Sep 6, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Aryna Sabalenka celebrates with the championship trophy the women's singles final against Amanda Anisimova (USA) (not pictured) of the 2025 US Open tennis championships at Billie Jean King National Tennis Center.

tennis

Powerhouse Aryna Sabalenka Bosses Amanda Anisimova to Retain Title in US Open 2025 Final

Fourth Grand Slam title for the World No. 1

Aryna Sabalenka proved why she is the No. 1 ranked player in the world yet again, as she defeated home favorite Amanda Anisimova in the US Open 2025 final on Saturday. Defying the crowd as well as the power of her opponent, the Belarusian held her own to emerge victorious 6-3 7-6(3) in just over an hour and a half. Despite the heartbreaking result in another Grand Slam final, Anisimova will rise to a career-high World No. 4 when the new rankings are released.

Aryna Sabalenka Crowned Queen of America at US Open 2025

Aryna Sabalenka successfully defends her US Open title 😤 pic.twitter.com/Vj84pA4ck2
— ESPN (@espn) September 6, 2025

The top seed was put under pressure in her opening service game, having to save three break points before holding serve. Once the nerves settled down, Sabalenka settled into a rhythm and broke Anisimova in the very next game. Despite the 24-year-old American striking the ball extremely well, Sabalenka hung in there. She opted to play a tad bit safer with high percentage shots, until Anisimova’s level dropped. Drawing some forced and unforced errors as the set progressed, the now four-time Grand Slam champ grabbed the opener 6-3.

The second set was more of the same – there were numerous flat exchanges that were dominated by down the line winners. Unfortunately, Anisimova’s partly negative mentality, paired with her tendency to go for the knockout punch too early, resulted in her demise. Although the crowd gave her a boost of energy and confidence to go on a three game run, it only elevated Sabalenka’s level. She played a higher percentage of shots to the slightly weaker Anisimova forehand, and managed to send the match into a tiebreaker.

The reigning Wimbledon runner-up produced a scintillating start to the tiebreak, serving an inch-perfect ace to go up 1-0. However, it was more or less one way traffic from there. Coming into the match, the 27-year-old Belarusian held a 20-1 record in tiebreakers – including an 18-match unbeaten run. She was close to flawless on serve, and raced to a 6-1 lead. Despite saving two match points, Anisimova was delaying the inevitable. Sabalenka crashed to her knees as Anisimova sent a backhand return wide, completing a historic title retention.

‘Excited to Come Back Next Year’ – Sabalenka

After the match, both Sabalenka and Anisimova had some wonderful words. “Congrats Amanda on reaching back to back Slam finals,” began the World No. 1. “I know how much it hurts, losing in the final. But trust me, the moment you’re going to win the first one – and you are going to – you play incredible tennis. Congrats to you and your team on the things you’ve achieved after your comeback.”

You were formidable this fortnight, Amanda ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3lDrPr1T2V
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2025

Before thanking her own team, Sabalenka also made it a point to talk about her relationship with the American crowd. “My first year here when I saw that I have to play back to back against Americans, I was like ‘No way please. I don’t want to play.’ Then coming back the next year and I had to play against Americans in the semis and final – I felt a bit more support. This year I felt even more support. So I’m super excited to come back next year. I hope you’re all going to cheer for me.”

Anisimova also recognised the magnitude of her opponent’s achievement – “Losing 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… I wanna say congrats to Aryna. You are so incredible. I know I have to face you all the time, but I’m in awe of what you’ve accomplished. You keep achieving so many incredible things.”

Concrete jungle where dreams are made of 🐯🏆

Aryna Sabalenka, two-time US Open champion. pic.twitter.com/RrpRhsIbaC
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 6, 2025

Aryna Sabalenka will chase a hat-trick at the same major for the second time in her career, when she returns to New York for next year’s US Open. Can she end 2025 as the World No. 1? Let’s wait and find out.

(Image Credits: Geoff Burke, Imagn Images)

Amanda Anisimova

Aryna Sabalenka

Tennis

US Open

US Open 2025

WTA

Sankalp Harikrishnan

A passionate sports fan through and through, I am currently pursuing my MA in Global Sports Journalism. I specialise in tennis and football writing at The Playoffs News, and I have prior experience working at EssentiallySports and Sportskeeda. Born and raised in Bengaluru, India, sport was my safe space right from my childhood. After trying my hand at multiple sports and representing my educational institutions in cricket, badminton and table tennis, I found sports media to be my calling.