Aryna Sabalenka has become the first woman since Serena Williams to defend her title at the US Open after fighting her way past an error-stricken Amanda Anisimova.
The world No.1 was tested multiple times throughout her 6-3, 7-6(3), win over the home favourite, who had never progressed beyond the third round of the tournament until this year. Sabalenka’s triumph marks her 50th Tour-level win over a top 10 player so far in her career, as well as her 100th main draw win in a Grand Slam event.
Playing under the roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium, the top seed capitalized on her rival’s costly unforced error count of 29, which was more than twice what she produced. The win is even sweeter for the 27-year-old, who twice had to settle for runner-up at major events this season and then lost in the Wimbledon semi-finals before heading to New York. She now has four Grand Slam titles to her name.
“It’s been tough this year. In those finals, I was really terrible (to you),” Sabalenka said to her team whilst speaking on court.
“But come on, it’s worth it, right? Thank you so much, I love you, you’re my family. Thank you to my boyfriend. Without your support, I wouldn’t be able to make it.“
Sabalenka made no secret of her plan for the final, which she said during her pre-match interview with Mary Joe Fernandez was to ‘focus on herself and never doubt her shots.’ However, Anisimova is one of the few players who have a history of successfully taming the Belarusian’s firepower by winning six out of their nine previous meetings, including their Wimbledon clash two months ago.
Inevitably, the opening set was a roller-coaster battle between the two early on. Sabalenka started better by racing to a 2-0 lead after saving a trio of break points. Then it was Anisimova’s turn to bounce back as she claimed three consecutive games to get back into contention. This early exchange showed signs of a thrilling encounter to come, but as the set progressed, Anisimova rapidly came undone with a series of costly unforced errors. These include a pair of double faults in one game that allowed the top seed to break for a 5-3 lead before she served it out in the next game.
A disgruntled Anisimova was in danger of imploding as she appeared to complain to the umpire about the stadium lights affecting her coin toss while serving. A complaint that was never voiced by her opponent.
“I can’t see the ball,” she was heard saying.
When informed that nothing can be done and the lights have been in the same position all week, the world No.9 said ‘ridiculous’ in response.
On court, Sabalenka continued to weather the storm in the second frame, which featured more exchanges of breaks. At 3-3, Anisimova’s inconsistency resulted in more mistakes coming from her racket to hand her rival yet another break and move her to two games from victory before another twist occurred.
Serving for the match on her first attempt at 5-4, Sabalenka misjudged an overhead shot at the net to hand a resilient Anisimova a chance to break back and level for 5-5, which she did. However, she regrouped in the tiebreaker by claiming six points in a row before converting her third championship point.
“This is crazy. All those tough lessons. I am speechless right now,” said Sabalenka.
“Congrats, Amanda for reaching back-to-back finals on the slams.I know how much it hurts, losing in finals, but the moment you win your first one (you will understand).
“You’re going to win it, you play incredible tennis. Congrats to you and your team.
Despite her defeat, Anisimova leaves the tournament with her head held high after sealing a place in the WTA top five next week for the first time. She already has 37 wins this season, which is the most she has ever achieved in a single year.
“It’s been a great summer, but losing in two finals in a row is also super hard,” a bitterly disappointed Anisimova commented. “I just want to say congrats to Aryna, you’re so incredible, I’m in awe of what you’ve accomplished and you keep on achieving incredible things.
“It’s been an incredible fortnight. It’s always been a dream of mine to play in the final of the US Open. It’s been a crazy journey.”
As for Sabalenka, who has won 18 out of her 21 WTA trophies on a hardcourt, she paid tribute to a video that was sent to her on the day of the final that motivated her even more prior to facing Anisimova.
“This morning I received a video from the tennis school where I started from the kids. They were cheering me on. I was crying a little bit this morning. That was the moment where I realized I can’t let them down. I have to give them some positive vibes.” She concluded.
