Sabalenka becomes the first female player since Serena Williams (2012-2014) to successfully defend her title at the year's final Grand Slam. This US Open victory brings the Belarusian player's total major titles to four, putting her on par with Kim Clijsters, Naomi Osaka, and Arantxa Sanchez Vicario.
In the final on September 6th, the most significant difference between the two aggressive baseliners was the number of unforced errors. Sabalenka made only 15, while Anisimova committed 29. This marks the second consecutive Grand Slam final loss for the American, who previously lost to Iga Swiatek 0-6, 0-6 at Wimbledon two months prior.
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Sabalenka (right) and Anisimova on the podium at Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York, USA on 6/9. Photo: Reuters |
Sabalenka (right) and Anisimova on the podium at Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York, USA on 6/9. Photo: Reuters
Anisimova had a stellar run at her home Grand Slam, eliminating Swiatek in the quarterfinals and Osaka in the semifinals. However, in the final, the world number nine appeared to struggle mentally, losing four straight games after leading 3-2 in the first set.
Anisimova rallied in the second set, forcing a tie-break despite trailing 3-5. She ignited the crowd by saving a match point to level the set at 5-5. However, in the tense tie-break, Sabalenka displayed greater composure, racing to a 6-1 lead and ultimately securing the victory 7-3 on her third match point. The world number one has now won her last 19 tie-breaks.
"Today, I didn't fight hard enough for my dream," Anisimova said after the match. "It's been a great summer reaching two consecutive Grand Slam finals, but losing both is bittersweet." Sabalenka offered words of comfort, suggesting that these defeats would make future victories even sweeter.
Sabalenka's 2025 season had been challenging, with losses in the finals of the Australian Open and Roland Garros, as well as a semifinal exit at Wimbledon. However, she returned to form impressively at the US Open. She defeated two of the top American players, Jessica Pegula and Anisimova, in the semifinals and final, respectively, avoiding a third consecutive Grand Slam final loss in the same year, a feat that befell Justin Henin in 2006.
The Belarusian player received a record prize of 5 million USD, significantly higher than the 3.6 million USD awarded for last year's championship.
Vy Anh
