Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her title at the US Open, triumphing over Wimbledon runner-up Amanda Anisimova in a straight-sets match.
Winning her fourth Grand Slam title, Sabalenka becomes the first woman to achieve back-to-back US Open triumphs since Serena Williams’ consecutive titles from 2012 to 2014.
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The intense match between two of the hardest-hitting, powerful-serving women in tennis was characterized by a disparity in unforced errors. Sabalenka maintained composed and effective play, limiting her unforced errors to 15 compared to Anisimova’s 29.
“I want to thank everyone who came here, who flew in to be there in my box,” Sabalenka expressed post-victory, kneeling in jubilation before jumping up with her coaching team.
“I’m going to reach a lot more finals, and I don’t care where you are in the world, I want you in my box.”
Anisimova, who played in her second major final, fought with the support of the crowd in the prestigious Arthur Ashe Stadium. Though she couldn’t sustain the momentum, she stated, “It’s been a great summer. Losing in two finals in a row is great, but it’s also super hard.”
“I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today.”
Sabalenka sets the tone early
Sabalenka, displaying remarkable composure, saved three break points in the opening game. Anisimova, despite her efforts, coughed up the early service break, allowing Sabalenka to take an early lead.
Anisimova did find her footing in the third game, winning a 12-shot rally to break back. However, Sabalenka quickly reasserted her dominance by breaking Anisimova’s serve and consolidating her lead. She clinched the first set with an unreturnable serve and extended her lead in the second set with a break point in the third game.
Anisimova did not back down, keeping the match competitive by leveling it 6-6 in the second set. However, Sabalenka’s power eventually prevailed as she sprinted through the tie-break, seizing victory.
