In a final decided by nerves of steel, Aryna Sabalenka showcased her mastery of high-pressure moments, winning a crucial tiebreak to defeat Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6 (3) and retain her US Open title. The victory was sealed by her incredible composure in the breaker, extending her remarkable winning streak to 19 consecutive tiebreaks, a run dating back to February.
The entire match was a showcase of power tennis, but it was Sabalenka’s mental edge that made the difference. After failing to serve out the championship at 5-4 in the second set, she faced a moment that could have triggered the emotional collapses seen in past finals. Instead, she reset and prepared for the tiebreak, an area where she has become virtually unbeatable.
This clutch performance in the tiebreak was a microcosm of her season’s evolution. Having suffered devastating losses in the finals of the Australian Open and French Open, Sabalenka has transformed her mental game. She no longer lets tight moments unravel her; she embraces them. Her ability to execute flawlessly when the score is tight has become her most dangerous weapon.
The win gives Sabalenka her fourth Grand Slam trophy and solidifies her position as the World No. 1. More importantly, it highlights a newfound psychological resilience, proving that she is not just the most powerful player on tour, but also one of the most mentally tough.