US Open 2025: Sabalenka defeats Anisimova to win fourth Grand Slam title

Aryna Sabalenka proved once again why she is the most dominant player on hard courts, defeating American star Amanda Anisimova 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) in the US Open women’s singles final. With the victory, Sabalenka became the first woman to retain the New York crown since Serena Williams in 2014, securing her fourth Grand Slam trophy and cementing her place as the most consistent force in women’s tennis.

The Belarusian’s triumph adds a second US Open trophy to her cabinet, alongside two Australian Open titles, all won on her favoured hard surface.

“This moment means everything,” Sabalenka said, dropping to her knees after sealing victory with an unreturnable serve before leaping into the arms of her team. “I don’t care where I play in the world – I always want my people in the box with me.”

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How Sabalenka beat the Pressure

The match began under the closed roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium, with rain pouring across Queens. The heavy indoor atmosphere seemed to energise Sabalenka early, as she broke Anisimova in the opening game.

Although the American fought back with a spirited run of three games, her inconsistency and double faults proved costly. Sabalenka regrouped with four games on the bounce to claim the first set 6-4.

Anisimova rallied in the second, breaking back and testing the top seed’s nerve. But when the set went to a tie-break, Sabalenka’s steel shone through. She extended her remarkable record of 19 consecutive tie-break wins, the longest streak by any woman in the Open Era, closing the contest in style.

A tale of resilience for both finalists

For Sabalenka, this was more than a title defence. She entered New York with scars from tough defeats earlier this year, including heartbreak in the Australian Open and French Open finals. But rather than buckle, she responded with power and precision when it mattered most.

Anisimova, meanwhile, can take solace despite her second straight Grand Slam final loss. Just 56 days ago, she suffered a crushing 6-0, 6-0 defeat at Wimbledon, but her run in New York shows she belongs at the highest level. The 24-year-old will rise into the world’s top four when the new rankings are released.

“It’s been an amazing summer, but it’s also really hard losing in two finals,” Anisimova admitted, fighting back tears. “I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today.” She also revealed that the glare of the closed roof made it difficult to see the ball on serve, which she felt disrupted her rhythm throughout the match.

What the win means

Sabalenka’s back-to-back triumph firmly places her alongside the greats of the game. She is now the undisputed queen of hard courts and the player everyone must beat. Analysts praised her composure, especially after setbacks earlier in the year.

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“For a straight-sets match, the swings in momentum were huge,” said one commentator courtside. “Sabalenka proved what champions are made of – under pressure, she didn’t flinch.”

The win also boosts her reputation as a player who learns from failure. Her collapse against Coco Gauff in Paris earlier this year was widely criticised, but in New York she displayed a hardened mentality.

Sabalenka’s victory adds to the narrative of a women’s game filled with new rivalries and resurgent stars. With Iga Świątek still in the mix, Coco Gauff’s rise, and Anisimova rediscovering her form, the stage is set for a fascinating end to the 2025 season.

But for now, the spotlight belongs to Aryna Sabalenka, a champion who has turned adversity into dominance, and who leaves Flushing Meadows with history on her side.

SportsLigue