Aryna Sabalenka weathered nerves and fierce competition to successfully defend her US Open crown, defeating American challenger Amanda Anisimova in straight sets to claim her first Grand Slam trophy of the season. The world No. 1 displayed remarkable composure under Arthur Ashe Stadium’s floodlights, battling through key moments to secure a 6-3, 7-6(3) victory that cemented her status as the WTA Tour’s premier force.
Sabalenka’s Dominance Secures Back-to-Back US Open Titles
The Belarusian powerhouse entered this championship match with heavy expectations after falling short in her previous three major finals this season. Sabalenka transformed those disappointments into fuel for her US Open title defense, showcasing improved mental resilience against an opponent who had eliminated her from Wimbledon just two months prior.
While Anisimova threatened with her trademark blistering groundstrokes, Sabalenka demonstrated why she’s maintained the tour’s top ranking throughout 2025. The reigning champion strategically absorbed Anisimova’s pace instead of engaging in all-out power battles, forcing critical errors at decisive moments. This tactical maturity – developed through painful losses in Melbourne, Paris, and London – proved the difference maker in clinching her fourth career Grand Slam crown.
From Heartbreak to Triumph: The Road to Retaining the US Open Title
Sabalenka’s emotional collapse to her knees at match point revealed the significance of this victory after a season of near misses. The 27-year-old had dominated regular tour events but carried questions about closing out majors after squandering winning positions against Madison Keys in Australia (quarterfinals) and Coco Gauff at Roland Garros (final).
This trophy means more than my first, Sabalenka confessed during the trophy presentation. After those devastating losses, I worked tirelessly on controlling my emotions in big moments. When Amanda broke back in the second set, the old doubts crept in. But instead of exploding, I focused on my game plan.
That mental fortitude manifested crucially at 5-4 in the second set when Sabalenka failed to serve out the championship. Rather than unraveling as she had against Gauff, the top seed regrouped to dominate the tiebreak – her 19th consecutive tiebreak victory this season – sealing the US Open title on her third championship point.
Anisimova’s Valiant Effort Falls Short in First US Open Final
Anisimova entered her second Grand Slam final determined to rewrite the narrative from her crushing 6-0, 6-0 loss to Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon. The Floridian showed marked improvement under New York’s bright lights, delivering courageous tennis that electrified the Arthur Ashe crowd.
For stretches of the match, the 24-year-old outpowered Sabalenka off both wings, breaking serve three times and pushing the second set to its limit. However, struggles with consistency at critical junctures – particularly two costly double faults when serving at 3-4 in the opener – ultimately proved her undoing.
I didn’t fully believe I could win until it was almost over, a tearful Anisimova admitted post-match. Aryna made me pay for every moment of hesitation. Though this hurts more than Wimbledon, I’m coming away stronger.
Tactical Breakdown: How the US Open Title Was Decided
The championship match showcased the raw power that defines modern women’s tennis, with both players averaging over 115mph on first serves and combining for 58 winners. The decisive factors emerged in three key areas:
1. Second Serve Dominance: Sabalenka won 71% of her second-serve points compared to Anisimova’s faltering 49%
2. Forehand Stability: The champion committed just 12 unforced errors off her stronger wing versus 28 in Paris
3. Big-Point Execution: Sabalenka converted 4/8 break points while saving 6/10 against her serve
The Belarusian’s strategic decision to redirect pace rather than match Anisimova’s flat trajectory paid dividends as extended rallies unfolded. Despite the American’s improved court positioning and defense since Wimbledon, Sabalenka’s ability to transition from defense to offense with deep, heavy topspin proved the winning formula for her US Open title defense.
The Legacy of Sabalenka’s US Open Title Defense
By retaining her championship in New York, Sabalenka joined Serena Williams (2012-2014) and Justine Henin (2003-2004) as the only players to win consecutive US Open titles this century. The victory also marked her sixth consecutive year with at least one major trophy – the longest active streak in women’s tennis.
People questioned whether I could still win Slams after those final losses, Sabalenka reflected. But champions aren’t defined by how they celebrate, but how they respond to devastation.
As tour executives celebrate another record-breaking US Open attendance, Sabalenka’s triumph reinforces tennis’s need for dominant figures capable of delivering under pressure. With Olympic gold next on her agenda and the No. 1 ranking firmly secured, this US Open title could spark another period of sustained supremacy for the game’s most explosive champion.
