NEW YORK — In a masterclass of power and poise, Aryna Sabalenka emphatically defended her US Open crown, defeating the resurgent American Amanda Anisimova 6-4, 6-3 in a commanding final on Arthur Ashe Stadium. The world number one, who captured her first major here a year ago, secured her second Grand Slam title of the season, adding the 2024 trophy to the Australian Open she won in January and solidifying her dominance atop the women's game.
The final was a showcase of Sabalenka’s evolved championship mentality. While her thunderous groundstrokes and punishing serve have long been the foundation of her game, it was her unshakable composure under pressure that truly defined this victory. Facing a inspired opponent and a crowd fervently backing the home hope, Sabalenka never lost her focus, navigating pivotal moments with a veteran’s calm to claim the title in one hour and 17 minutes.
A Fitting Finale for a Season of Dominance
Sabalenka’s path to this title was a testament to her consistency and resilience. Arriving in New York as the top seed and with the pressure of defending a mountain of ranking points, she methodically dismantled every opponent in her path. She did not drop a set throughout the entire fortnight, a staggering feat of sustained excellence that underscores her current superiority. Her journey to the final included decisive victories over notable contenders like Ons Jabeur and Qinwen Zheng, setting the stage for a clash with the tournament’s Cinderella story.
For Amanda Anisimova, the final capped an extraordinary and emotional comeback. After stepping away from the tour in May 2023 citing mental health and burnout, the 22-year-old American used a protected ranking to enter the draw and proceeded to capture the hearts of the Flushing Meadows crowd. Her run, which included a stunning upset of reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina, was a powerful narrative of personal triumph, regardless of the final result.
Controlled Aggression Seals the First Set
From the first ball, the match was played on Sabalenka’s terms. She immediately imposed her will with her devastating power, striking the ball with immense depth and pace to push Anisimova behind the baseline. The American, known for her own clean ball-striking, struggled to find rhythm against the relentless assault. The critical breakthrough came at 4-4 in the first set, where Sabalenka elevated her game, crushing a return winner to secure the break before calmly serving out the set.
Anisimova’s challenges were multifaceted:
- She faced the immense pressure of her first major final in over five years.
- Sabalenka’s serve was a weapon, firing 9 aces and yielding very few free points.
- The Belarusian’s improved movement and defensive skills forced Anisimova to hit extra balls, leading to 22 unforced errors.
Closing Out the Championship in Style
Any hopes of an Anisimova fightback were quickly extinguished in the second set. Sabalenka broke serve immediately, consolidating for a 2-0 lead and never looking back. She continued to manage the occasion perfectly, using her time between points effectively and maintaining a positive, determined demeanor. Serving for the championship at 5-3, there were no signs of nerves. She closed out the match with a trademark powerful serve that Anisimova could only return long, dropping to her knees in a moment of pure elation.
In her post-match press conference, Sabalenka reflected on the immense pressure of defending a title. "It feels even more emotional the second time," she said, a beaming smile across her face. "There is so much more pressure when everyone expects you to win. To handle that emotion and to play my best tennis until the last point, I'm super proud of myself and my team. We've been through a lot in the last year, and this is an incredible achievement."
A Gracious Runner-Up Looks Ahead
For Anisimova, the defeat was bittersweet but filled with promise. Visibly emotional during the trophy ceremony, she expressed gratitude for her support system and acknowledged her incredible journey over the past two weeks. "I want to congratulate Aryna, she's an incredible champion and played unbelievable today," Anisimova stated. "This past month has been pretty crazy for me. I didn't expect to be in a Grand Slam final so soon after coming back. I'm just so thankful to be out here and to have fought my way through. This is just the beginning for me again."
The victory cements Sabalenka’s status as the undisputed world number one and the player to beat on tour. By winning the Australian Open and US Open in the same calendar year, she joins an elite group of players and has firmly put her own stamp on the 2024 season. Her game, now complemented by a rock-solid mental fortitude, makes her a formidable force on any surface.
The WTA Tour now shifts its focus to the Asian swing and the season-ending WTA Finals, but the story of this US Open will be Aryna Sabalenka’s commanding reign. She did not just win the title; she dominated the field, proving that her powerful brand of tennis, when coupled with a champion's calm, is nearly impossible to overcome. As she hoisted the trophy under the New York lights, it was clear that the era of Sabalenka is in full flight.