Aryna Sabalenka emulates Serena Williams to defend US Open crown

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 2014 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. But despite the loss, she moved up in the WTA rankings to No.4.

US Open 2025 Final Highlights

Sabalenka bounces back

On a tense evening, Sabalenka looked anything but the commanding World No.1 at the beginning as 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.

Anisimova’s fight in vain

Anisimova made a confident start to the second set, holding serve to signal her intent to fight back after dropping the first set. But Aryna Sabalenka, gradually showing why she is the World No. 1, struck a crucial break, moving within touching distance of victory. With Anisimova struggling over the past 20 minutes, Sabalenka had odds in her favour, having a 27-2 record in US Open matches where she won the first set.

Yet the American refused to buckle. From 1-3 down, Anisimova earned her third break of the match to level the set, injecting drama into a contest that seemed to be tilting in Sabalenka’s favour. Just when it looked like Anisimova was gaining momentum, Sabalenka responded with brilliance, taking the lead again and moving just two games away from defending her crown.

The match continued to thrill. With Sabalenka serving for the championship, Anisimova dug deep to break back and force a 5-5 deadlock, keeping the twists and turns coming at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The second set ultimately went to a tie-break—a breathtaking conclusion.

Once Sabalenka surged to a 6-1 lead in the tie-break, there was no stopping her. She cruised past the finish line, erupting in joy as she sealed victory.