French Open sensation Amanda Anisimova hailed as new Maria Sharapova after stunning win
TEENAGE sensation Amanda Anisimova has been hailed as the new Maria Sharapova after she reached the French Open semi-finals.
French Open: Amanda Anisimova DEFEATS Simona Halep
The American, 17, thrashed defending champion Simona Halep 6-2 6-4 to knock out the only remaining Grand Slam champion.
Seven-time French Open winner Evert told Eurosport: “Look at this young lady, 17 years old, a star is being born right now. Her idol is Maria Sharapova.
“She plays like Maria Sharapova. Halep had windows of opportunity but just didn't take advantage of them on the big points.”
With 19-year-old Marketa Vondrousova facing Jo Konta tomorrow, this is the first time two teenagers have reached the last four here since Justine Henin and Kim Clijsters in 2001.
Anisimova said: “I can't believe it. I've been working so hard but I didn't believe it would pay off like this.
“It's more than I could ever have asked for.
“Going out today, I knew I'd been playing well, because I was in the quarter-finals.
“I knew I had to something different. This is one of the best matches I've ever played.
"I've had some great memories her from two years ago in the juniors.”
Konta is the only player left in the tournament who has reached a Grand Slam semi-final before – and there will be a new Grand Slam champion.
World No.8 Ashleigh Barty is the highest ranked player left in the draw.