After years of the US Open women’s title bouncing unpredictably from one player to another, Aryna Sabalenka has finally claimed a lasting grip.
The Belarusian star defeated Amanda Anisimova to make history, becoming the first player to successfully defend the US Open crown since Serena Williams in 2014.
At 27, Sabalenka capped off what has been the most dominant season of her career, overcoming past disappointments and nerves to claim a record $5 million prize.
A Journey of Triumph After Heartbreak
Sabalenka’s path to glory has not been smooth. Earlier this year, she lost the Australian Open final to Madison Keys, famously smashing her racket in frustration.
She also stumbled in Paris, falling to Coco Gauff. But at the US Open, her nerves held firm.
Even when she failed to serve out the match and the American crowd roared for a decider, Sabalenka kept her composure.
A perfect tiebreak clinched the match 6-3, 7-6 and sealed her fourth Grand Slam title, putting her just two behind rival Iga Swiatek.
Amanda Anisimova’s Rollercoaster Run
For Amanda Anisimova, this final marked another near-miss.
The 24-year-old American had previously lost to Swiatek at Wimbledon in a 6-0, 6-0 defeat.
Though she avenged that loss by reaching another Grand Slam final, she came up short once again.
Anisimova showed tremendous growth, managing the nerves far better than in past tournaments.
Yet, heartbreak still followed, leaving her in tears after the match. She admitted:
“Losing two finals is so hard. Aryna, you are incredible. I’m in awe of what you have achieved.
I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today.”
Sabalenka, showing her sportsmanship, reassured Anisimova:
“Amanda, I know how much it hurts losing in the finals. You will win your first one.
You will enjoy that even more after losing in these tough finals.”
Power, Precision, and Tactical Growth
Interestingly, Anisimova had dominated their previous head-to-head, winning six of nine matches.
Her game, built on powerful strokes, has been one of the few that could force Sabalenka onto the defensive.
In the first set, Sabalenka hit just three winners — a far cry from the 11 she had hit in her previous matches.
Yet her disciplined play, just four unforced errors in the first set, highlighted her tactical growth and mental toughness.
With her coaching team of Anton Dubrov, Jason Stacey, and Max Mirnyi, Sabalenka has been methodically building a complete game — and it showed in every point of this final.
Highlights of a Thrilling Match
The second set featured one of the match’s defining points: Sabalenka scrambled across the baseline, returning a desperate drop shot with a delicate re-drop winner.
Fans were treated to a masterclass in shot variety, with Sabalenka mixing spin, shape, and slices, contrasting Anisimova’s powerful flat hitting.
Anisimova, now world No.4, relies on playing free of fear, and the early games saw flashes of the tension that cost her at Wimbledon.
She broke for a 3-2 lead, but Sabalenka quickly rallied, taking the first set and later forcing a tense tiebreak in the second.
At 5-5, the tension peaked, but Sabalenka dominated the tiebreak 7-3, collapsing to her knees in relief and joy.
A Tournament Full of Drama and Talent
This year’s women’s event has delivered high drama from start to finish, with stars from Taylor Townsend to Naomi Osaka thrilling fans.
Anisimova’s redemption arc captivated audiences, while Sabalenka’s composed, powerful performance crowned her a champion fully deserving of the title.
In the end, the US Open not only showcased world-class tennis but also the triumph of resilience, strategy, and mental toughness — qualities that Sabalenka has now mastered.