World No.1 Aryna Sabelanka has shed tears of joy and relief after denying Amanda Anisimova grand slam redemption to emphatically defend her US Open crown in New York.
Sabalenka lived 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 the match, only faltering briefly late in the second set on Saturday (Sunday AEST).
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“It’s crazy. All the life lessons are worth it for this one,” the 27-year-old 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.”
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 heartbroken American openly sobbed in a release of emotion after the match, as tournament director Stacey Allaster came to he chair to console her.
“Losing in two finals in a row is great but it’s also super hard,” Anisimova during the post-match ceremony.
“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 win an incredible 19th consecutive breaker this year to prevail on her third match point.
In what was a beautiful moment, Sabalenka thanks the kids at her childhood tennis school in her acceptance speech.
“This morning I received a video from the tennis school where I started from the kids,” she said.
“They were cheering me on. I was crying a little bit this morning.
“That was the moment where I realised I can’t let them down. I have to give them some positive vibes.”
The charismatic Belarusian was playful as always with the crowd, who were understandably disappointed their local product didn’t win.
“I feel like throughout the years, we’ve built our relationship and you guys give me so much support,” Sabalenka told the crowd.
“My first year here when I saw that I have to play back to back against Americans, I was just like, ‘No way. Please. I don’t wanna play’.
“Then coming back the next year and I have to play back to back against Americans in the semis and finals, I felt a bit more support. This year I felt even more support.
“So I’m super excited to come back next year. I hope you’re all gonna cheer for me. Thank you guys for bringing the best atmosphere.”
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