The Queen of Queens: Aryna Sabalenka repeats as US Open champ with straight-sets win
Aryna Sabalenka faced disappointment all over the world this year, from Melbourne to Paris to London. Her play was consistently strong but in the biggest matches, on the grand slam stages, she couldn’t get it done.
But, for Sabalenka and for so many millions of others around the world, New York is just different. Maybe that’s why she’s ending this grand slam season with her second straight US Open championship.
Playing in her third grand slam final of the year, Sabalenka was hardly perturbed when the boisterous crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium roared on Amanda Anisimova’s last-ditch surge in the second set of this US Open final.
The American showed enormous fight once Sabalenka got herself within a game of a cruise-control straight sets victory. Down 5-3 in the second set, Asinimova charged and won three straight games, threatening to take Sabalenka down to the wire in a decisive third set after the Belarusian breezed 6-3 through the opener.
But unlike when she wilted on Roland Garros’ clay against Coco Gauff, Sabalenka hardly blinked. She held her serve and forced a tiebreaker to decide the second set, taking the air out of a closed-roofed Arthur Ashe.
In the tiebreaker, she grabbed control quickly and never let go, eventually watching one last Anisimova errant backhand float wide. The world No. 1 collapsed to the ground in exultation, putting her head in her hands and taking a few moments to herself amid the cheers in Queens. She said she was speechless after the match, a clearly emotional victory at the end of a season that challenged her at every turn.
“All those tough lessons (were) with this one,” she said on court after the match.
For Anisimova, it’s a second-straight heartbreak in a grand slam final but one that will bring back fonder memories than her collapse at Wimbledon.
As the 24-year-old gets used to playing under the harsh spotlight of grand slam finals, she’ll have to find a way to iron out the errors in her game. She committed 29 unforced errors and double faulted seven times, though she hit 22 winners as well. She seemed to struggle with playing under the stadium’s roof, gesturing multiple times at the ceiling after failing to get in a serve.
But when the chips were down, she played her best. The scintillating end to the second set made Arthur Ashe sound more like a hair dryer than a tennis stadium as New York rallied around her. Playing not far from where she grew up in New Jersey, Anisimova was a crowd favorite the whole way.
“It’s been an incredible fortnight and I absolutely love playing here. It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the finals at the US Open. So big thank you to everyone at the US Open that made this happen,” Anisimova added.
Come back tomorrow for live updates from Sunday’s men’s final between Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner as championship weekend at the US Open draws to a close.
"Tough lessons" this year were worth it for US Open glory, says Sabalenka
After losing two grand slam finals and one semifinal this year, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka has finally won her first major of the season.
She can now accept those losses as part of the journey along the way to this evening.
“It’s just crazy,” she said in her on-court interview. “All those tough lessons (were) worth this one. I’m speechless right now.”
Because of that recent heartbreak, Sabalenka was also quick to offer her commiserations to Amanda Anisimova, who has now lost two consecutive grand slam finals.
“I know how much it hurts losing in the finals, but trust me … you’re going to win it,” said the world No. 1. “You play incredible tennis.”
For Sabalenka, it is now two US Open titles in a row, and the Belarusian was keen to thank fans from whom she has felt more and more love as the years have gone on.
“I love it here. I love the support,” she said. “I like throughout the years we built a kind of relationship, and you guys give me so much support. You know my first year here, when I saw I had to play back-to-back against Americans, I was just like ‘No way, guys. Please. I don’t want to play!’
“But then coming back next year, and I have to play again back-to-back against Americans,” she continued, “I felt a bit more support, and this year I felt even more support … Thank you guys for bringing the best atmosphere.”
Anisimova on US Open loss: "I didn't fight hard enough for my dreams today"
Amanda Anisimova called it a “great summer” despite losses in the finals at Wimbledon and now the US Open.
“I mean, losing in two finals in a row is great but it’s also super hard. I think I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today but I just want to say congrats to Aryna (Sabalenka),” Anisimova told an applauding crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium during the trophy ceremony.
The 24-year-old was highly complimentary of her opponent.
“You are so incredible,” Anisimova said. “I know I have to face you all the time but I’m in awe of what you’ve accomplished and you keep on achieving so many incredible things so a big congratulations to you and your team. You guys are amazing.”
The American also thanked the fans along with tournament organizers, family and friends for their support.
“It’s been an incredible fortnight and I absolutely love playing here. It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the finals at the US Open. So big thank you to everyone at the US Open that made this happen,” Anisimova added.
Aryna Sabalenka raises the US Open trophy and takes home a $5 million check
Tennis icon Chris Evert is here to present the trophies to Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova, getting a nice ovation from the crowd here.
Anisimova comes up to the stage first, slowly making her way to the microphone. She doesn’t exactly seem thrilled to be here still and it’s clearly a tough loss for her, though she gives the plaudits to Sabalenka. Huge cheers one more time for the American as she thanks the crowd for their support.
Sabalenka, wearing a metallic silver jacket, takes the stage next and appears to be a little overwhelmed by the moment. She congratulates Anisimova, who looks like she is fighting back tears, on her performance.
Three straight years of facing Americans in the final for Sabalenka, defeating Jessica Pegula last year and Anisimova this year after losing to Coco Gauff in 2023. The crowd gives her a cheer as she says she looks forward to hearing their support grow next year.
The Tiffany & Co. trophy is absolutely gleaming under the spotlights as Sabalenka thanks her team. Evert goes to give Sabalenka the trophy but first the representative from sponsor JP Morgan hands the world No. 1 a check for $5 million (yes, really).
Evert hands over the trophy and Sabalenka raises it above her head to a roar from the remaining crowd here as the promised fireworks go off behind her. A fitting end to an amazing final.
Sabalenka becomes first woman in 10 years to defend her US Open title
By winning back-to-back US Open women’s singles titles, Aryna Sabalenka has just joined an elite club.
She is the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to successfully defend her crown, and the 10th overall.
She now sits in the history books alongside Margaret Court, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, Venus Williams, Kim Clijsters and Serena.
Emotions high for Sabalenka and Anisimova as we wait for trophy presentation
This is a hugely emotional win for Aryna Sabalenka after the disappointment she faced in the other grand slam tournaments this year.
She’s got her head in her hands here at Arthur Ashe as the pounding sounds of “One More Time” by Daft Punk echo through the loudspeakers.
Amanda Anisimova is similarly emotional, staring straight ahead at the iconic blue court as she deals with a second-straight loss in a grand slam final. She displayed heroic fight in this one, unlike her capitulation at Wimbledon. The final few games of the second set at Arthur Ashe are as loud as a sporting environment I’ve been in as the New York crowd got all the way behind her.
She’ll take little solace in that spirited fight though as she watches Sabalenka accept the trophy.
Aryna Sabalenka wins the women's US Open championship in a second-set tiebreak
Aryna Sabalenka has done it! She wins the US Open championship with a straight sets, 6-3, 7-6 (3), victory over American Amanda Anisimova!
After watching Anisimova drag a backhand wide, Sabalenka falls to her knees, overcome by the emotion of finally winning a grand slam this year after reaching two finals and a semifinal with no title to show for it.
Sabalenka just two points away from the US Open title
A double fault by Amanda Anisimova gives Aryna Sabalenka a three-point advantage and the American can’t handle the Belarusian’s serve on the next point.
It’s 5-1, Sabalenka is two points away.
Sabalenka takes a 3-1 lead in the tiebreak
Aryna Sabalenka has the two-point advantage she needs after going up 3-1 in the tiebreak.
Sabalenka forces a second-set tiebreaker
Just wow. What incredible drama here.
Aryna Sabalenka holds serve to force a second set tiebreaker. It’s 6-6.
Tiebreaker rules: First to seven points wins (scoring reverts to 1, 2, 3 point system instead of 0, 15, 30, 40), must win by two, players switch ends after every six points and alternate serving.
Anisimova takes a shocking 6-5 lead in the second set in electric women's final
What incredible fight from Amanda Anisimova! She’s now up 6-5 in this second set and has the chance to extend this to a decisive third set.
Aryna Sabalenka seemed to be on the brink of a straight sets win but Anisimova has held serve and picked up an important break point. With the solidly pro-American crowd here at Arthur Ashe on the edge of their seat, Anisimova has to have tons of adrenaline going through her veins right now.
Sabalenka now needs to hold serve to force a second set tiebreaker. What a match!
Anisimova breaks Sabalenka's serve and it's 5-5!
Not so fast!
Amanda Anisimova has New York standing and screaming as she breaks Sabalenka’s serve and ties up the second set!
Incredible drama here in Flushing as the American is playing her best with her back against the wall.
Sabalenka was inches away from championship point in that game too, just netting a smash at 30-30, making Anisimova’s break all the more impressive.
Anisimova makes it 5-4 and Sabalenka is serving for the championship
Amanda Anisimova holds off Aryna Sabalenka for a moment, making it 5-4 in the second set.
Sabalenka serving now for the title.
Aryna Sabalenka goes 5-3 up and is on the brink of repeating as US Open champ
This seesaw battle of a second set is absolutely incredible.
Aryna Sabalenka’s break on Amanda Anisimova’s serve in that last game might prove to be the pivotal moment of this match if the American can’t pull a rabbit out of the hat here.
The Belarusian is happy to watch a forehand from the American fly past her and land long, before placing a backhand just-so to make it 30-0. Anisimova takes one point but has another error that puts Sabalenka on the brink and then hits another shot long to put the defending champ a game away from repeating.
Stephen Colbert among celebrities in attendance
Stephen Colbert has just been shown on the big screen, much to the apparent delight of fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
He’s far from the only big name in attendance – actors Jon Hamm, Stanley Tucci, Courteney Cox, Walton Goggins and Naomi Watts are all in Flushing Meadows this evening.
Time will tell whether they’ll all be here an hour from now…
Sabalenka steals the initiative right back with a break point of her own
And now another HUGE change in fortunes here as Aryna Sabalenka answers Amanda Anisimova’s break with one of her own.
The Belarusian has a 4-3 lead in the second set now and is now in position to hold serve the rest of the way to win the championship.
A huge break point for Anisimova and momentum has definitely shifted
Well, don’t put Aryna Sabalenka’s name on the trophy just yet.
About 10 minutes ago, it looked like this match was slipping away from Amanda Anisimova but she’s now just evened up the third set by breaking the defending US Open champion’s serve. This huge crowd in New York is going nuts for her, greeting the moment with a massive roar and jumping to their feet to urge her on.
Sabalenka won’t be fazed by this – she’s faced Americans in the last two US Open finals, winning last year – but it’s starting to feel like Anisimova might be turning the tide in the middle of the second set like she did in the semifinals against Naomi Osaka.
Anisimova stops Sabalenka's run and now looks for a break point
We’ve reached the hour mark and Amanda Anisimova is hoping she just stopped the bleeding with that service game.
She wins the game and pulls the second set back to 3-2, now needing to break Aryna Sabalenka’s serve to have a chance at extending this match to a decisive third set.
The story of the match right now is who can make the fewer errors. The American has 19 unforced errors and four double faults in the match, while Sabalenka has just nine unforced errors and one double fault. If Anisimova can’t get those mistakes fixed, it’s bad news for the New Jersey native.
Sabalenka goes 3-1 up in the second set
Aryna Sabalenka is now in firm control of this match and there’s a path to a straight-sets championship win.
Anisimova is clearly in her own head, looking in frustration toward her box after losing points to Sabalenka. Her coach gives some encouragement, but it feels like a snowball is starting to roll downhill for the American right now.
She can’t handle a powerful cross-court shot from the Belarusian and it’s 3-1 in the second set.
The American needs to get control of her serve in this game or it could be academic for the world No. 1 the rest of the way.
Sabalenka gets a massive break point and has Anisimova on the ropes
A key moment in this match now as Aryna Sabalenka pushes Amanda Anisimova to a break point after evening up the set.
Anisimova looks frustrated as she once again misses with a first serve, but her second serve falls and she holds off Sabalenka’s first break point.
She can’t avoid the second though. A flying backhand from Sabalenka sails down the baseline and lands for a winner, giving her a 2-1 lead in the second set.
If Anisimova can’t break back here, she’s going to be in trouble.