World number one Aryna Sabalenka underlined her dominance on hard courts by retaining her US Open title with a 6-3, 7-6(3) victory over American Amanda Anisimova in the final at Flushing Meadows on 7 September.
The triumph gives the 27-year-old Belarusian her fourth Grand Slam trophy and makes her the first woman to win back-to-back US Opens since Serena Williams lifted three in a row between 2012 and 2014. It was also her 100th Grand Slam match victory.
The contest was billed as a showdown between two of the game’s biggest hitters, but it was Sabalenka’s control that proved decisive. She committed only 15 unforced errors compared with Anisimova’s 29 and sealed victory with an unreturnable serve before falling to her knees in delight.
“I want to thank everyone who came here, who flew in to be there in my box,” Sabalenka said, beaming as she embraced her team. “I’m going to reach a lot more finals and I don’t care where you are in the world, I want you in my box.”
Sabalenka, who also owns two Australian Open titles, kept her composure despite facing three break points in the opening game. Although Anisimova briefly took the lead, Sabalenka broke back twice and closed the first set with another unreturnable serve.
For 24-year-old Anisimova, it was a second straight final defeat after suffering a 6-0, 6-0 loss in the Wimbledon final two months ago. Backed by a partisan home crowd in Arthur Ashe Stadium, she battled hard and forced errors from Sabalenka with fearless groundstrokes, particularly in the second set.
“It’s been a great summer, losing in two finals in a row is great but it’s also super hard,” said Anisimova, tearful after the match. “I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today.”
Despite levelling the second set with a backhand winner, Anisimova faltered in key moments. A missed smash at 5-5 handed Sabalenka another opening, and the Belarusian powered through the tie-break to seal the title.
Sabalenka, who celebrated by slapping her trainer’s bald head – a ritual that has become her trademark – was quick to console her opponent. “I know it hurts but girl, when you win your first one – and you are going to win it – you will realise all the tough lessons are worth it,” she told Anisimova.
Anisimova, who returned to the tour in 2024 after an eight-month mental health break, will climb to fourth in the world rankings thanks to her run in New York. “Aryna, you are so incredible,” she said. “I know I have to face you all the time. I’m in awe of what you’ve accomplished.”
The match briefly paused as rain forced the roof to close over Ashe, but nothing could derail Sabalenka’s momentum. Leaving Flushing Meadows $5 million richer and with a bottle of champagne in hand, she was already looking ahead.
Her victory cements her reputation as the modern queen of hard courts, having reached every major final on the surface since 2022.
