American fortunes split in China Open: Amanda Anisimova fights Muchova's lead; McCartney Kessler succumbs against Lys

Amanda Anisimova advanced to the quarterfinals of the China Open after defeating 2024 finalist Karolína Muchova 1-6, 6-2, 6-4. This will be Anisimova's 5th appearance in a WTA 1000 quarterfinal and her second time this year—the first being when she won the Qatar Open title earlier in the season. The World No. 4 overcame an erratic first set where Muchová had taken the lead, pulling ahead in the following two sets to claim the victory after two hours and three minutes.

Anisimova joins her compatriot Coco Gauff in the quarterfinals as the first confirmed Americans at this stage. Earlier, World No. 39 McCartney Kessler saw her notable campaign end after being defeated by the surprising Eva Lys, who will debut in the final eight of a WTA 1000 event.

The first set quickly went in favor of Muchova (No. 15), who took two consecutive breaks early on and was strong on her serve, cruising to a comfortable 4-0 lead. The 2024 runner-up came close to a triple-break, holding an opportunity in the fifth game, but Anisimova (No. 4) managed to rescue her first game of the match after relying on several first serves.

However, Anisimova failed to trouble Muchova significantly, as the Czech maintained her momentum and clinched a break to close the set 6-1 after just 28 minutes. Muchova conceded only three points on her serve and won 65% of return points (an impressive 88% when Anisimova played a second serve).

In the second set, however, it was Anisimova who took the early lead—she went on a run of five consecutive games and comfortably closed the set 6-2, capitalizing on a moment of greater inconsistency from Muchová. With the match tied, everything came down to the third set, which remained even until the final moments.

With the score at 4-4, the crucial break opportunity came for Anisimova. The American raised her level in the decisive moments and ended up taking the victory with a 6-4 finish in the final set, returning her to the quarterfinals of a WTA 1000. The 24-year-old American awaits her opponent between Jasmine Paolini (6th) and Marie Bouzkova.

The match between McCartney Kessler (No. 39) and Eva Lys (No. 66) was arguably the most surprising of the Round of 16, considering it was the only duel between unseeded players, in a section of the draw where Elena Rybakina, Barbora Krejčíková, and Ekaterina Alexandrova had been eliminated.

With a golden opportunity for both, the battle surpassed two hours of play, with Lys achieving a comeback that places her among the final eight of a WTA 1000 for the first time in her career.

Kessler was the first to take the lead, winning a rollercoaster first set marked by cross-breaks for both players (three for Kessler, two for Lys). With neither player finding much consistency on serve in the first part, the American took the lead 6-4.

However, from that point on, Lys consistently stayed ahead. A double break at the start of the second set gave her a comfortable 6-1 in just 30 minutes, sending the match to a decider. It was there that the European showed greater composure, capitalizing on her chances and securing three consecutive breaks before closing out the victory 4-6, 6-1, 6-2. Lys guarantees her first time in the Top-50 (World No. 45 in the live rankings so far) and will fight for a spot in the semifinals against defending champion Coco Gauff.