Sabalenka storms to US Open Glory, defends title against Anisimova

Aryna Sabalenka cemented her dominance at the US Open, defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6(4) in a thrilling women’s final to claim her fourth Grand Slam singles title and successfully defend her crown.

The match, which concluded at 22:54 BST, captivated 20,936 viewers on BBC Radio 5 Live, showcasing Sabalenka’s unrelenting power and composure under pressure.

The world No. 1, already assured of retaining her top ranking, showcased why she’s among the best, blending ferocious groundstrokes with tactical precision.

The first set saw Sabalenka break Anisimova early, securing a 6-3 victory in just 38 minutes. Her aggressive play, marked by 12 aces and a 78% first-serve point win rate, kept Anisimova on the defensive.

The second set was a tighter affair, with Anisimova, the Wimbledon runner-up, pushing Sabalenka to a tiebreak.

However, Sabalenka’s experience shone through, as she clinched the breaker 7-4 after Anisimova’s return sailed wide, prompting an emotional Sabalenka to drop to her knees in celebration.

Anisimova, chasing her first Grand Slam title, displayed remarkable resilience after her Wimbledon disappointment earlier this year.

Despite moments of brilliance, including a 70% second-serve point win rate, her 32 unforced errors and inability to convert break points proved decisive against the seasoned champion.

As Sabalenka celebrated with her coaching box, Anisimova sat with her head in her hands, reflecting on a valiant but ultimately unsuccessful campaign.

This victory marks Sabalenka’s second US Open title and her third Grand Slam final appearance of 2025, redeeming earlier losses at the Australian Open and Roland Garros.

“She’s finishing 2025 with a major title,” BBC Radio 5 Live’s Jess Anderson noted, highlighting Sabalenka’s ability to deliver when it mattered most.

The Belarusian’s back-to-back US Open triumphs solidify her as a dominant force in women’s tennis.