A few years ago, Amanda Anisimova looked like she was destined to rule women’s tennis. But then came injuries, setbacks, and long spells away from the game that cast doubt on whether her story would reach its full potential. However, in 2025, she returned with a vengeance—she not only tasted her first WTA 1000 title of her career, but also stunned the tennis world with consecutive deep runs into the Grand Slams. Now, under Beijing’s bright lights, she faces British star Katie Boulter, a fighter with nothing to lose and everything to gain. Let me tell you this is more than just a second-round battle, so fasten your seatbelts!

Amanda Anisimova vs Katie Boulter: Preview

Amanda Anisimova’s year reads like a comeback novel. Anisimova started her season with some pretty impressive runs. She reached the QF of the Hobart International, and a month later she defeated the former world number 5, Jelena Ostapenko, in the final of the Qatar Open by 6-4,6-3. Other than that, Anisimova also reached the SF of the Charleston Open and the final of the HSBC Championships before two magical runs at Wimbledon and the US Open.

At Wimbledon, she defeated the current world number one, Aryna Sabalenka, in the SF, but her dream run came to an end following a double-bagel loss at the hands of Iga Swiatek in her maiden major final. But Anisimova did manage to take her revenge on the Polish star in the QF of the 2025 US Open. She defeated her by 6-4,6-3 this time, and then in the semis, she secured yet another impressive victory in a hard-fought battle against the four-time major champion, Naomi Osaka. Then again, her dream got shattered in the final, and this time it was Aryna Sabalenka who got the better of the American.

After facing a 3-6,6(3)-7 defeat at the hands of the Belarusian, Amanda Anisimova said, “It’s been a great summer. [Making two Grand Slam finals in a row] is great, but it’s also super hard. I think I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today.” Although she couldn’t win a major title this year, Anisimova did manage to win a lot of hearts with her incredible performances. 

On the contrary, Katie Boulter has struggled a bit this season. Her best results in this season were winning the WTA 125K Paris, FR, and reaching the QF of the Nottingham Open. Other than that, Boulter has looked far from her best this season. She entered Beijing after one win and one loss in the BJK Cup Finals.

In her first match at the China Open, she defeated America’s Hailey Baptiste by 7-5,5-7,6-4. Playing on a hard court surface that favors her game style, she clinched her fourth win at the WTA 1000 level. Following this hard-fought victory, the Brit said, “What a battle. I found it very difficult to get over the line today. I think she was playing some really disruptive tennis…I've had a tough couple of months, and I'm just really pleased with the way I'm putting myself out there and just trying to fight for every single point.” But can she keep this run intact?

Anisimova vs Boulter: Head-to-Head

Anisimova and Boulter have never faced each other before. So, currently their H2H record is 0-0. No past patterns to lean on. No mental edge. For both, this will be about who writes the first line in their story.

As per Sky Sports analyst Colin Fleming, “Huge positives for the way Boulter finished that match (against Baptiste) to take into her match against Anisimova. She'll need her first serve to be consistent and play one of the best matches of her season if she wants to get through.” What does our prediction say, though?

Prediction: Anisimova in straight sets

When the crowd flies out tonight, one will walk on—stronger, prouder, alive in the draw.

Coming to the predictions, well, it’s needless to mention that Amanda Anisimova is an absolute favorite in this match. Reasons? Anisimova (ranked 4) is by far the most consistent and in-form player of the two. She has a win-loss record of 39-16 this season, and not only that, but also the way she has performed against the Top 10 opponents this year—one can surely not keep her as the second best in this epic duel. Anisimova reached the fourth round last time, but Boulter made an exit in the third round itself.

Katie Boulter (ranked 54) has a win-loss record of just 17-16 this season. But having said that, she looked quite impressive in her previous match. She showed her stamina and nerve in her match against Baptiste. So, don’t be surprised if you see some longer rallies in this match, but still, the match might end in straight sets.

Now, shifting our focus to their playing styles, Amanda Anisimova is an aggressive baseline player known for her powerful and precise groundstrokes, especially her potent two-handed backhand. She is characterized by her ability to hit flat, deep, and with great pace, using a condensed swing to create sharp angles and generate winners. Anisimova can turn defense into offense in a blink. On top of that, the American also possesses strong court coverage and agility, coupled with spectacular ball-striking timing and a formidable return game. She’s a real threat to any opponent on any surface.

Katie Boulter also has an aggressive baseline playing style, characterized by powerful groundstrokes, especially her forehand, and a solid, well-paced serve. She has evolved her game to incorporate more tactical awareness and thoughtful use of court angles, moving beyond solely relying on raw power to being more patient and using returns to open up opportunities.

She will come out all guns blazing in this duel, but Anisimova has all the weapons to counter the Brit.

Written by

Sayantan Roy

Sayantan Roy is a seasoned tennis journalist at EssentiallySports. He brings a deep tactical understanding to his coverage, breaking down head-to-head records, match dynamics, and on-court strategies with precision. For more than two years, Sayantan has been a key member of the Live Events desk, delivering real-time insights and data-backed predictions for the platform’s Matchday Preview section. His analytical approach has sparked editorial debates and drawn recognition from respected tennis voices, including commentator and analyst Olly_Tennis. Combining his experience in writing with a passion for insightful sports journalism, Sayantan’s work serves as a trusted reference point for tennis fans around the world.

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