Queen of New York: Aryna Sabalenka silences Amanda Anisimova to defend US Open title

Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her US Open title after defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6(3), securing her fourth Grand Slam title, all on hard courts. The world No. 1 showed her dominance and finally won the major title that had eluded her throughout the season.

Sabalenka had lost finals at the Australian Open and French Open, in addition to a semifinal defeat at Wimbledon—precisely against Anisimova. This time, Sabalenka achieved what she couldn't in her previous major appearances and became the first player to successfully defend the Flushing Meadows title since Serena Williams, 11 years ago.

It was a shaky start for Sabalenka in the very first game. At 30-30, she committed the first double fault of the match, giving Anisimova her first chance to break. The Belarusian struggled with her first serve but managed to pull through, saving two break points to start with an advantage. The world No. 1 quickly broke her opponent in the next game, taking a 2-0 lead off of her rival's unforced errors.

With Sabalenka serving at 2-0, 30-0, it seemed the pressure of the Wimbledon final was getting to Anisimova. The American was playing with maximum power on both her forehand and backhand, and when she was accurate, she was able to outpace her opponent. However, her mistakes often complicated things. Anisimova managed to win four consecutive points to break back and take control of the match, winning three straight games (including two breaks) to take a 3-2 lead.

However, Sabalenka kept her composure when it looked like the set was slipping away. She quickly broke back and took the momentum. The defending champion won 16 of the next 20 points, stringing together four consecutive games to take the set 6-3. The aggression came entirely from Anisimova, who hit 13 winners to Sabalenka's mere 3, but also had 15 unforced errors to the Belarusian's 4.

If Anisimova's errors had defined the first set, this time the American managed to adjust her shots, while Sabalenka took more of the initiative. The second set had a difficult start, with Anisimova fighting to hold her serve and a Sabalenka who was more confident than ever after winning the first set. The Belarusian was the first to break, in the third game, and with her service, she comfortably went up 3-1.

The difference was clearly in the Belarusian's favor, but Anisimova still had something to say. She patiently waited for her moment, and in the sixth game, Sabalenka's first serve troubles became apparent. Anisimova took advantage by playing aggressively in search of winners. The strategy worked, and Anisimova broke back, leveling the score at 3-3.

It didn't last long, as Sabalenka quickly broke again and regained the lead. The world No. 1 went up 5-3, and Anisimova handled the pressure, defending her service game. Sabalenka had the chance to serve for the match, but an incredible smash error at the net gave Anisimova a break opportunity. She broke back at the most important moment, tying the match at 5-5 to the delight of a roaring Arthur Ashe Stadium, which was thrilled by the local star's comeback.

Anisimova showed true conviction, holding her service game to take the lead. Sabalenka responded with a powerful service game of her own, pushing the set to a tie-break. The first mini-break went to Sabalenka after a long rally, and then a double fault from Anisimova gave the Belarusian a clear path to victory. Sabalenka closed out the match with a 6-3, 7-6 (3) win, securing her fourth Grand Slam title and solidifying her status as the undisputed world No. 1.