World number one Aryna Sabalenka underlined her dominance on hard courts by retaining her U.S. Open crown with a gritty 6-3, 7-6(3) win over American Amanda Anisimova in Saturday’s women’s final at Flushing Meadows.
The Belarusian, 27, has now reached every hardcourt major final since 2022, with her latest triumph bringing her Grand Slam tally to four. She also became the first woman to win back-to-back U.S. Opens since Serena Williams lifted three consecutive titles between 2012 and 2014.
The match between two of the game’s biggest hitters hinged on consistency, with Sabalenka committing just 15 unforced errors compared to Anisimova’s 29. She sealed victory with an unreturnable serve, collapsing to her knees in celebration before embracing her team.
“I want to thank everyone who came here, who flew in to be there in my box,” said Sabalenka, clutching the trophy. “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.”
Anisimova, competing in only her second Grand Slam final, had the backing of a partisan Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd but could not sustain her momentum against Sabalenka’s relentless power.
“It’s been a great summer, losing in two finals in a row is great but it’s also super hard,” said the 24-year-old, who was also runner-up at Wimbledon in July. Fighting tears, she added: “I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today.”
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Sabalenka weathered an early challenge as Anisimova broke in the first set, but the Belarusian clawed her way back with precision serving and punishing groundstrokes. She closed out the opener with an ace and kept her composure in a tense second set, winning the tiebreak with authority.
Her 100th Grand Slam match win sparked her trademark celebration as she playfully slapped her trainer’s bald head before turning to encourage her opponent.
“I know it hurts but girl, when you win your first one – and you are going to win it you will realise that all the tough lessons are worth it,” she told Anisimova warmly.
Sabalenka, who pocketed $5 million in prize money, arrived at her press conference in high spirits with a champagne bottle in hand.
Anisimova, meanwhile, will rise to fourth in the world rankings after her impressive run, continuing a strong comeback following an eight-month break in 2023 to focus on her mental health.
“Aryna, you are so incredible,” she said. “I know I have to face you all the time. I’m in awe of what you have accomplished.”
