Aryna Sabalenka Defends US Open Title, Echoing Serena Williams' Legacy

Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her US Open crown after defeating Amanda Anisimova of the United States in straight sets. On Saturday, September 6, Sabalenka took just an hour and 34 minutes to win 6-3, 7-6 (3) in the grand finale at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The victory marked her fourth Grand Slam title, adding to her two Australian Open triumphs.

She also became the first woman since Serena Williams in 2015 to successfully defend the US Open crown. After finishing as runner-up at both Wimbledon and the French Open earlier this year, Sabalenka finally made amends at Flushing Meadows. The Belarusian also avenged her Wimbledon semifinal defeat to Anisimova with a commanding victory in New York.

For the 24-year-old Anisimova, it was yet another tough Grand Slam final defeat, following her earlier loss at Wimbledon where Iga Swiatek handed her a double bagel in the championship match.

US Open 2025 Final Highlights

Sabalenka bounces back

On a tense evening inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, Aryna Sabalenka looked anything but the commanding World No. 1 as Amanda Anisimova forced her onto the back foot early in the US Open final. The Belarusian had to wriggle out of trouble straightaway, saving three break points in the opening game, while the American was left ruing her missed chances.

Sabalenka steadied herself with an early break, only for Anisimova to hit back with fearless intent. A searing forehand winner on her fourth opportunity erased a 0-2 deficit, and buoyed by the crowd, the American kept pressing to snatch a second break and edge ahead.

But the top seed, renowned for her resilience, wasn’t going away. Sabalenka clawed back once more, refusing to let Anisimova run away with the momentum. With her third break of the set, she swung the balance firmly in her favour and, after a composed hold, wrapped up the opener in 38 minutes.

More to follow....