2025 U.S. Open Day 12 Recap: Sabalenka, Anisimova To Meet In U.S. Open Final

Thursday night provided the setting for two epic women’s singles semifinals at the U.S. Open, as both Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova won three-set thrillers to set up their championship clash on Saturday afternoon.

The first semifinal was a rematch of last year’s final, with Sabalenka squaring off against American Jessica Pegula. Sabalenka came back from a set down to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a match that featured an immense amount of drama, especially in the third set.

“It was a really tough match. She played incredible tennis, as always,” said Sabalenka. “I had to work really hard to get this win. I’m super happy to get the win against Jess because she’s such a great player, great fighter. They are always tough matches. I’m super happy to be in the final again.”

In the third set, Pegula was broken to open the set, and had plenty of chances to break back, including when Sabalenka was serving for the match at 5-4. Pegula would save multiple match points in that game, but Sabalenka would eventually close it out on her third opportunity.

“I don’t know how I didn’t break back in the third,” said Pegula. “I didn’t feel like I did much wrong.”

The world number one now moves into her seventh Grand Slam final, and is seeking her first major title since winning in Queens a year ago.

Her opponent will be Anisimova, who moved into her second straight major final by coming back from a set down in her semifinal, defeating four-time major champion Naomi Osaka 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3.

“She was really giving me a fun for the final. I wasn’t sure I was going to make it to the finish line,” said Anisimova. “I tried to dig deep and it was a huge fight out there today. We were both playing some amazing tennis. [I thought] how are we making these shots? But we were, and we just kept going.”

After breaking at 5-6 in the second set to stay alive in the match, Anisimova would grab the critical break in the fourth set of the decider.

The American saved both break points she faced in that set, and fired 16 winners to get to the finish line.

“I’m super excited to be in the U.S. Open final. It is really special. I’m just going to try and do all the right things to prepare to be in the best possible mindset and physically,” she said. “I’m really looking forward to it, and I think it’s a great opportunity.”

Anisimova and Sabalenka have met nine times overall and twice this year, with the American beating her in the Wimbledon semifinals, and Sabalenka triumphing in the Round of 16 at the French Open. Overall, Anisimova leads the head-to-head 6-3.

The U.S. Open women’s singles final is set for Saturday at 4:00 p.m.