Aryna Sabalenka Defends U.S. Open Title With Straight-Sets Win Over Anisimova

By Eppe Franklyne

• Sabalenka beats Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6(3) in women’s final

• Becomes first woman since Serena Williams (2012-14) to win back-to-back U.S. Opens

• Claims her fourth Grand Slam and sixth consecutive hardcourt major final appearance

• Anisimova falls short in second major final despite strong home support

Aryna Sabalenka cemented her status as the dominant force on hardcourts by retaining her U.S. Open crown with a 6-3, 7-6(3) victory over American eighth seed Amanda Anisimova in Saturday’s final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

The Belarusian, 27, has now reached every hardcourt Grand Slam final since 2022, and her fourth major title makes her the first woman to successfully defend the U.S. Open since Serena Williams’ three-peat from 2012 to 2014.

The contest between two of the game’s biggest hitters turned on discipline, as Sabalenka limited her unforced errors to 15 while Anisimova struggled with 29.

“I want to thank everyone who came here, who flew in to be there in my box,” Sabalenka said after sealing victory with an unreturnable serve before celebrating wildly with 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.”

Anisimova, appearing in only her second Grand Slam final, had the New York crowd firmly behind her but could not hold the momentum when it mattered. The 24-year-old, who also lost heavily in the Wimbledon final earlier this summer, was left emotional once again.

“It’s been a great summer—losing in two finals in a row is great but it’s also super hard,” she said through tears. “I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today.”

Sabalenka survived early pressure, saving three break points in the opening game, before breaking twice to capture the first set. Anisimova rallied in the second, drawing loud roars from the home fans with crisp winners, but faltered in the tiebreak as the defending champion powered through to complete the win in just under two hours.

With her latest triumph, Sabalenka not only extends her grip on hardcourt majors but also sends a firm statement heading into the remainder of the season.