Aryna Sabalenka secured her second straight US Open women’s title, defeating Amanda Anisimova in two sets, 6-3, 7-6 (3).
This triumph makes Sabalenka the first female player to secure back-to-back US Open titles since Serena Williams achieved the feat with three consecutive wins from 2012-14.
The showdown inverted the expected dynamic between the competitors. Sabalenka has historically struggled to maintain composure when facing adversity on the court. That possibility seemed real when her serve faltered early. Anisimova swiftly navigated the court, covering every potential angle of Sabalenka’s shots.
However, Sabalenka remained calm, making gradual adjustments to her shot execution. Initially focusing on pushing Anisimova back with powerful serves and forehands, Sabalenka introduced subtle touches and skillfully placed drop shots that left Anisimova struggling to respond.
Initially, Anisimova appeared poised to win through sheer force. Her forehand proved particularly potent, delivering shots deep into the corners, leaving Sabalenka at a disadvantage. She also demonstrated notable accuracy, slicing backhand and forehand shots just inside the sidelines. Sabalenka anticipated these shots going out, but they consistently landed in bounds.
Nevertheless, Anisimova gradually lost her composure, committing a series of unforced errors. The shots that initially landed within the sidelines began to fall outside, and her serves frequently missed, hitting the net.
The roof at Arthur Ashe Stadium was closed due to inclement weather in Flushing, New York. Prior to the match, it was thought that this might benefit Anisimova by amplifying the crowd’s support for the American against Sabalenka. However, Anisimova stated that the overhead lights from the roof affected her vision as she prepared to serve.
In total, Anisimova made 29 unforced errors, while Sabalenka committed only four throughout the match. This disparity may be more telling than any other statistic.
Another significant statistic was Sabalenka’s 20-1 record in tiebreakers. Anisimova won three consecutive games to recover from a 5-3 deficit in the second set, taking a 6-5 lead. Sabalenka then faced the pressure of needing to hold serve to stay in the set, which she accomplished by firing a serve far to Anisimova’s right, preventing a return.
Sabalenka’s record now stands at 21-1 in tiebreakers as she dominated the deciding game. Anisimova contributed to her own downfall by making further errors, hitting shots wide or long. Despite losing her lead in the second set, Sabalenka’s confidence grew, and her body language indicated that she felt assured of victory in a tiebreaker that she readily controlled.
Sabalenka also becomes the 10th woman to secure successive US Open titles, joining an illustrious list that includes Margaret Court, Billie Jean King, Chris Evert, Martina Navratilova, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, Venus Williams, Kim Clijsters and Serena Williams.
Here is how the action unfolded throughout the match on Yahoo Sports’ live updates and highlights from the 2025 US Open women’s singles final:
