Sabalenka contains Anisimova to win second consecutive US Open title

By Leobert Julian A. de la Peña

Aryna Sabalenka has done it.

In a blustery atmosphere at the Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, the Belarusian ace ended another Grand Slam chapter on a high note after completing a rare back-to-back feat, sweeping American aspirant Amanda Anisimova in the grand finals, 6-3, 7-6, on Sept.7, 2025.

It was indeed the icing on the cake for Sabalenka’s Grand Slam calendar after dropping the first three in Australia, Paris, and London.

In the final Grand Slam tournament of 2025, Sabalenka ensured that everything would happen according to plan, blanking Anisimova, who was coming off a stellar two-game run against Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka.

Anisimova might be ready for the storm, but Sabalenka proved that there will always be levels to greatness.

The first set featured a series of service breaks and grueling baseline rally exchanges, but Sabalenka dug out deep and outdueled Anisimova to take a momentum-boosting 1-0 advantage.

From being the aggressor in her last three outings, Anisimova suddenly went flat and stayed behind the baseline for the majority of the opener as she struggled to be at par with Sabalenka’s groundstroke power, which was just on point.

The 36 winners were just too much for the American too handle. From the get-go, Sabalenka had hit the ground running and didn’t allow Anisimova to capitalize on a single opening, en route to a convincing 1-0 head start in the championship match.

Anisimova found her groundstrokes rhythm in the second set as she neutralized Sabalenka’s forehand top-spin midway through the frame with a flat backhand return.

From that point, Anisimova roared back in the match to stay alive, forcing a deciding tiebreaker that extended the second set.

However, Sabalenka stepped on the gas pedal and pounced on Anisimova quickly to build a comfortable cushion. The American was under pressure in the final six game possessions that put her on defense mode until the seventh score card was plucked by the umpire.

With the win, Sabalenka joined elite company after becoming the second player to repeat in the US Open since Serena Williams in 2014.

“All those tough lessons worth this one,” Sabalenka said.

“I love it. I love it here. You guys give me so much support. I’m super excited to come back next year. Thank you guys for bringing the best atmosphere. Hopefully I’m going to reach many more finals. ”