Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka secured her sec

Sabalenka's US Open dominance continues: Defending champion wins second straight title

New York [US], September 7 (HBTV): Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka secured her second consecutive US Open crown after defeating American Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6(3) in the final, becoming the first woman since Serena Williams in 2014 to win back-to-back singles titles.

Sabalenka, the world No. 1, cruised past the eighth seed to register her 100th Grand Slam main-draw win and extend her tour-leading tally to 56 victories this year, according to the US Open website. The victory also marked her first major trophy of 2025 and the fourth of her career, following runner-up finishes at the Australian Open and Roland Garros earlier this season.

Anisimova, meanwhile, suffered her second straight Grand Slam final defeat, having lost to Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final.

Reflecting on the triumph, Sabalenka said: ‘I think because of the finals earlier this season, this one felt different. This one felt like I had to overcome a lot of things to get this one. I knew that with the hard work we put in, I deserved to have a Grand Slam title this season. When I fell, it was true emotions, because it means a lot to defend this title and to bring such great tennis on the court. And to bring the fight and be able to handle my emotions the way I did in this final, it means a lot. I'm super proud right now of myself.’

Anisimova entered the contest with a 6-3 head-to-head advantage over Sabalenka, but their 10th meeting proved different. While Anisimova’s clean ball-striking and timing had previously troubled Sabalenka, the Belarusian showed greater resilience on this occasion.

The opening set saw five service breaks, with Sabalenka gaining the decisive edge at 5-3 before closing out the 38-minute set after an Anisimova forehand error.

‘She came out, and she was playing great tennis from the start,’ Anisimova said after the match. ‘She's No. 1, and she's very capable of playing amazing tennis, which she did today. I give all the credit to her.’

(ANI)