Sabalenka defends US Open crown with back-to-back title

Aryna Sabalenka defended her US Open crown, defeating Amanda Anisimova in straight sets to win her fourth Grand Slam title, 100th major match victory, and a record $5 million prize.

WEBDESK — Aryna Sabalenka is no stranger to hard lessons, but this time they paid off. The world No. 1 successfully defended her U.S. Open crown Saturday, defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6 (3) to become the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win consecutive titles in New York.

The victory capped a season of resilience for the 27-year-old, who had stumbled in finals at both the Australian Open and Roland Garros earlier this year. “All those tough lessons were worth this one,” Sabalenka said, visibly emotional after collapsing to the court in tears.

Unlike her earlier heartbreaks, Sabalenka entered the Flushing Meadows final determined to control her emotions. The strategy worked. She neutralized Anisimova’s clean ball-striking with measured aggression, producing 13 winners to just 15 unforced errors while converting five of six break points.

The triumph marked Sabalenka’s fourth major title and her 100th Grand Slam match win, along with a record $5 million prize. With two U.S. Open and two Australian Open trophies, she now mirrors Naomi Osaka’s dominant run from 2018–21 — but in even less time.

“It felt like I had to overcome so much this year,” Sabalenka said. “To defend this title, to bring the fight, and to handle my emotions the way I did — I’m super proud of myself.”

For Anisimova, it was a second painful loss in a major final. Despite a 6-3 career record against Sabalenka before the match, her 29 unforced errors proved costly. “Congratulations to you and your team,” she told Sabalenka during the trophy ceremony. “You guys are amazing.”

With four majors, the best winning percentage among active players outside Iga Swiatek, and her grip on the No. 1 ranking intact, Sabalenka has further cemented her place at the top of women’s tennis.