Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her US Open title, defeating Amanda Anisimova in straight sets to secure her fourth Grand Slam championship and achieve her 100th win in major tournaments, becoming the first woman since Serena Williams to win back-to-back US Open titles.
In the final held on September 6, 2025, Sabalenka started strongly by breaking Anisimova’s serve early, but Anisimova fought back to level the first set at 3-3 before Sabalenka regained control to win it 6-3. The second set was more competitive, with Sabalenka serving for the match at 5-4 but failing to convert after a crucial error, leading to a tiebreak that she dominated 7-3.
This victory comes after a challenging year for Sabalenka, who lost in the finals of the Australian Open and French Open earlier in 2025, experiences that taught her valuable lessons in emotional control and resilience. She worked with her team, including new coach Max Mirnyi, to focus on composure and adaptability, which was evident in her steady performance under pressure.
Anisimova, playing in her second major final, showed moments of brilliance but was ultimately undone by 29 unforced errors, compared to Sabalenka’s 15. Sabalenka’s efficiency was key, as she converted five of six break point opportunities, while Anisimova struggled against Sabalenka’s powerful groundstrokes and consistent play.
The win marks Sabalenka’s 100th victory in Grand Slam main-draw matches, achieved in just 126 appearances, making her one of the fastest players to reach this milestone in the Open Era. This places her among tennis elites and highlights her rapid ascent in the sport since turning professional.
Sabalenka earned a record $5 million prize for this victory, the highest in US Open history, reflecting her stellar performance and the tournament’s prestige. Her consistent record over the past three years, with multiple major titles and deep runs, solidifies her position as the world’s top-ranked player and a dominant force in women’s tennis.
Looking ahead, Sabalenka’s ability to overcome adversity and maintain mental strength suggests she will continue to be a contender in future Grand Slams. Her focus on continuous improvement and team support positions her well for the upcoming season, with potential challenges at the Australian Open and beyond.
