On September 6, 2025, Aryna Sabalenka etched her name deeper into tennis history by defending her US Open women’s singles title, defeating Amanda Anisimova in a gripping final at Arthur Ashe Stadium. The 6-3, 7-6(3) victory marked her as the first woman since Serena Williams (2012-14) to win consecutive US Open titles, securing her fourth Grand Slam crown and cementing her dominance on hard courts. This article delves into the match’s intensity, Sabalenka’s mental fortitude, and Anisimova’s emotional resilience in her second major final.

A Battle of Power and Precision

The 2025 US Open final was a showcase of raw power, with both Sabalenka and Anisimova known for their aggressive baseline play. Sabalenka, the world No. 1, brought her signature intensity, blending thunderous groundstrokes with newfound tactical variety, including drop shots and slices. Anisimova, the eighth seed, countered with her formidable forehand and relentless returns, having led their head-to-head 6-3, including a Wimbledon semifinal upset earlier in 2025. The closed roof due to rain created windless conditions, amplifying the duo’s ability to unleash blistering shots, making every rally a spectacle for the 24,000-strong crowd.

The first set saw Sabalenka seize control after an early exchange of breaks, capitalizing on Anisimova’s 15 unforced errors to her four, clinching it 6-3. The second set was a rollercoaster, with Sabalenka twice breaking Anisimova’s serve, only to face a resilient comeback. At 5-4, 30-all, Sabalenka’s missed overhead handed Anisimova a break chance, which she converted to level the set, igniting the partisan crowd. Yet, Sabalenka’s composure in the tiebreak—her 19th consecutive tiebreak win—sealed the match in 94 minutes.

Sabalenka’s Mental Mastery

Sabalenka’s victory was as much a mental triumph as a physical one. After heartbreaking losses in the 2025 Australian Open and French Open finals, and a Wimbledon semifinal defeat to Anisimova, the Belarusian faced immense pressure. Her ability to stay composed, especially after the missed overhead, showcased her growth. “I told myself, ‘No, it’s not going to happen again,’” Sabalenka said, reflecting on her past emotional struggles. Her strategic adjustments, like using drop shots to disrupt Anisimova’s rhythm, highlighted her evolution from a pure power player to a more versatile competitor.

Anisimova’s Emotional Journey

For Anisimova, the final was a testament to her resilience. Just 56 days after a 6-0, 6-0 loss to Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final, the 24-year-old American fought valiantly, overcoming Swiatek and Naomi Osaka en route to the US Open final. However, she struggled with the Arthur Ashe Stadium’s lighting, which affected her serve, and her 29 unforced errors outpaced her 22 winners. “I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams,” Anisimova said post-match, her voice heavy with emotion. Yet, her graciousness shone through as she praised Sabalenka, vowing to learn from the defeat.

A Historic Milestone

Sabalenka’s back-to-back US Open titles place her among tennis royalty, joining legends like Chris Evert and Martina Navratilova. Her $5 million prize underscored the victory’s magnitude, but it was her emotional resilience that defined the night. For Anisimova, the loss stings, but her journey signals a bright future. This final, charged with intensity and heart, will be remembered as a defining moment in both players’ careers.

Read Also: Sandeep Sharma on Shreyas Iyer as India’s Next T20I Captain: IPL Success Is Not the Sole Criterion

Get the latest Bollywood entertainment news, trending celebrity news, latest celebrity news, new movie reviews, latest entertainment news, latest Bollywood news, and Bollywood celebrity fashion & style updates!

HOW DID YOU LIKE THIS ARTICLE? CHOOSE YOUR EMOTICON!