Aryna Sabalenka Triumphs Over Amanda Anisimova 6-4, 7-6 to Capture Her Second Consecutive US Open Title
The reigning champion, Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus, proudly holds the title of world #1. Despite entering this season’s grand slam finals with a 0-2 record and earlier losing to NJ native and world #9, Amanda Anisimova, Sabalenka remained determined to defend her crown.
Although Anisimova was overwhelmed by Iga Swiatek in the championship at the All England Club, that match catalyzed a transformative journey. Anisimova focused on enhancing her movement, physicality, and adopting positive body language to cultivate a winning mindset.
With newfound resilience, Anisimova stormed into back-to-back grand slam finals, defeating three seeded players along the way, including a stunning victory against Swiatek in the quarter-finals. Her remarkable comeback win over Naomi Osaka in the semis further showcased her tenacity.
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At just 24 years old, Anisimova led Sabalenka 6-3 in their head-to-head battles. Nonetheless, she understood the fierce determination of her opponent seeking redemption. This marked Sabalenka’s third consecutive appearance in the US Open finals.
Sabalenka kicked off the match and despite an early double fault along with three break points, she managed to hold serve, while Anisimova fell victim to three unforced errors. The world #1 registered 4/6 first serves, though she was broken amidst two exceptional winners by Anisimova.
Cheered on by the enthusiastic NY crowd, Anisimova unleashed a powerful backhand down the line, securing her initial hold to consolidate the break. With the score tied at 2-2, Sabalenka faced critical points but eventually broke back after Anisimova’s four unforced errors.
The defending champion, struggling with her first serve at 3/6, managed to hold for 4-3 following a series of mistakes from Anisimova, who dropped serve after hitting a double fault. Sabalenka clinched the first set with a stunning crosscourt backhand aided by Anisimova’s errors.
In the second set, Anisimova faltered with two double faults but held serve thanks to a well-placed ace. Sabalenka, resilient as ever, answered with another impressive backhand and held at love.
As Anisimova grappled with her serve, she committed more errors, allowing Sabalenka to break again after hitting a blistering backhand. Sabalenka reinforced her lead with a brilliant forehand to secure a 3-1 advantage.
While Sabalenka appeared in control, Anisimova steadied herself and held serve effortlessly, showcasing her mental fortitude.
However, as pressure mounted, Sabalenka succumbed to double faults and dropped serve after Anisimova struck again with a fierce backhand. The momentum shifted, but Anisimova quickly lost the break due to three consecutive unforced errors, handing Sabalenka the advantage 5-3.
Facing elimination, Anisimova held serve, forcing Sabalenka to serve it out. Despite trailing 0–30 at one point, pressure dolled back as Sabalenka fought back, making it 1–5 in the tiebreaker.
With the weight of the match on her shoulders, Sabalenka delivered significant blows, including an outstanding inside-out forehand winner. She sealed the decision at 7-3 after Anisimova missed a crucial backhand.
This thrilling encounter proved to be a heavyweight showdown between two skilled contenders. Sabalenka’s experience in grand slam finals clearly shone through, allowing her to navigate the pressure more adeptly than her opponent. With this victory, she’s the first woman to defend her US Open title since the legendary Serena Williams (between 2012 and 2014).
With four grand slam titles now under her belt (all on hard courts), Sabalenka is undoubtedly eyeing a new challenge on the red clay of Roland Garros. After coming agonizingly close earlier this year (losing to Gauff), she’s ready to harness her hard-learned lessons for future triumphs.
Competing on the renowned Arthur Ashe Stadium with the roof closed, Sabalenka recorded one ace, two double faults, winning 60% of first serve points and an impressive 62% on second serves. She saved 3/7 break points and converted 5/6. Though Anisimova hit more winners (22 to 13), she succumbed to nearly double the unforced errors (29 against Sabalenka’s 15).
Sabalenka’s game was a masterclass in strategy. She expertly balanced aggression with composure, controlling the match while keeping her opponent at bay. A display of elite tennis from a champion in her prime!
