Steely Sabalenka buries demons to defend US Open crown
Creeson Downey and Darren Walton |
Aryna Sabalenka is savouring her sweetest conquest after denying Amanda Anisimova grand slam redemption to emphatically defend her US Open crown in New York.
Sabalenka wept tears of joy and relief after living up to her top seeding with a 6-3 7-6 (7-3) victory in a mostly one-sided women’s final to capture her fourth career major, adding a second Open trophy to her two Australian Open triumphs.
Atoning for shattering losses in this year’s Melbourne Park and French Open title deciders, the Belarusian dominated the American eighth seed for much of Saturday’s match, only faltering briefly late in the second set.
“It’s crazy. All the life lessons are worth it for this one,” the world No.1 said after becoming the first woman since the great Serena Williams in 2014 to go back-to-back at Flushing Meadows.
“I’m speechless right now.”
Three years after taking time out from tennis following the sudden death of her father, Anisimova had been hoping to bury the demons of a 6-0 6-0 Wimbledon final defeat seven weeks ago to Iga Swiatek.
But while this crushing setback was not so humbling, the outcome was depressingly the same for the 24-year-old.
“The two finals in a row is great, but then it’s super hard,” Anisimova said.
“Yeah, it’s been a great summer, but I think I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today.”
The much-anticipated title decider between the two biggest hitters in women’s tennis failed to match the hype as Sabalenka cast aside the challenger and sentimental favourite from nearby New Jersey in one hour and 34 minutes.
Despite conjuring three break points in the opening game, Anisimova was unable to get on the board until 10 minutes into the match.
The underdog received a rousing reception from the packed crowd after finally holding serve to trail 2-1.
But Sabalenka upped the ante to reel off three straight games from 3-3 to take the first set, then storm to a 3-1 lead in the second.
Anisimova threatened a comeback after fighting back from 5-3 down to force a second-set tiebreaker.
Despite her wobbles trying to close out the championship, Sabalenka held her nerve to claim an incredible 19th consecutive breaker win this year, prevailing on her third match point.
The champion was gracious in victory.
“I know how much it hurts,” Sabalenka told Anisimova after pocketing a cheque for $US5 million.
“Reaching back-to-back finals in grand slams, you’re going to win your first one. You play incredible tennis and congratulations on what you have been able to achieve after you came back.”
Sabalenka herself has had to exorcise her own mental demons following two grand slam final defeats in what could have been a career year in 2025.
It’s why she ranks her fourth slam title as her most satisfying.
“Because of the finals earlier this season, this one felt different,” the 27-year-old said.
“This one felt like I had to overcome a lot of things to get this one.
“I knew that the hard work we put in that I deserved to have a grand slam title this season.
“So, yeah, when I fell (to the court) it was like truly emotions because it means a lot to defend this title and to bring such great tennis on 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.”
AAP
