BEIJING (Reuters) -U.S. Open runner-up Amanda Anisimova advanced to her second WTA 1000 final of the year on Saturday, outclassing defending champion Coco Gauff 6-1 6-2 in the semi-finals of the China Open.

Seeded third in Beijing, Anisimova continued her stellar season, which includes runner-up finishes at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. The win also gave the 24-year-old American a 2-1 edge in her head-to-head record against compatriot Gauff.

Anisimova bludgeoned her way to a 5-0 advantage in the opening set before second seed Gauff got on the board to make it 5-1.

The second set unfolded in a similar fashion, with Anisimova building a commanding 5-0 lead. Although Gauff fought back to win the next two games, Anisimova sealed the victory in just 58 minutes.

“I was just excited to play he

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