World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka made history at Flushing Meadows on Saturday, becoming the first woman to successfully defend her US Open title in more than a decade with a hard-fought 6-3, 7-6(3) victory over American Amanda Anisimova under the roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
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The Belarusian’s triumph marks the first time a woman has retained the US Open singles crown since Serena Williams accomplished the feat in 2014, capping off a remarkable redemption story after a challenging Grand Slam season that saw heartbreaking defeats in major finals.
Revenge and Redemption
Saturday’s championship match carried significant emotional weight for both competitors, with Sabalenka seeking revenge against the No. 8 seed who had stunned her in the Wimbledon semifinals just weeks earlier. That defeat had been the latest in a series of devastating losses for the world No. 1, who suffered finals defeats at both the Australian Open and French Open earlier this year.
For Anisimova, the final represented an opportunity for redemption of her own. The 24-year-old from New Jersey had endured a bruising 6-0, 6-0 defeat to Iga Swiatek in her maiden Grand Slam final at Wimbledon exactly eight weeks ago, making her journey back to another championship match all the more remarkable.
The American earned her way to Saturday’s final by defeating Swiatek in the quarterfinals before outlasting Naomi Osaka in a dramatic semifinal, setting up a compelling narrative as the hometown hope facing the defending champion.
Dramatic Championship Match
The final lived up to its billing as a see-saw battle that kept the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd on edge throughout. Sabalenka opened strongly, saving three break points before breaking Anisimova to take an immediate 2-0 lead. However, the American responded with determination, reeling off three consecutive games to take the lead as the home crowd erupted in celebration.
The momentum continued to swing as Anisimova struggled on serve, allowing the first set to slip away as Sabalenka stormed back to claim it 6-3 with two service breaks.
Playing conditions became a factor early in the second set, with Anisimova approaching the chair umpire to complain about the lighting under the closed roof, explaining that she couldn’t see the ball clearly during her service toss. Despite her concerns, officials determined nothing could be done about the lighting situation.
Tiebreak Mastery Seals Victory
The second set featured numerous momentum shifts, with Sabalenka taking an early break only to see Anisimova fight back brilliantly. After the Belarusian played a sloppy service game to go 0-40 down, the American seized her opportunity, firing a backhand winner down the line to break back and level the score at 3-3.
Sabalenka immediately regrouped to regain her advantage and appeared to be cruising toward victory when serving for the match. However, drama ensued at 30-30 when the world No. 1 put what should have been a routine overhead into the net, handing Anisimova a crucial break point.
The American took full advantage of the lifeline, breaking serve to force a tiebreak as the crowd delivered a deafening roar under the Ashe Stadium roof.
In the decisive tiebreak, Sabalenka’s experience and mental fortitude proved decisive. She raced to a commanding 5-1 lead as errors crept back into Anisimova’s game, ultimately taking the tiebreak 7-3. The victory marked the 19th consecutive tiebreak win for the world No. 1, showcasing her dominance in crucial moments.
What They Had to Say
“It is crazy, all the lessons were worth it for this one. I’m speechless,” she said speaking on court.
“Congrats Amanda on reaching back-to-back finals at the slams. I know how much it hurts to lose but trust me you will win one, you play incredible tennis.
“Congrats on what you and your team have achieved after your comeback. You will enjoy it more after these tough losses in finals.”
On playing at the US Open she said, “I love it here, I love the support. I feel throughout the years we have built a kind of relationship where you give me so much support.
“My first year here when I saw I had to play back-to-back against Americans, I didn’t want to play and then I did it again the next year – reaching semis and finals and felt more support.
“I’m super excited to come back next year and hope you cheer for me.”
Meanwhile, an inconsolable Anisimova had this to say:
“It has been a great summer. Losing in two finals is great but it is also super hard! I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today. Congrats to Aryna. You are so incredible. I am in awe of what you have accomplished and what you have achieved. Congrats to you and your team.”
She thanked the crowd for coming out to support her at her “home slam,” and thanked her team, sponsors and family for helping her get to the finals.
“It has been an incredible fortnight. I love playing here and it has been a dream to play in the final of the US Open. Thank you to everyone at the US Open for making this happen.
Historic and Economic Achievement
Sabalenka dropped to her knees in celebration upon clinching the title for the second consecutive year, then shared a warm embrace with the tearful Anisimova before rushing into the stands to celebrate with her team. The American was consoled by her coaching staff as the magnitude of the moment sank in.
The championship represents a remarkable turnaround for Sabalenka, who enters the final stretch of the season having overcome the disappointments of her earlier Grand Slam losses this year. Her ability to bounce back from the Wimbledon defeat to Anisimova and deliver when it mattered most demonstrates the mental resilience that separates champions from contenders.
For tennis history, Sabalenka’s successful title defense breaks a decade-long drought of repeat US Open women’s champions, placing her in elite company with Williams and other legends who have managed to retain their crowns at Flushing Meadows.
In addition, the world number one, alongside the US Open 2025 title, claimed a prize of five million dollars, the largest winner’s check in the history of racket sports in Grand Slams.
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