Sabalenka Defends US Open Title Beating Anisimova in New York Final

Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her US Open title by defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6(3) in the final, becoming the first woman since Serena Williams to win consecutive titles at Flushing Meadows. Despite the loss, Anisimova showcased a remarkable turnaround, having reached back-to-back Grand Slam finals and demonstrating resilience by overcoming top players like Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka en route to the final. Anisimova struggled during the match due to challenging conditions caused by the white roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium, which impaired her serving visibility and added to her frustration. The final was highly anticipated, given Anisimova's 6-3 head-to-head advantage over Sabalenka and her recent Wimbledon semi-final win against her, though nerves and experience in Grand Slam finals were considered potential factors. Sabalenka, a seasoned champion with multiple major titles, entered the match seeking her first major of the season and aiming to solidify her dominance on the hardcourt stage. Both players brought powerful baseline games, making the contest a compelling showdown between two of tennis's top competitors.