Aryna Sabalenka has become the first woman to successfully defend her US Open title since Serena Williams achieved the feat in 2014.
In a compelling final, world number one Aryna Sabalenka overcame a determined Amanda Anisimova to retain her US Open crown and secure her inaugural Grand Slam title of the year.
Sabalenka’s consistent performance led to a 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) victory in a match that showcased the powerful ball-striking abilities of both competitors.
However, the victory was not without moments of palpable tension.
Despite holding the advantage, defending champion Sabalenka was unable to close out the match while serving at 5-4. She demonstrated resilience, however, by dominating the ensuing tie-break and clinching the win on her third match point.
The 27-year-old Belarusian has been a dominant force on the WTA Tour this season. Questions had surfaced regarding her emotional fortitude in the later stages of major tournaments.
Sabalenka responded to these criticisms with an assured display in the final major of the season, securing her fourth Grand Slam singles title.
Conversely, American eighth seed Anisimova struggled to maintain a consistent level, ultimately paying the price.
The 24-year-old delivered an improved performance compared to her previous major final – a 6-0, 6-0 defeat by Poland’s Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon in July – but was visibly emotional after falling short once again.
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Anisimova’s experience at Wimbledon proved challenging, with nerves hindering her ability to adapt her strategy as Swiatek delivered a decisive victory.
While that experience has strengthened her resolve, signs of tension were evident throughout the absorbing final in New York.
“It’s been a great summer. Losing two finals in a row is great but also super hard,” Anisimova reflected.
“I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today.”
Anisimova’s straightforward, power-driven style aimed to overwhelm Sabalenka on the court.
However, inconsistencies proved to be her downfall, contributing to another emotionally charged Grand Slam defeat.
Anisimova started strongly, unleashing powerful groundstrokes aimed at the lines.
This aggressive approach earned her three break points in the opening game, but Sabalenka recovered to hold and then break for a 2-0 lead. Undeterred, Anisimova responded with more winners, turning the deficit into a break advantage at 3-2.
However, nerves resurfaced as she struggled to consolidate her lead.
Looser groundstrokes followed, culminating in a poor service game punctuated by two double faults at 5-3.
Sabalenka, despite her own susceptibility to fluctuations in form, maintained greater composure to secure the first set.
While the crowd offered encouragement, Anisimova appeared increasingly frustrated as she struggled in her opening service games of the second set.
The pressure mounted as she fell behind 2-1, leading to Anisimova slamming a ball into the air before covering her face with a towel.
The atmosphere among the partisan 25,000 fans subdued, but the mood shifted when Anisimova broke back, forcing a tie-break.
Sabalenka’s impressive record in tie-breaks this year translated into confidence as she established a decisive lead before securing her 19th consecutive tie-break victory.
“I know how hard these finals hurt,” Sabalenka empathized. “But you will enjoy it more after these tough losses.”
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