NEW YORK — World number one Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her US Open crown on Saturday, defeating American rival Amanda Anisimova in straight sets to win the fourth Grand Slam title of her career. Sabalenka’s relentless pressure on Anisimova’s serve secured a 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) victory on Arthur Ashe Stadium, reinforcing her position at the pinnacle of women’s tennis.
The 27-year-old from Belarus entered the final knowing this was her last chance to claim a Grand Slam title in 2025 after frustrating losses in the Australian and French Open finals. Her win provides a measure of redemption, while ending Anisimova’s hopes of a maiden Grand Slam title. Anisimova had been on a comeback trail after a tough 6-0, 6-0 loss to Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final just two months prior.
“It’s crazy, all those tough lessons were worth it for this one,” Sabalenka said after the match. “I’m speechless right now.”
Despite Anisimova holding a winning 6-3 record against Sabalenka in their previous nine encounters, including a victory in the Wimbledon semifinals, the Belarusian’s experience proved decisive. Anisimova, playing in her first Grand Slam final, lamented her performance, saying, “I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today.”
The match featured several tense moments, particularly in the second set. Sabalenka’s incredible prowess in tiebreaks was on full display, as she secured her 19th consecutive tiebreak victory to clinch the win in one hour and 34 minutes. A key factor was Sabalenka’s efficiency on break points, converting five of her six opportunities, while Anisimova struggled to capitalize on her chances.
In the first set, Anisimova failed to convert three break points, allowing Sabalenka to take a 2-0 lead. Although Anisimova managed to break back and momentarily seize momentum, her serve proved to be her undoing, as a series of double faults and unforced errors handed Sabalenka the first set.
The second set followed a similar pattern. Sabalenka appeared in control with a 3-1 lead, but Anisimova fought back to level the score at 3-3. However, Sabalenka quickly regained the advantage with another break. Serving for the match at 5-4, Sabalenka made a costly error, hitting a wide-open smash into the net, which gave Anisimova a lifeline to break back and force a tiebreak. In the tiebreak, however, Sabalenka reasserted her dominance, racing to a 6-1 lead and ultimately closing out the match.