Sofia Kenin Moves To Charleston Open Final After Amanda Anisimova Retires
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Sofia Kenin advanced to the final at the 2025 Charleston Open after Amanda Anisimova was forced to retire in the first set of the match.
Kenin has finally found a great level on the tennis courts, and it shows on her results. Last year, the talented American reached the Japan Open final, and this year, she made it to yet another WTA 500 final.
To reach the final in Charleston, Kenin had to get past compatriot Amanda Anisimova, who, too, has been on a tear recently. In fact, Anisimova won the Qatar Open earlier this year, securing the biggest title of her tennis career.
In Charleston, both players had yet to lose a set before their semi-final meeting. While Anisimova got past Veronika Kudermetova, Yulia Putintseva, and Emma Navarro, Kenin defeated Bernarda Pera, Belinda Bencic, Daria Kasatkina, and Anna Kalinskaya.
Although it might sound ridiculous, both players actually managed to keep that unbeaten record also after the semi-final. However, that was only possible because no sets were completed, which means no one could have lost a set.
Kenin got off to a good start. She led 2-0 early after breaking Anisimova's serve and saving a break point in the following game. At 3-1, the 2020 Australian Open champion increased her lead by another break, which her opponent recovered in the following game.
After Kenin went up 5-2, Anisimova was seen by a physiotherapist. After a short examination, the 23-year-old player determined that she wouldn't be able to continue in the match, shaking hands with Kenin and sending her to the final.
Obviously, Kenin wanted to win the match and reach the final, but this was not the way she wanted to do it. After the match, she had only nice words for her opponent.
"I told her I hope she feels better and recovers well because it’s a long clay swing and she’s been playing some great tennis throughout the year. I wish her the best of luck, and I really hope she feels better."
Fans in Charleston can now look forward to an all-American final. The top-seeded Jessica Pegula eliminated Ekaterina Alexandrova, beating the Russian player 6-2, 2-6, 7-5, which means that she will be the player who will take on Kenin in the final.
For both players, winning the title would be incredibly important for their confidence. Pegula, however, has already won a trophy this year, triumphing at the ATX Open in Austin.
