an edge in this faceoff. She’s currently ranked 15th in the world and has a win-loss record of 39-16 this season. However, Anisimova (132) has a win-loss record of just 12-7. So, looking at these factors, we can clearly get an idea about who’ll start as a favorite in this ‘All-American‘ clash.

Now, taking a look at their playing styles, Navarro like we have already seen through the stats has been one of the consistent performers in the women’s Tour over the last few months. Her compact style of play along with her all-around game and high tactical acumen has helped her a lot in maintaining that consistency. She loves to dominate her matches through her textbook movements across the court. Navarro has solid groundstrokes in her armory and apart from that she’s often seen picking the right moments to go forward and seal the deal at the nets.

However, talking about her weaknesses, she has hit 60 aces so far this season and committed nearly 88 double faults. This is something she needs to work on to get more of such favorable results. Her opponent, Anisimova on the other hand, is more of an aggressive baseliner. She can hit powerful groundstrokes from both wings. Her two-handed backhand is one of her lethal weapons and she often tends to hit winners with her backhand down the line. Anisimova’s quick footwork and her ability to secure points by playing longer rallies are what make her different from others. 

She’s also one of the finest returners of the serve. Anisimova has won 65% of her service games and 37.2% of her return games this season. Her unique ability to neutralize powerful serves with her cross-court inside-out forehand or a backhand down the line is something Navarro needs to keep an eye on. Overall, we can say, it’s only Navarro’s current form that is keeping her ahead of this mighty challenger!