Aryna Sabalenka Defends US Open Title with Emotional Control

Aryna Sabalenka secured her fourth Grand Slam title by successfully defending her US Open crown with a 6-3, 7-6 victory over Amanda Anisimova, becoming the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to repeat as champion. Her triumph was driven by a crucial mental shift after suffering defeats in the Australian and French Open finals earlier in the year, which prompted her to reassess and improve her emotional control. A vacation in Mykonos and reading the book "Into the Magic Shop" helped Sabalenka develop the focus needed to maintain composure under pressure, overcoming past lapses that cost her previous finals. Despite personal challenges, including past emotional outbursts and the lingering grief from her father's passing, Sabalenka embraced a more disciplined mindset, which she credits for her dominant performance and ability to handle high-stakes moments. This victory not only ended a difficult season marked by earlier Grand Slam losses but also reinforced her position at the top of the WTA rankings, highlighting her growth as both a player and competitor. Sabalenka's journey underscores the importance of psychological resilience in elite sports and solidifies her legacy as a major force in women's tennis.