Sabalenka defends US Open title crown in thrilling final against Anisimova
Aryna Sabalenka holds off a fierce challenge from Amanda Anisimova, winning the US Open women’s singles title with a 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory.
Aryna Sabalenka, US Open 2025 | © Yuki Iwamura/AP/SIPA
Aryna Sabalenka cemented her place at the top of the women’s game on Saturday, overcoming a spirited challenge from American Amanda Anisimova to win the US Open final 6-3, 7-6 (3) and secure her second consecutive title at Flushing Meadows.
The win marks Sabalenka’s fourth Grand Slam singles title, all of which have come on hard courts. The win makes her the first woman to win consecutive US Open singles titles since Serena Williams from 2012-2014.
“All the tough lessons make this one worth it, Sabalenka said during the trophy ceremony. I’m speechless right now. Congrats Amanda on reaching back to back Slam finals. I know how muchIt hurts, losing in the final. But trust me, the moment you’re going to win the first one and you are going to win it. You play incredible tennis. “
The victory did not come without its tense moments for the world’s top-ranked player, who has endured a season marked by near-misses in major finals, with defeats at both the Australian Open and Roland-Garros. The contest, lasting 1 hour and 28 minutes, was defined by swings in momentum from start to finish.
High risk game by Anisimova
Anisimova got off to a shaky start. At 2-0 and 30-0 for Sabalenka, there was a sense she might suffer a collapse reminiscent of Wimbledon. Instead, she steadied herself and surged ahead 3-2 with a crucial break. However, Sabalenka showed her championship mettle, winning the next four games in a row to take the set 6-3.
While Anisimova’s high-risk, high-reward game resulted in more winners (22 to Sabalenka’s 13), it also led to a higher number of unforced errors (29 to Sabalenka’s 15). The American’s vulnerability was also evident in her 7 double faults throughout the match.
In the second set, Sabalenka looked to be in control, taking a 3-1 lead. Anisimova, with the roar of the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd behind her, fought back to level the set at 3-3, only to be broken again. With Sabalenka serving for the championship at 5-4, the match delivered its most dramatic moment. At 30-all, Sabalenka had an overhead smash to earn a championship point but put it into the net. Anisimova broke back to even the score, forcing the set into a tiebreak.
Sabalenka’s incredible numbers at tie-breaks
Despite the late-game nerves, Sabalenka was a heavy favorite heading into the tiebreak, having won 20 of 21 tiebreaks this year. The trend continued, with Sabalenka sealing the victory 7-3 on her third championship point to claim the title. Tears began to appear in the following minutes, more visibly in Anisimova’s eyes than in her opponent’s.
Anisimova, a New Jersey native who moved to Miami at age 3, was playing in her second consecutive Grand Slam final after a crushing defeat at Wimbledon (6-0, 6-0). She came out swinging, looking to reverse her fortunes and capitalize on her favorable 6-3 head-to-head record against Sabalenka.
For Anisimova, the loss marks another step in her remarkable comeback season, but also a second consecutive defeat in a major final. Her journey to the final included a win over World No. 2 Iga Swiatek, a player who had handed her a double-bagel defeat in the Wimbledon final just two months prior. She will be in the Top 5 of the WTA rankings next week.
