Aryna Sabalenka kept her composure and overcame Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) to successfully defend her US Open title.
Aryna Sabalenka defeated Amanda Anisimova in straight sets to retain her US Open crown and claim her fourth Grand Slam title. The 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) victory confirmed her dominance on hard courts and showed her growth in handling high-pressure finals consistently.
Sabalenka Plays It Smart
Sabalenka entered her third straight US Open final determined to avoid another heartbreak after losing two major finals earlier this year. She began well, controlling the first set with powerful serving, disciplined ball striking, and a greater margin than her more erratic opponent.
Anisimova had beaten Sabalenka at Wimbledon, but the Belarusian adjusted tactically, varying her pace and positioning throughout key moments. Sabalenka targeted Anisimova’s second serve, attacking early and forcing short returns or unforced errors under sustained pressure. She kept her own unforced errors low and dictated play behind her serve, winning over 75% of first serve points.
Sabalenka took the opening set 6-3, saving break points and staying composed during baseline exchanges. Despite a strong American crowd backing Anisimova, Sabalenka showed maturity and control to stay locked into her game plan.
Anisimova Fights Back, Sabalenka Stays Composed
In the second set, Anisimova found better rhythm and forced Sabalenka into longer, more difficult service games. Trailing 5-4, Anisimova broke Sabalenka after the top seed misfired on a routine smash at 30-30.
The American held serve for 6-5 and appeared poised to turn the match, but Sabalenka held to force a tiebreak. Sabalenka then dominated the tiebreak with precision and focus, winning 7-3 and closing the match on her third championship point.
Her mental strength in the closing stages reflected progress made since emotionally unravelling in earlier finals this season. She now holds a 19-match tiebreak win streak, dating back to February, proof of her growing resilience under pressure.
Anisimova, who had stunned Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka earlier in the tournament, struggled with consistency in key moments. She committed 34 unforced errors, often overhitting shots when trying to match Sabalenka’s power from the baseline.
Mental Growth Defines Sabalenka’s Season
Sabalenka credited her improved mindset and emotional control for the turnaround after difficult finals in Australia and France earlier this year. She admitted that her loss to Coco Gauff (6.00) in Paris was especially painful and led to reflection on her mental approach.
“I had to overcome a lot this season,” Sabalenka said post-match. “I didn’t want to lose control in another final.”
Unlike earlier finals where she collapsed under pressure, Sabalenka (3.00) stayed calm throughout and trusted her preparation and tactics. Her four major titles now match legends like Kim Clijsters and Naomi Osaka, solidifying her status in tennis history.
She has won both the US Open and Australian Open twice and reached six straight hard-court Grand Slam finals. Sabalenka said she was “super proud” of handling emotions better and showing she belonged at the top of the sport.
