NEW YORK — In a stunning display of power and resilience, Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus has successfully defended her US Open title, defeating a heartbroken Amanda Anisimova of the United States in a gripping final on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 6-4, 6-3 victory was not just a triumph of tennis but a narrative of revenge, redemption, and raw emotion, as Sabalenka avenged a painful loss to Anisimova from earlier in the season.
The match was a highly anticipated rematch of their Madrid Open semifinal in April, where Anisimova, in the midst of a remarkable comeback to the sport, stunned the world No. 1 in three sets. That victory was a landmark moment for the American, but on this grand stage, Sabalenka left no doubt. From the first thunderous serve to the final forehand winner, Sabalenka controlled the tempo, unleashing her signature aggressive game while showcasing a newfound level of tactical maturity and emotional control.
A Champion's Response to Adversity
The opening games were a tense affair, with both players holding serve through a series of deuce battles. The critical moment arrived at 4-4 in the first set. Facing break point, Sabalenka unleashed a second serve that clocked in at 108 mph, painting the T-line for an ace. It was a statement of intent. She held serve and immediately broke Anisimova in the next game to seize the first set, silencing the pro-American crowd. "That ace was the turning point," Sabalenka said in her post-match press conference. "I knew I had to go big. I couldn't play it safe, not against Amanda."
The second set saw Sabalenka elevate her game even further. Her groundstrokes, particularly her devastating forehand, were landing with relentless depth and pace. Anisimova, known for her own clean ball-striking, struggled to find answers as Sabalenka raced to a 5-1 lead. The Belarusian's performance was a masterclass in applying pressure, a stark contrast to their previous encounter.
Anisimova's Emotional Journey Comes Full Circle
For Amanda Anisimova, the final was the culmination of an extraordinary and emotional return to tennis. After stepping away from the tour in May 2023 citing mental health concerns and burnout, her run to the final was the story of the tournament. She took down a string of top players, including a quarterfinal victory over reigning Wimbledon champion Jasmine Paolini and a semifinal win against Coco Gauff. The crowd was firmly behind her, hoping to will her to a fairytale ending.
However, the weight of the moment and the sheer force of Sabalenka's game proved too much. As Sabalenka's final shot landed untouched, Anisimova dropped her racket and covered her face, tears flowing immediately. It was a raw display of heartbreak after a magical fortnight. Her incredible journey back to the top of the sport, however, was not lost on anyone.
Key factors in Sabalenka's dominant victory included:
- Serve Dominance: She fired 12 aces and won 82% of her first-serve points.
- Aggressive Return Game: She constantly attacked Anisimova's second serve, creating immediate pressure.
- Emotional Composure: Unlike in Madrid, she remained focused after errors and big points.
- Clinical Conversion: She converted 3 of her 4 break point opportunities while saving 4 of the 5 she faced.
A Display of Sportsmanship and Mutual Respect
At the net, the contrast in emotions was palpable. Sabalenka, beaming with joy, immediately embraced a sobbing Anisimova, whispering words of encouragement into her ear. "I told her she's an incredible player and she's going to win this title one day, for sure," Sabalenka revealed during the trophy ceremony. "What she has done coming back is just amazing. She's inspiration for so many people."
This act of sportsmanship highlighted the deep respect between the two competitors. Anisimova, fighting to compose herself during her runner-up speech, echoed the sentiment. "Congratulations to Aryna," she said, her voice cracking. "You're an amazing champion. Playing you is always a nightmare, but you're one of the best people on tour. Thank you for the kind words at the net."
Solidifying a Legacy and Looking Ahead
With this victory, Aryna Sabalenka cements her status as the dominant force in women's tennis. She is the first woman to successfully defend the US Open title since Serena Williams in 2014. This win marks her third Grand Slam title, adding to her 2023 US Open and 2024 Australian Open triumphs. The victory also ensures she will maintain her World No. 1 ranking, further extending her lead at the top.
The historical significance of the moment was not lost on her. "To defend my title here in New York, it's a dream," Sabalenka exclaimed, hoisting the trophy above her head. "This city is so special to me. The energy, the crowd, even when they are against me, it pushes me to be better. I'm just so proud I was able to handle all the pressures and emotions this week."
For Amanda Anisimova, the defeat is undoubtedly crushing, but her performance over the past two weeks signals a triumphant return. She is projected to soar back into the world's top 25, a testament to her talent and perseverance. Her game, built on pristine timing and fearless power, has clearly returned to its elite level. The tennis world eagerly awaits to see what she does next, her future now looking brighter than ever.
As the New York lights shone down on Arthur Ashe Stadium, two stories were written. One was of a champion, Aryna Sabalenka, who faced down a past demon and reinforced her reign at the summit of the sport with breathtaking power and poise. The other was of a warrior, Amanda Anisimova, who, through tears of sadness, proved to herself and the world that she is well and truly back, her best results likely still ahead of her.