AFCON 2025
Aryna Sabalenka underlined her dominance at the very top of women’s tennis by successfully defending her US Open title with a straight-sets victory over American Amanda Anisimova.
The Belarusian powered to a 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) win inside Arthur Ashe Stadium to capture her fourth Grand Slam singles crown and become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to claim back-to-back titles in New York.
The victory was especially significant for Sabalenka after a season of near misses in Grand Slam finals. She had fallen agonizingly short at the Australian Open and French Open earlier in the year, losing both times after letting emotions get the better of her.
Determined to avoid a repeat, she carried herself with control and composure throughout the US Open, dropping only one set in the entire tournament. “I promised myself I wouldn’t lose control this time,” Sabalenka said after lifting the trophy. “I wanted to prove that I deserved to finish this season with a Grand Slam title.”
In the final, Sabalenka struck first, breaking Anisimova early in the opening set and dictating rallies with her trademark power from the baseline. She closed out the set with authority and looked on course for a routine win.
But the second set produced far more drama, as Anisimova broke serve at 5-4 and briefly ignited hopes of a deciding set in front of a partisan New York crowd. Sabalenka, however, responded immediately, breaking back before imposing herself in the tiebreak, where her fearlessness on the biggest points carried her across the line.
The Belarusian’s celebrations were as passionate as her performance. After collapsing in joy on court, she climbed into the stands to embrace her team and share an emotional kiss with her boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis.
She later revealed that her ability to stay calm throughout the fortnight had been reinforced by a book she read during the tournament, which helped her focus on staying in control during pressure moments.
For Sabalenka, the win marks not just another title but also a statement of growth. With four majors to her name, including two consecutive US Open trophies, she has strengthened her hold on the world No. 1 ranking and carved her place among the greats of the modern era.
