Aryna Sabalenka wins another US Open Finals. Image credit: Getty Images.
(The Post News)– World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka retained her US Open crown with a thrilling 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) victory over Amanda Anisimova in New York.
At Flushing Meadows, Sabalenka battled past Anisimova to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win back-to-back US Open titles. The win secured her fourth Grand Slam trophy, all on hard courts, including two US Open and two Australian Open titles.
After sealing the match with an unreturnable serve, Sabalenka dropped to her knees in celebration, then leapt into the stands to share the moment with her coaches and team. “I want to thank everyone who came here, who flew in to be in my box,” she said. “I’m going to reach many more finals, and I don’t care where you are in the world; I want you there with me.”
Sabalenka and Anisimova to Make-up for Past Setbacks
Both players came into the final looking to move past recent setbacks. Just 56 days after suffering a humiliating defeat in the Wimbledon final, Anisimova returned to the Grand Slam stage. Meanwhile, Sabalenka aimed to rebound from painful losses at the Australian and French Opens, including a controversial press conference following her French Open defeat to Coco Gauff. Earlier this season, Anisimova had beaten Sabalenka in the Wimbledon semi-finals, leaving the world No. 1 without a major title in 2025 until now.
Despite a spirited fightback from Anisimova, Sabalenka maintained her composure and powered through to clinch the title. With heavy rain pounding Queens, tournament officials closed the roof, creating a charged atmosphere that encouraged both players to play aggressively.
Anisimova’s nerves showed early as she dropped serve in the opening game, extending her losing streak in Grand Slam finals to 14 straight games. Although Sabalenka looked poised to dominate, Anisimova rallied by hitting bold winners to get on the scoreboard. She strung together three straight games, energizing the New York crowd.
However, Sabalenka responded with four games in a row, taking the first set 6-4. Anisimova, visibly frustrated and struggling with the roof’s glare during her ball toss, couldn’t sustain pressure. She smashed a ball down in anger after Sabalenka broke her again early in the second set. Although she managed to level the set, her serve remained a liability. Sabalenka regained control, jumped to a 5-3 lead, and served for the championship.
But the finish wasn’t easy. Anisimova hit a miraculous backhand lob that caused Sabalenka to net the ball, eventually leveling at 5-5 with fearless hitting. At that critical point, Sabalenka avoided a collapse and forced a tie-break, an area where she’s been nearly unbeatable this season. She held her nerve and closed it out convincingly.
Anisimova finished with 29 unforced errors and seven double faults—too many to overcome. Still, the American, who began the year outside the top 30, will rise into the world’s top four on Monday.
“It’s been a great summer. Losing in two finals in a row is great, but also super hard,” said the 24-year-old through tears, still haunted by her 6-0, 6-0 Wimbledon final loss two months ago. “I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today.”
She later revealed that the glare from the closed roof affected her vision throughout the match. “I haven’t played on that court with the roof closed during the day. It was literally white; I couldn’t see the ball on serve. It started in the warm-up, and I knew it was going to be a problem. I didn’t know how to adjust,” Anisimova said. “If I can’t hold serve, it’s going to be hard to stay in the match, and that’s what happened.”
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