Arina Sobolenko has done it again! The 27-year-old Belarusian tennis star cemented her place in the sport’s history books with a commanding victory at the 2025 US Open, defeating American Amanda Anisimova in straight sets, 6:3, 7:6(3), in a final packed with drama, nerves, and high-quality shot-making. With this triumph on September 7, Sobolenko not only successfully defended her US Open title, but also became the first Belarusian woman to win the tournament twice—joining an elite club and climbing into the top three for career prize money in women’s tennis.
The stakes were sky-high as Sobolenko stepped onto the court at Arthur Ashe Stadium, carrying the weight of expectation and the responsibility of defending her hard-earned crown. Her journey to this moment had been anything but smooth: she’d reached the finals of both the Australian Open and Roland Garros earlier in the year, only to fall just short, and her Wimbledon campaign ended in the semifinals. Yet, here she was, back in New York, determined to turn the page and claim at least one Grand Slam title in 2025.
Facing her across the net was Amanda Anisimova, a formidable opponent who had bested Sobolenko in six of their previous nine encounters. The American, cheered on by a lively home crowd, wasted no time in making her intentions clear. The match began with Anisimova threatening to break in the very first game, generating three break points. Sobolenko, showing the grit and resilience that have defined her career, fended off each one. It was a sign of things to come: neither player was willing to give an inch.
Sobolenko managed to draw first blood, capitalizing on an error from Anisimova to break serve in the second game. But Anisimova hit right back, breaking Sobolenko and restoring parity. The set unfolded as a tense tug-of-war, with both players trading powerful baseline rallies and testing each other’s resolve. Ultimately, it was Anisimova’s double faults and unforced errors in the eighth game that tipped the balance. Sobolenko seized her opportunity, broke once more, and closed out the first set 6:3.
The second set saw Sobolenko assert herself early, grabbing an immediate break and surging ahead 3:1. But Anisimova, refusing to wilt under pressure, clawed her way back into the contest, leveling the score and setting the stage for a nail-biting finish. The tension was palpable as Sobolenko squandered a championship point, allowing Anisimova to even things up at 5:5. The crowd roared—was an upset brewing?
Not so fast. Sobolenko, displaying nerves of steel, regrouped for the tiebreak. This time, she was the picture of composure, pouncing on her opponent’s mistakes and racing to a 7:3 victory in the breaker. After 1 hour and 36 minutes of electrifying tennis, Sobolenko raised her arms in triumph, her face a mixture of relief and joy. She had done it: a two-time US Open champion, and the first woman since Serena Williams to successfully defend the title in New York.
The significance of this achievement wasn’t lost on anyone—least of all Sobolenko herself. "I am grateful for the support of my fans, both here in Belarus and around the world," she said after the match, her voice brimming with emotion. "Every time I step onto the court, I feel that energy. This victory is for all of you." Her gratitude was echoed across Belarus, with President Alexander Lukashenko sending his congratulations: "Dear Arina! Congratulations on another bright victory at the US Open. Thanks to your truly champion character, you have conquered yet another great peak. We are proud of you and wish you new achievements." According to the president, Sobolenko’s success is a source of national pride, uniting Belarusians everywhere in celebration.
The accolades didn’t stop there. Anton Smolsky, the Belarusian biathlon star, also extended his congratulations, highlighting the sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among the country’s top athletes. It’s clear that Sobolenko’s impact extends far beyond the tennis court—she’s become an inspiration for aspiring sports stars across Belarus and a symbol of what’s possible with hard work and determination.
Statistically, Sobolenko’s 2025 US Open run was nothing short of remarkable. She dropped only one set throughout the entire Grand Slam tournament, a testament to her dominance and consistency. The final itself was a showcase of power, precision, and mental fortitude, with Sobolenko overcoming not just a dangerous opponent in Anisimova, but also the pressure of expectation and the ghosts of near-misses earlier in the season.
Her victory in New York also marked a series of milestones. With this win, Sobolenko surpassed the 100-win mark at Grand Slam events—a feat achieved by only the most elite players in tennis history. And by securing the US Open title for the second consecutive year, she joined the ranks of legends like Serena Williams, who last accomplished the feat. To top it all off, her career earnings pushed her into the top three for prize money in the history of women’s tennis, a remarkable achievement for someone who, just a few years ago, was considered an outsider on the sport’s biggest stages.
Looking back at her 2025 season, Sobolenko’s resilience stands out. Despite falling short in the Australian Open and Roland Garros finals, and suffering disappointment at Wimbledon, she refused to let setbacks define her year. Instead, she regrouped, refocused, and delivered her best when it mattered most. "It’s been a tough year, but I never stopped believing," Sobolenko reflected. "Every loss taught me something, and I used that to get better and stronger. This title means everything to me."
As the dust settles on another thrilling US Open, tennis fans around the globe are left to marvel at Sobolenko’s achievement. With her powerful game, unyielding spirit, and growing list of records, she’s firmly established herself as one of the sport’s modern icons. And with the backing of her country and fans worldwide, who’s to say what heights she might reach next?
For now, Arina Sobolenko’s star shines brighter than ever, her place in tennis history assured—and her journey far from over.