The stage is set for a blockbuster showdown at Arthur Ashe Stadium as Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova prepare to clash in the 2025 US Open women’s singles final. Scheduled for 4 p.m. local time on September 6, this match promises to be much more than just another championship bout—it’s a meeting of two of the fiercest ball strikers on the tour, a rematch brimming with history, redemption, and the pursuit of tennis immortality.
Sabalenka, the world number one and defending champion, arrives in New York looking to cement her legacy after a year of near-misses and relentless consistency. She’s already made history by becoming the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to reach three consecutive US Open finals. Her path to the final has been nothing short of dominant, dropping just a single set across six matches and dispatching opponents with her signature power and precision. With a 56-10 win-loss record in 2025 and three titles already under her belt, Sabalenka’s form is peaking at just the right moment.
But if there’s anyone who can disrupt her reign, it’s Amanda Anisimova. The 24-year-old American, currently ranked number nine in the world, has been on a remarkable run of her own. After a heartbreaking Wimbledon final loss to Iga Swiatek in July—where she suffered a rare double-bagel defeat—Anisimova has rebounded with grit and determination. Her journey to the US Open final included a gritty three-set victory over Naomi Osaka in a semi-final that stretched late into the night, ending just before 1 a.m. ET. Along the way, she took out heavyweights like Swiatek and Osaka, proving she’s more than ready for the big stage.
For Anisimova, this final is more than just a shot at her first Grand Slam title—it’s a testament to her resilience. After stepping away from the game in May 2023 due to burnout and mental health concerns, she returned in early 2024 and quickly re-established herself among the elite. Her 2025 record stands at 39-15, with a title in Doha, and her ability to win nearly 73% of points on her first serve at this tournament has been a key factor in her success.
The head-to-head between these two is a compelling subplot. Anisimova holds a 6-3 advantage, including a hard-fought three-set win over Sabalenka in the Wimbledon semifinals earlier this summer. Their rivalry is as balanced as it is intense, with both players trading blows in high-stakes matches. Sabalenka, however, did manage to best Anisimova at the French Open this year, suggesting she’s found ways to adapt her game to counter the American’s aggressive baseline play.
Andy Roddick, former US Open champion and keen observer of the women’s game, weighed in on the matchup. Speaking on his podcast, Served with Andy Roddick, he remarked, “Aryna Sabalenka is gonna be, you know, one of the all-time greats. You know, if your list is ten players, she’s quickly working her way up that list. Lost a couple of Grand Slam finals this year, maybe exercising some of her own demons, and she will get the chance against Amanda Anisimova in a rematch of their Wimbledon semi-final. Anisimova is gritty. She is tough. She’s in this thing for real. Like, I think Sabalenka’s the favourite, and don’t listen to me because I’ve missed every single pick on the women’s side for, like, this entire tournament, but… number one in the world, you know, is consistently there. This is gonna be a big one, you know, their match at Wimbledon went pretty deep. I think it was four in the third for Anisimova.”
Sabalenka herself has been candid about her approach, especially after her Wimbledon defeat. Reflecting on what she learned, she stated, “I think I have to trust myself, and I have to go after my shots. I felt like in that match at Wimby, I was doubting a lot of my decisions, and that was the main thing that was bringing a lot of unforced errors. I gave her a lot of opportunities, and of course, she played incredible tennis, but I feel like I had my opportunities. I didn’t use them, and I feel like the key for me is going to be to just go out there, fight, but trust my decisions and go after my shots.”
Anisimova, for her part, acknowledged the intensity of their encounters. “We’ve had very, very tough matches. But I think the standout one was probably Wimbledon. It was really a seesaw match, which is almost always the case when I play her,” she said. The American’s mental fortitude, honed through personal adversity and a challenging comeback, could be her secret weapon in this high-pressure environment.
Beyond the on-court drama, both players bring rich personal stories to this final. Anisimova, born in Freehold, New Jersey to Russian parents who emigrated in 1998, has overcome family tragedy and the loss of her father and former coach, Konstantin, at age 17. Her mother, Olga, remains a key figure in her life, and Anisimova has often spoken about the sacrifices her family made for her career. Sabalenka, hailing from Belarus, has built her reputation on relentless work ethic and a game that’s as powerful as it is precise.
The numbers paint a picture of two athletes at the peak of their powers. Sabalenka boasts 20 career titles, including three Grand Slams, and has earned $37.4 million in prize money. Anisimova, with three career titles and $8.7 million in earnings, is still chasing her first major, but her trajectory suggests it’s only a matter of time.
As for predictions, the oddsmakers give Sabalenka a 62% chance of defending her crown, but if this rivalry has taught fans anything, it’s to expect the unexpected. Both players have shown they can handle the pressure, adapt their strategies, and dig deep when it matters most. With the crowd likely to rally behind the American underdog and the world number one eager to silence her doubters, every rally, every point, and every decision will be magnified under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
As the clock ticks down to the first serve, anticipation is reaching fever pitch. Will Sabalenka’s experience and power prevail, or will Anisimova’s resilience and tactical prowess lead her to a maiden Grand Slam title on home soil? One thing’s for sure: tennis fans are in for a treat as two of the sport’s most exciting stars battle for glory in New York.
With history, redemption, and a place in the record books on the line, all eyes will be on Sabalenka and Anisimova as they write the next chapter in their compelling rivalry. The action is set, the crowd is ready, and the final promises fireworks—don’t blink, or you might miss something unforgettable.
