Sabalenka Beats Anisimova To Win Second Straight U.S. Open Title
Aryna Sabalenka won her second straight U.S. Open title on Saturday afternoon, overcoming American Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6(3) in the championship match in Arthur Ashe Stadium.
The win was Sabalenka’s 100th at a major in her career, and she was seeking her first major title since last year’s U.S Open. The win added a fourth Grand Slam to her resume, and was her tour-leading 56th victory of her season.
“I think because of the finals earlier this season, this one felt different,” Sabalenka said, referring to her defeats in the finals of the Australian Open and French Open. “This one felt like I had to overcome a lot of things to get this one. I knew that with hard work we put in, I deserved to have a Grand Slam title this season. When I fell, it was true emotions, because it means a lot to defend this title and to bring such great tennis on the court. And to bring the fight and be able to handle my emotions the way I did in this final, it means a lot. I’m super proud right now of myself.”
Sabalenka becomes the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to successfully defend her U.S. Open championship, and strengthens her position as the world number one.
Entering Saturday’s final, Anisimova had won six of the previous nine matchups between the two. Both players displayed some nerves in the opener set which featured five different breaks of serve, with Sabalenka eventually winning the 38-minute opener.
Serving for the championship at 5-4, Sabalenka fired an overhead into the net at 30-30 which gave the American an opening to break serve, which she did. A few games later, the second set would head into a tiebreaker.
With a record of 20-1 in tiebreaks this season, Sabalenka made sure to get off to a fast start, and won five of the first six points before changing sides. A few points later, Sabalenka would convert on her third championship point, falling to her knees in celebration after sealing the deal.
“She came out, and she was playing great tennis from the start,” said Anisimova. “She’s No. 1, and she’s very capable of playing amazing tennis, which she did today. I give all the credit to her.”
Despite the loss, Anisimova has now reached back-to-back major finals, and moves up to fourth in the world, her career-high ranking.
