Aryna Sabalenka Aims for Back-to-Back US Open Titles/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Aryna Sabalenka seeks her second straight US Open title and fourth career Grand Slam when she meets Amanda Anisimova in Saturday’s final. Anisimova, who upset Sabalenka at Wimbledon, is aiming for her first major victory. The matchup continues Sabalenka’s streak of Slam finals against American opponents.
Sabalenka vs. Anisimova: Quick Looks
- Sabalenka, 27, from Belarus, goes for her 4th Grand Slam title.
- Defending US Open champion, she beat Jessica Pegula in last year’s final.
- Trying to become first since Serena Williams (2012–14) to win back-to-back US Opens.
- Faced Americans in all three 2025 major finals: lost to Keys (Australian Open), Gauff (French Open).
- Anisimova, 24, from New Jersey/Florida, leads 6–3 head-to-head against Sabalenka.
- Upset Sabalenka in Wimbledon semifinals but lost the final to Iga Swiatek.
- Beat Swiatek in U.S. Open quarterfinals and Naomi Osaka in semis to reach her second major final.
- Won the 2017 US Open junior title; semifinalist at 2019 French Open.
- Took a break in 2023 for burnout, returned from outside top 350 ranking.
- Now seeded No. 8, following her Wimbledon breakthrough into the Top 10.
Deep Look: Sabalenka Seeks Consecutive US Open Crowns, Anisimova Eyes Breakthrough Title
NEW YORK — The women’s final at the 2025 US Open promises to be a compelling clash between established star Aryna Sabalenka and resurgent challenger Amanda Anisimova.
For Sabalenka, it’s a chance to solidify her dominance with a second consecutive US Open title and her fourth Grand Slam overall. For Anisimova, it’s an opportunity to capture her first major trophy after a career marked by early promise, personal setbacks, and a dramatic resurgence.
Sabalenka: Champion in Pursuit of More History
The No. 1 seed from Belarus, Sabalenka, 27, has already played in three major finals this year — all against American opponents. She fell to Madison Keys in the Australian Open final, then lost to Coco Gauff at Roland Garros. Now she faces yet another American in New York.
Sabalenka beat Jessica Pegula in last year’s US Open final and is seeking to become the first woman since Serena Williams (2012–14) to win consecutive US Open titles.
Despite a semifinal loss at Wimbledon this July — to none other than Anisimova — Sabalenka remains one of the tour’s most consistent forces. She’s also looking to even their rivalry, with Anisimova currently holding a 6–3 career head-to-head advantage.
Anisimova: From Burnout to Grand Slam Contender
Anisimova, 24, was born in New Jersey and raised in Florida. She’s experienced both the highs of early success and the lows of burnout. After winning the 2017 US Open junior title and reaching the 2019 French Open semifinals at just 17, her career appeared set for stardom.
But by 2023, she stepped away from the tour due to burnout, and when she returned, her ranking had plummeted outside the top 350. Even a year ago, she was still hovering near No. 50.
Her fortunes shifted dramatically in 2025. She stunned Sabalenka at Wimbledon to reach her first Grand Slam final, although she was outmatched by Iga Swiatek, losing 6-0, 6-0. Instead of derailing her confidence, Anisimova regrouped and returned stronger.
In New York, she avenged that loss by defeating Swiatek in the quarterfinals before beating Naomi Osaka in straight sets in the semifinals, securing her spot in her second straight major final.
Now ranked in the Top 10 and seeded No. 8, Anisimova has proven she belongs among the elite once again.
A Final With Storylines on Both Sides
The matchup highlights two very different career trajectories:
- Sabalenka, the established No. 1, aiming to build a legacy of dominance.
- Anisimova, the comeback player, seeking redemption after years of struggle.
Their recent history adds even more intrigue. At Wimbledon, Anisimova denied Sabalenka a shot at the title. In New York, Sabalenka has a chance for payback on her biggest stage.
For fans at Arthur Ashe Stadium, Saturday’s final could be both a showcase of power tennis and a battle of mental resilience.
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