First Grass Final: Amanda Anisimova edges Zheng Qinwen, sets sights on Queen's Club title

Amanda Anisimova surprised Zheng Qinwen in the Queen's Club Championships semifinals with a 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 victory, setting up a clash for her first WTA 500 title this Sunday against Tatjana Maria. The American secured her fifth win against a top-5 player and will have the chance to claim the fourth title of her career, and her first on grass courts.

It has been an impeccable run for the American, who has now defeated two top-10 players consecutively: first, third seed Emma Navarro, and this time Zheng in a thrilling match. Anisimova has secured her best-ever ranking as world No. 13 and is beginning to eye a potential entry into the top 10.

The match quickly tilted in the American's favor, as she secured an early break and, with her serve, surged to a 2-0 lead. Zheng showed problems with her first serve from the start—hitting barely 40% throughout the set—which meant she had no easy service games. Anisimova capitalized on her early momentum, taking a second break to lead 5-1 in just over 25 minutes.

A brief reaction from Zheng followed, as she managed to narrow the gap and then had a break point to stay in the set. However, the American didn't let the opportunity slip on her serve and ultimately closed out the set convincingly 6-2, winning 71% of her service points and 52% on return.

The second set started similarly to the first, with an early break giving Anisimova a 2-0 advantage, still looking comfortable on her serve. However, irregularities from both sides began, leading to several consecutive breaks between them. Zheng seemed to figure out Anisimova's serve in an erratic set for both players.

From 2-1 with Anisimova serving, six of the next seven games were breaks: four for Zheng and two for Anisimova. The 22-year-old Chinese player won the last three games consecutively, with a single service game won in the ninth game ultimately making the difference in the set, allowing her to force a decider with a 6-4 win.

However, for the third consecutive time, Zheng started the set with a break disadvantage, and Anisimova took a 2-0 lead. This time, the tension reached its peak when Zheng immediately broke back and then saved a break point against her to go up 3-2 for the first time in the third set.

It seemed like a crucial moment for the Paris 2024 gold medalist, who then had up to three break opportunities but couldn't convert them. After losing her chances, she couldn't fully connect in the match, and Anisimova took the lead by capitalizing on a couple of break opportunities in the seventh game. The American had increased her effectiveness in the set, converting 2/4 break points and saving 4/5 break points against her.

Anisimova held onto her serve until the end of the match, ultimately securing the win 6-2, 4-6, 6-4, guaranteeing her spot in the Queen's Club Championships final—her first on grass courts. She will step onto the court again this Sunday to face Tatjana Maria for the title. On the other hand, Zheng guaranteed her best historical ranking as world No. 4 starting Monday and will take a spot among the top seeds at Wimbledon.