Sabalenka doubles up to claim 2nd Open title

Aryna Sabalenka backed up her 2024 US Open title with a second helping as she defeated Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6 (3) to lift the fourth Grand Slam title of her career on Saturday.

The win assures the 27-year-old will retain her world No. 1 ranking and gives her a career matched set of two major trophies in Melbourne as well as a pair in New York.

Sabalenka was broken while serving for victory, leading a set and 5-4. But she swept through the ensuing tiebreaker to claim victory on her third match point, a winner deep into the corner.

“This is crazy, I’m speechless,” an emotional Sabalenka said. “Congrats to Amanda for reaching back-to-back finals at the Slams – she lost Wimbledon to Iga Swiatek.

“I know how much it hurts to lose these big finals. But you will enjoy it so much after these tough losses when you win your first.”

Sabalenka  thanked the crowd for their support after facing locals (Jessica Pegula) in the semis and final.

The final lasted 96 minutes, with the top seed  helped by 29 unforced errors from Anisimova – including a seventh double-fault which handed over five match points.

Sabalenka lost to Anisimova in their last meeting, a Wimbledon semi-final. The winner improved to 29-6 this season as she won the 21st title of her career and 6-3 in series

She is the first woman to win consecutive singles titles here since Serena Williams 2012-2014

Sabalenka claimed her 100th career Grand Slam main-draw match-win and her 34 at Flushing Meadows.

The top seed who has lost six of nine previous meetings with Aisismova had to get through a tight opening game where she saved three break points.and overcome stubborn early resistance from her American opponent before gunning her jets to pull away.

The match was up and down with nine breaks of serve.

Sabalenka fell to her knees after match point and then scrambled into her team box for hugs all around escorted by security; Anisimova sat on her bench, a towel on her face crying at what might have been.

“It’s been a great summer,” the American finalist said. “Losing two finals in a row is not great, but…

“I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today. Thanks for the support at my home Slam,” the New Jersey native said. “It’s been a crazy, crazy journey.”

Anisimova will gain a top five ranking on Monday as a result of her finals performance.