In a night that lit up Arthur Ashe Stadium, Aryna Sabalenka claimed her second consecutive US Open crown, defeating Amanda Anisimova 6–3, 7–6 (3) in a final that showcased both her raw power and refined tactical acumen. For Sabalenka, this victory marks her fourth Grand Slam title, all on hard courts, and reinforces her status as the dominant force in women’s tennis today.
A battle of fire and nerves
From the outset, Sabalenka set the tone. She blasted a series of punishing forehands and serves, immediately pressuring Anisimova’s opening service games. By the second game, Sabalenka had already secured a break, demonstrating why she remains one of the tour’s most formidable baseline players.
Anisimova, in contrast, struggled to find consistency early. Nervous energy manifested in 12 unforced errors in the opening set alone, while her first-serve percentage lingered around 55%. Despite flashes of brilliance and two breaks, she was unable to wrest momentum from the Belarusian powerhouse. Sabalenka closed the first set 6–3, her aggression tempered with a strategic eye for court positioning.
The second set was a markedly different story. Anisimova, refusing to be overpowered, elevated her game, mixing in slices, drop shots, and deep returns that forced Sabalenka to extend rallies. The intensity culminated in a tiebreak, where Sabalenka’s nerves and experience shone. She surged ahead 5–1 before closing out the tiebreak 7–3, sealing a straight-sets victory and the championship.
Numbers behind the win
| Statistic | Sabalenka | Anisimova |
|---|---|---|
| First Serve Points Won | 72% | 65% |
| Second Serve Points Won | 58% | 36% |
| Aces | 11 | 3 |
| Break Points Converted | 4/6 | 0/2 |
| Unforced Errors | 15 | 28 |
The stats underline the story of the match: power, consistency, and mental fortitude. Sabalenka’s serve, reaching speeds of 119 mph on several occasions, allowed her to dictate rallies and keep Anisimova guessing, while her groundstrokes consistently pushed the American behind the baseline.
“To defend my title here means everything”
In her post-match press conference, Sabalenka reflected on the personal and professional challenges leading to this victory. “It’s been a journey. Defending a Grand Slam title is always different. The pressure, the expectations… everything feels amplified. Amanda played some incredible tennis today, but I had to trust my game, stay calm, and take each point as it came.”
The 26-year-old has transformed over recent seasons. Once criticized for over-aggression and inconsistency, Sabalenka has honed a more nuanced style, blending ferocious baseline power with improved tactical awareness and mental resilience,tools that proved decisive against a talented but less experienced opponent like Anisimova.
Anisimova’s road to the final
Amanda Anisimova’s run to the final was a testament to her talent and growth. She defeated several top-20 players such as Iga Swiatek in the quarter-finals, showcasing a versatile game characterized by precise backhands and a fearless approach to the baseline. Her appearance at the US Open final, however, was only her second first at a Grand Slam, and the enormity of the occasion may have contributed to moments of tension and inconsistency.
“It’s a huge learning experience,” Anisimova said after the match. “Aryna was just too strong today, but I can take a lot from this week. I’ll come back stronger, and that’s what matters.”
Historical significance
Sabalenka’s victory carries weight beyond her personal achievements. She becomes the first woman since Serena Williams to win back-to-back US Open titles, joining an elite list of hard-court specialists who have dominated New York. Additionally, this win extends her streak of consecutive Grand Slam final victories to four, including two Australian Open finals appearances in 2023 and 2024.
Analysts also point to the psychological edge Sabalenka holds over top opponents on hard courts. Her ability to combine aggression with composure, particularly in high-pressure tiebreaks, makes her a formidable contender at every major tournament she enters.
A champion’s legacy
As confetti rained down on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Sabalenka lifted the trophy with a mix of relief, pride, and determination. She waved to the New York crowd, acknowledging fans who have cheered her through victories and setbacks alike. With the Asian swing approaching, the tennis world will watch eagerly to see if Sabalenka can continue her dominance across hard surfaces, a challenge that has historically separated great players from legends.