Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her US Open title on Saturday after defeating Amanda Anisimova in straight sets. The world No. 1 secured the victory with a 6-3, 7-6 (3) win in just one hour and 34 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium. This triumph marked her fourth Grand Slam title, adding to her two Australian Open victories.
Sabalenka is the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win back-to-back US Open crowns. The win also provided redemption for the Belarusian, who had finished as the runner-up at both Wimbledon and the French Open earlier in the year. Her victory over Anisimova was particularly sweet, as it came after a semifinal defeat to the American at Wimbledon.
For the 24-year-old Anisimova, this was another difficult Grand Slam final loss, following her championship match defeat at Wimbledon, where she was handed a double bagel by Iga Swiatek. Despite the loss, she will move up to No. 4 in the WTA rankings.
US Open 2025 Final Highlights
Sabalenka bounces back
The match began with a tense atmosphere, and Sabalenka, the commanding World No. 1, looked anything but steady. Anisimova started strong, forcing the Belarusian to save three break points in the opening game, while the American was left to rue her missed opportunities. Sabalenka then managed to secure an early break, but Anisimova immediately hit back with a fearless forehand winner on her fourth chance to erase the 0-2 deficit. Buoyed by the crowd, the American continued to press, grabbing a second break to pull ahead.
However, Sabalenka, known for her resilience, refused to be deterred. She clawed her way back, breaking Anisimova for the third time in the set to seize the momentum. A composed hold of her serve allowed her to close out the opening set in 38 minutes.
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Anisimova’s fight in vain
Anisimova started the second set with confidence, holding her serve to show her determination. But Sabalenka, steadily demonstrating why she is the top-ranked player, secured a crucial break, putting her within touching distance of victory. With Anisimova struggling and Sabalenka holding an impressive 27-2 record in US Open matches where she won the first set, the odds were in the Belarusian's favour.
The American, however, resisted. Anisimova levelled the set and brought drama back into the match after rallying from a 1-3 deficit to earn her third break of the match. Anisimova appeared to be gathering steam, but Sabalenka countered with a spectacular move that put her within two games of defending her title.
The excitement continued as Sabalenka served for the championship. Anisimova dug deep, breaking back to force a 5-5 deadlock and keeping the dramatic twists and turns coming at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The second set ultimately went to a tie-break.
Once Sabalenka surged to a 6-1 lead in the tie-break, her victory was inevitable. She sealed the match on her third match point, falling to her knees and covering her face with her hands in a moment of pure joy.
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