Sabalenka Defends US Open Title, Securing Fourth Grand Slam

Belarusian tennis star Aryna Sabalenka successfully defended her title at the US Open on September 10, 2024, marking a significant milestone in her career. With this victory, she secured her fourth Grand Slam title and became the first woman to win consecutive US Open championships since Serena Williams achieved three in a row from 2012 to 2014.

The final, held at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium in New York, showcased a clash between two of the sport’s most powerful players. Sabalenka’s performance was characterized by her ability to minimize unforced errors, committing just 15 compared to her opponent’s 29. This strategic edge proved crucial in claiming a 6-4, 7-6 (7-3) victory over Amanda Anisimova.

Emotional Victory and Heartfelt Tributes

After clinching the match with an unreturnable serve, Sabalenka fell to her knees in celebration. “I want to thank everyone who came here, who flew in to be there in my box,” she expressed, embracing her coaches amid the joyous atmosphere. The 27-year-old athlete confidently declared, “I’m going to reach a lot more finals and I don’t care where you are in the world, I want you in my box.”

For Anisimova, this match represented her second consecutive loss in a major final. The 24-year-old reflected on her experience, saying, “It’s been a great summer, losing in two finals in a row is great but it’s also super hard.” She expressed her disappointment, stating, “I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today,” highlighting the emotional weight of her recent defeats, including a challenging loss at Wimbledon just two months prior.

Weather Challenges and Match Dynamics

The final was not without its challenges. A sudden downpour led to the deployment of the stadium’s retractable roof, creating an atmosphere of anticipation among fans, many of whom were A-list celebrities. As the rain subsided, Sabalenka quickly established her dominance on the court, saving three break points in her opening game. Anisimova, buoyed by the support of the home crowd, fought back and managed to break Sabalenka’s serve, showcasing her resilience.

Despite Anisimova’s efforts, Sabalenka regained control, breaking her opponent’s serve to close the first set. The second set saw Anisimova battle fiercely, leveling the score at one point but ultimately faltering in the tiebreak. Sabalenka’s powerful play earned her a decisive victory, marking her 100th match win at a Grand Slam event.

In a display of sportsmanship, Sabalenka praised Anisimova after the match, acknowledging the difficulties of competing at such a high level. “I know it hurts but girl, when you win your first one – and you are going to win it – you will realize that all the tough lessons are worth it,” she said, offering encouragement to her opponent.

Anisimova’s performance at the US Open has elevated her ranking to fourth in the world. This remarkable achievement comes as part of her comeback journey following an eight-month break to prioritize her mental health. Reflecting on the match, she conveyed her admiration for Sabalenka, stating, “Aryna, you are so incredible. I know I have to face you all the time; I’m in awe of what you have accomplished.”

As Sabalenka celebrates this latest victory and looks ahead to future tournaments, her resilience and determination continue to inspire fans and fellow athletes alike.