Aryna Sabalenka reigned supreme at the US Open, successfully defending her title by defeating Amanda Anisimova in a thrilling final that concluded under the illuminated roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium. The top-seeded Sabalenka claimed victory with a score of 6-3, 7-6(3), marking her second consecutive title at this prestigious tournament.
After the match, Sabalenka, overwhelmed with emotion, fell to her knees on the court. “This one felt different,” she reflected, highlighting the challenges she overcame throughout the season. Earlier in the year, she faced tough losses in finals at the Australian Open and at Roland Garros, which made her comeback at the US Open even more significant. “I had to overcome a lot of things to get this one,” she said, emphasizing how much her hard work paid off.
The Belarusian star articulated the importance of perseverance, stating that managing her emotions played a crucial role in her performance. “Going into this final, I decided I would control my emotions,” she explained, a strategy that proved successful as she became the first woman in over a decade to defend the US Open title.
Sabalenka’s victory not only secured her the championship but also ensured her continued position at the top of the WTA rankings and her first Grand Slam title of the year. In total, this marks her fourth major title, enhancing her legacy in women’s tennis.
Anisimova, the eighth seed, showcased her talent and resilience throughout the tournament, yet she struggled to find her rhythm in the final match. Despite holding a 6-3 advantage in their head-to-head encounters leading up to the final, the pressure of the occasion proved overwhelming. After a strong start, she faltered, ultimately contributing to her 29 unforced errors compared to Sabalenka’s more disciplined gameplay, which included only 15 unforced errors.
As the match progressed, Anisimova had her moments of brilliance, notably fighting back in the second set and taking Sabalenka to a tiebreak. Yet, the experience and composure of Sabalenka shone through as she clinched the championship, winning her 19th consecutive tiebreak in the process.
After the match, Anisimova graciously acknowledged Sabalenka’s performance and expressed her disappointment at falling short. “I just felt that throughout the match, I wasn’t playing my best tennis,” she admitted. The American, who recently suffered from hearing difficulties, highlighted the challenges she faced heading into this pivotal match but remained optimistic about her future in the sport.
As Sabalenka celebrated her well-deserved victory, she made a point to encourage Anisimova during the trophy presentation, imparting wisdom drawn from her own experiences of loss. The mutual respect between the two players was evident, and as the crowd showered Anisimova with support, it became clear that she too is destined for greatness.
Looking forward, Sabalenka aims to build on this success as she embarks on the Asian swing of the WTA Tour, with her sights set on maintaining her status as the world number one. As the tennis world reflects on this thrilling final, both Sabalenka and Anisimova have shown us the heart and tenacity that defines great athletes, ensuring an exciting future in women’s tennis.
