Sabalenka beats Anisimova to defend US Open crown in New York

Photo:AFP

The U.S. Open women’s final in New York turned into a dramatic clash of power, nerves, and resilience on Saturday night as Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her crown. She defeated American eighth seed Amanda Anisimova in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), at the Arthur Ashe Stadium.

This win secured Sabalenka her second consecutive U.S. Open title and her fourth Grand Slam trophy overall, marking another milestone in her career. With this victory, she became the first woman since Serena Williams (2012–2014) to win back-to-back championships at Flushing Meadows.

A Queen of the Hardcourts

At 27 years old, Sabalenka has built a reputation as the dominant force on hardcourts. She has not missed a hardcourt major final since 2022, showcasing her consistency and ability to thrive under pressure. Known for her aggressive groundstrokes, thundering serves, and fearless mindset, Sabalenka once again proved why many call her the “queen of hardcourts.”

After sealing victory with an unreturnable serve, Sabalenka dropped to her knees in pure joy before jumping into the stands to celebrate with her team. “I want to thank everyone who came here, who traveled just to be in my box. I’m going to reach a lot more finals, and no matter where in the world, I want you all with me,” she told the crowd.

Amanda Anisimova’s Brave Fight

For 24-year-old Amanda Anisimova, this final was a bittersweet moment. Born in New Jersey, the young American had the support of the passionate local fans. The stadium roared every time she landed a powerful forehand or broke Sabalenka’s serve.

However, she struggled with unforced errors, hitting 29 compared to Sabalenka’s 15. Despite her efforts, the American star could not maintain momentum against Sabalenka’s experience and strength.

“It’s been a great summer, but losing two finals in a row is hard,” said a tearful Anisimova, who had earlier lost the Wimbledon final in July in a heartbreaking 6-0, 6-0 defeat. “I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today.”

Stay informed with the latest news. Follow DXB News Network on WhatsApp Channel 

How the Match Unfolded

The match began with nerves on both sides. Sabalenka had to save three break points in the very first game but quickly steadied herself. Anisimova broke early but could not hold her advantage. The Belarusian fought back fiercely, breaking Anisimova twice and sealing the first set 6-3 with a crushing serve.

The second set saw a fierce exchange of breaks. Anisimova thrilled the crowd with a 12-shot rally and a stunning backhand winner to even the score. For a moment, it looked like she might take the match to a deciding set. But in the crucial tiebreak, Sabalenka was unstoppable. She raced ahead with powerful baseline shots and wrapped up the match in straight sets.

The Bigger Picture

This win strengthens Sabalenka’s legacy in women’s tennis. With four Grand Slam titles, including two U.S. Opens, an Australian Open, and a Wimbledon crown, she has cemented herself among the top players of this era.

Her victory also brings back memories of Serena Williams’ dominance, as Sabalenka now stands as the first woman in over a decade to defend her U.S. Open title. For fans, her performance symbolizes a new golden age for women’s tennis, where raw power meets unshakable determination.

On the other hand, Anisimova’s journey, despite the loss, signals hope for American tennis. Reaching two major finals in a single summer shows her growing potential, and with experience, she could become a future Grand Slam champion.

What’s Next?

Sabalenka will now shift her focus to upcoming tournaments as the tennis season moves towards indoor hardcourt competitions. Anisimova, though disappointed, will carry valuable lessons from this run and is expected to return stronger in the new season.

For fans worldwide, the 2025 U.S. Open women’s final will be remembered not only for Sabalenka’s victory but also for the passion, tears, and drama that made it a spectacle of modern sport.