US Open bosses issued a statement to explain a bizarre malfunction during Naomi Osaka’s defeat to Amanda Anisimova. The latter battled back from a set down to secure a 6-7 7-6 6-3 victory and book her place in Saturday’s final. She will go up against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, who beat Jessica Pegula in a similar fashion earlier in the day.
The end of the first set was disrupted by an unusual problem with the electronic line calling system. Osaka sent the ball hurtling towards the baseline but ‘out’ was signalled before it had even bounced. Even though the call was premature, it proved to be correct and Anisimova was awarded the point.
Afterwards, the US Open issued a statement to explain the technological error and give the reason why the point was not replayed. It read: “The electronic line calling live system made an errant call.
“Upon reviewing the point, the chair umpire and the review official determined that Osaka’s shot was long and that the timing of the errant call did not impact the point. As a result, Anisimova was awarded the point.”
Anisimova will be hoping to make amends for her chastening defeat in the Wimbledon final when she goes up against Sabalenka this weekend. On that occasion, she was beaten by Iga Swiatek in straight sets without winning a single game.
The young American gained revenge over Swiatek by knocking her out of the US Open in the quarter-finals, putting in a much better performance than she did at SW19. However, her next task in New York will be her toughest yet.
Speaking after beating Osaka, Anisimova said: “[Reaching the final] means the world. I’m trying to process that right now, it’s a dream come true. The hope is to be the champion but I’m in the final now and I’m excited.”
She also had some kind words for her opponent, adding: “She is playing amazing tennis, I’m so proud of her after having a baby and returning to this level. I had to dig deep.
“I tried to stay positive. There were a lot of nerves at the beginning. This tournament means so much and I think that was getting to me.”
Osaka, meanwhile, said: “I wouldn’t say it’s a bigger challenge than I expected, because I kind of knew that she’s that type of player.
“It was just kind of funny at times, because there is no pattern to what she’s doing. It’s kind of like she just hits at the empty court or whatever, and it usually goes in.
“Obviously she went to the finals of Wimbledon, and now she’s in the finals here, so it just shows that she’s a really good player.”
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