The Daily Star Ireland
Aryna Sabalenka closed out a rollercoaster grand slam season with a triumphant defense of her US Open crown, defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) in a gripping final at Flushing Meadows. For Sabalenka, the victory not only secured her fourth career major title but also erased the frustration of earlier heartbreaks in 2025, including painful defeats at the Australian Open, French Open, and Wimbledon.
A Year of Redemption
Coming into the final, both players carried the weight of recent scars. Anisimova was back in a grand slam title match just 56 days after her crushing Wimbledon final loss, while Sabalenka was still searching for a major breakthrough in 2025 despite her dominant form. To compound matters, Anisimova had also beaten her in the Wimbledon semi-finals, leaving the world number one under enormous pressure to prove she could finish the job when it mattered most.
In New York, Sabalenka delivered. After a composed performance in the opening set, she held her nerve in the second to outlast Anisimova’s late surge. Her ability to stay steady, rather than chase spectacular winners, ultimately paid off against an opponent whose aggressive style produced as many errors as highlights.
Historic Defense at Flushing Meadows
By sealing the win, Sabalenka became the first woman since Serena Williams (2012–2014) to successfully defend a US Open title. Her victory brings her slam tally to four—two in New York and two in Melbourne—cementing her status as the most dominant player on the women’s tour. When Anisimova’s final backhand drifted long, Sabalenka fell to her knees in tears before raising her arms in relief and celebration.
The atmosphere inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, intensified by the closed roof during heavy rain, added to the drama. Anisimova’s struggles in the early stages were evident when she missed three break points in the opening game before surrendering her serve. Sabalenka quickly raced ahead, but the American rallied briefly, firing bold winners to stay in the contest and electrify the crowd.
Composure Wins the Day
Sabalenka’s experience shone through. Unlike her tense semifinal against Jessica Pegula, where emotions nearly overwhelmed her, she remained focused and composed in the final. Her performance coach, Jason Stacy, had described her challenge as “an internal battle of how to keep that tiger under control but let it free at the same time.” On this occasion, Sabalenka struck the balance perfectly.
Anisimova, battling inconsistency and struggling with the roof lighting on her toss, often faltered at key moments. Her 29 unforced errors, including seven double faults, proved costly, undermining her bursts of brilliance. Although she fought back to level the second set at 5-5 with a combination of grit and heavy hitting, Sabalenka’s dominance in tie-breaks came to the fore once more as she sealed victory.
Looking Ahead
For Anisimova, there is some consolation. Having begun the year outside the top 30, she will rise into the top four when the new rankings are released. For Sabalenka, however, this was a defining triumph. After a season marked by near misses and criticism, she has reaffirmed her place at the summit of women’s tennis, showing that even under the heaviest pressure, she can find her best tennis when it matters most.
