History was made under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium on September 6, 2025, as Aryna Sabalenka etched her name alongside the legends of tennis. The Belarusian powerhouse, already celebrated for her relentless aggression and steely nerves, captured her second consecutive US Open title by defeating American eighth seed Amanda Anisimova in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (3). With this victory, Sabalenka not only claimed her fourth career Grand Slam trophy but also became the first woman since Serena Williams to defend the US Open crown successfully—a feat last achieved between 2012 and 2014.
The anticipation for this final was palpable. Sabalenka, widely regarded as the best player in the world throughout the 2025 season but still seeking to cement her dominance with another major, faced a resurgent Anisimova. The American, looking to bounce back from a devastating 6-0, 6-0 defeat at the hands of Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final earlier that summer, arrived in New York with renewed determination and a point to prove.
From the opening exchanges, Sabalenka set the tone with her trademark baseline power and aggressive returns. The first set saw her dictate play, breaking Anisimova’s serve early and consolidating her lead with clinical efficiency. Despite Anisimova’s best efforts to disrupt Sabalenka’s rhythm, the Belarusian maintained her composure, sealing the first set 6-3 and sending a clear message to the crowd: she was here to finish what she started last year.
Yet, the narrative shifted dramatically in the second set. Anisimova, showing the resilience that carried her to the final, dug deep as Sabalenka served for the championship. In a dramatic twist, Anisimova broke Sabalenka’s serve, then held her own to force a tiebreak—much to the delight of the partisan New York crowd hoping for a third set. The tension was palpable, the energy electric. Could Anisimova pull off a comeback for the ages?
Sabalenka had other ideas. She stormed out to a 4-1 lead in the tiebreak, her focus razor-sharp and her groundstrokes unerring. Anisimova, though valiant, couldn’t close the gap. On her third championship point, Sabalenka unleashed one final winner, collapsing to her knees in triumph as the stadium erupted. The final score: 6-3, 7-6 (3).
“This means everything to me,” Sabalenka said after the match, her voice trembling with emotion. “To win here again, in front of these amazing fans, and to defend my title—it's a dream come true.”
For Sabalenka, this victory is more than just another trophy for her cabinet. It’s a testament to her evolution as a player and her ability to rise to the occasion when the stakes are highest. Until this night, she had been in the unusual position of being the world’s best player in 2025 without a Grand Slam title to show for it that year—a narrative she emphatically rewrote in New York.
The win also adds another chapter to Sabalenka’s growing rivalry with Anisimova. Just months ago, it was Anisimova who stunned Sabalenka in the Wimbledon semi-finals, denying her a shot at the title on grass. That defeat stung, but Sabalenka channeled that disappointment into motivation, returning to the hard courts of Flushing Meadows with renewed purpose.
“Amanda played an incredible match,” Sabalenka acknowledged. “She’s a great competitor and she pushed me to my limits tonight. After what happened at Wimbledon, I knew I had to bring my best game.”
Anisimova, for her part, can take solace in a much-improved Grand Slam final performance. The American’s run to the final in New York was marked by grit and determination, and her ability to break Sabalenka when she was serving for the championship showcased her fighting spirit. While she ultimately fell short, Anisimova’s showing in the biggest match of the summer suggests that her time at the top may be just beginning.
“I’m proud of how I fought tonight,” Anisimova reflected. “After Wimbledon, I wanted to come back stronger and prove to myself that I belong on this stage. Aryna was just too good, but I’ll keep working and hopefully get another chance.”
Sabalenka’s triumph marks her fourth Grand Slam title overall, with two Australian Open trophies already in her possession. But it’s her back-to-back success in New York that sets her apart, placing her in rarefied company. Not since Serena Williams’ dominant run over a decade ago has any woman managed to defend her US Open title, underscoring the magnitude of Sabalenka’s achievement.
The path to this historic moment wasn’t without its challenges. The 2025 season has seen fierce competition on the WTA Tour, with stars like Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Elena Rybakina all vying for major honors. Sabalenka’s ability to withstand the pressure, adapt her game, and deliver when it mattered most speaks volumes about her championship pedigree.
For tennis fans, the final was a showcase of the sport’s next generation. With Serena Williams retired and legends like Naomi Osaka and Simona Halep no longer at the peak of their powers, the stage is set for new rivalries and fresh narratives. Sabalenka’s rivalry with Anisimova, in particular, promises to be one of the sport’s most compelling storylines in the years ahead.
Looking back, Sabalenka’s journey to the top has been anything but easy. From her early days on the tour, she’s faced setbacks, injuries, and heartbreaks. But each obstacle has only fueled her desire to improve. Her relentless work ethic, combined with a fearless approach on court, has made her one of the most exciting and popular players in the game today.
As the 2025 US Open draws to a close, Sabalenka’s victory serves as a reminder that greatness is earned, not given. Her blend of power, precision, and poise under pressure has set a new benchmark for excellence in women’s tennis. And as the world of tennis looks ahead to the next Grand Slam, one thing is clear: Aryna Sabalenka is here to stay.
With the echoes of the New York crowd still ringing in her ears, Sabalenka hoisted the US Open trophy high, her eyes already set on future challenges. For now, though, she can savor the sweet taste of victory—knowing she’s joined the ranks of the game’s true champions.
