Aryna Sabalenka becomes first woman since Serena to defend US Open title
Aryna Sabalenka successfully retained her US Open crown, defeating America’s Amanda Anisimova in straight sets in Saturday’s final at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The World No. 1 needed just one hour and 34 minutes to wrap up a 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory, sealing her fourth Grand Slam title after two Australian Open wins.
The Belarusian’s triumph made her the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win back-to-back US Open titles. Having endured heartbreak as runner-up at both Wimbledon and the French Open earlier this year, Sabalenka delivered when it mattered most in New York, also avenging her Wimbledon semifinal loss to Anisimova.
For the 24-year-old Anisimova, it was another tough defeat on a Grand Slam stage, coming just months after her lopsided final loss to Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon. Even so, the American moved up the WTA rankings to a career-best World No. 4.
Sabalenka overcomes shaky start
The contest began nervously for Sabalenka, who had to save three break points in the opening game as Anisimova came out firing. Buoyed by the home crowd, the American fought with fearless intent, breaking twice to take an early lead. But Sabalenka’s trademark resilience soon came into play. She fought back, seized her third break of the set, and calmly closed out the opener in 38 minutes.
Anisimova’s resistance fades in tie-break
The second set saw Anisimova respond with determination, holding serve solidly and breaking back to level from 1-3 down. As the set wore on, the American kept the contest alive, even breaking Sabalenka when she first served for the championship, forcing a 5-5 deadlock.
The drama carried into a tie-break, but from the moment Sabalenka raced to a 6-1 lead, the outcome was inevitable. She clinched the title with authority, falling to her knees in celebration as the Arthur Ashe crowd erupted.
With this win, Sabalenka not only defended her crown but also firmly established herself as the dominant force in women’s tennis heading into the next season.