World number one Aryna Sabalenka retained her US Open title with a hard-fought straight-sets victory over American Amanda Anisimova, clinching her first Grand Slam trophy of the year and fourth overall.

In a contest marked by raw power and fierce baseline exchanges, the Belarusian outlasted her eighth-seeded opponent 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), holding her composure when it mattered most. After sealing the win on her third championship point, an emotional Sabalenka dropped to her knees, overwhelmed by the significance of the triumph in a season that had seen her fall short in two Grand Slam finals.

Though commanding for much of the match, Sabalenka faced a nervy moment when she failed to serve out the title at 5-4 in the second set. Yet, she quickly regrouped, dominating the ensuing tie-break to secure back-to-back titles in New York.

The 27-year-old has been the WTA Tour’s most consistent force this year, though questions lingered over her mental fortitude in the biggest moments. Sunday’s final offered the perfect response, as Sabalenka delivered a controlled and focused performance under pressure.

Anisimova, appearing in her second Grand Slam final, put up a far stronger fight than she had in her one-sided Wimbledon loss to Iga Swiatek in July. However, the American was again undone by inconsistency, unable to sustain her level against the top seed. The 24-year-old left the court in tears, still searching for a major breakthrough.

Source: BBC

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