Aryna Sabalenka Triumphs at U.S. Open, Defends Title with Power

Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her title at the U.S. Open, defeating Amanda Anisimova in a tightly contested final on September 9, 2023. Sabalenka claimed victory with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (3), marking her fourth Grand Slam title and making her the first woman to win the tournament in consecutive years since Serena Williams over a decade ago.

While the match showcased Sabalenka’s powerful play, it was not without its challenges. She initially dominated, but a slip in focus near the end of the second set allowed Anisimova to stage a comeback. Sabalenka had two break leads and served for the match at 5-4. As she approached match point, she misplayed an overhead shot, giving Anisimova a break opportunity. The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, numbering around 24,000, erupted as Anisimova converted the break to level the set at 5-all.

Despite the setback, Sabalenka regained her composure. After a tense few minutes, she converted her third match point, falling to her knees in relief and joy. This victory also prevented her from becoming the first woman since Justine Henin in 2006 to lose three major finals in a single season.

Both players entered the match with notable histories. Sabalenka, a 27-year-old from Belarus, was the runner-up at the Australian Open and the French Open earlier in the year. Anisimova, 24 and from the United States, had previously faced Sabalenka at Wimbledon, where she eliminated her in the earlier rounds.

The final was played under challenging conditions, with rain forcing the closure of the stadium’s retractable roof. This created a windless environment, ideal for both players’ aggressive styles. From the start, both athletes showcased impressive power, with rapid serves and deep groundstrokes that kept spectators on the edge of their seats.

The match featured moments of intense rallies, with both players opting for aggressive shots rather than conservative play. Anisimova’s attempts to reclaim momentum early in the first set nearly paid off, as she fought back from a two-game deficit to lead 3-2. Yet, Sabalenka quickly regained control, winning the next four games and securing the first set.

Sabalenka’s performance was characterized by her ability to capitalize on Anisimova’s errors. Of the first 13 points that helped her secure the first two games, only one was a direct winner from Sabalenka; the others stemmed from Anisimova’s six unforced errors.

With this victory, Sabalenka has solidified her status as one of the leading figures in women’s tennis. As she celebrates her success at the U.S. Open, her focus will likely shift toward maintaining her ranking and preparing for future tournaments, as she continues to demonstrate her prowess on hard courts.