Look forward to an exhilarating battle in the 2025 US Open finals! Amanda Anisimova, the eighth seed ranked ninth in the world, faces Aryna Sabalenka, the defending champ. Dive into this electrifying showdown and don’t miss a moment of the action! On the court, both players will display their exceptional talents and compelling narratives.
Just how impressive has Anisimova been to reach this final, though? She has beaten the likes of Naomi Osaka and Iga Swiatek—heavyweights who have tanked their fair share of challengers—to get this far. Perhaps most impressively, she completely owned Osaka from the baseline, dictating play with sustained aggression for the entirety of the match. Her hands didn’t shake when it counted, and that’s how she put together a stunningly comprehensive win.
Even with this success, Anisimova faced a specific obstacle to her success going into the final. After eating too much sushi right before her semifinal match, she was off her game and jittery. On top of it all, she struggled with expectations that had at one point placed so much pressure on her game. One could be inspired by how, time and again, she overcame those challenges with fierce ingenuity.
In her semifinal match against Sabalenka, Anisimova was up 3-2 before losing the set. She lost her concentration and dropped serve, turning the pendulum of momentum against her. Her character showed through with incredible guts under fire, battling back to 30-all from 30-0 down. Anisimova had a punishing loss to Swiatek only 56 days earlier, in the Wimbledon final. She was totally overwhelmed, as she lost 6-0, 6-0. It was this experience that inspired her determination to be successful under the big tops of Cirque du Soleil once more.
“I’ve worked really hard, especially on my mental game and not giving up. When I was at Wimbledon, every single match was a surprise to me. I was shocked with every match that I won. But here it feels more I believe in myself, and I’m able to do it. I think I have really shifted with my attitude.” – Amanda Anisimova
No matter how this monumental match plays out, Anisimova has matured well beyond her years, and her fierce hunger to achieve more is evident. She is extremely skilled at striking the ball with tremendous purity and power from both her forehand and backhand. That skill will be vital when she plays Sabalenka, who is well-known for her intimidating prowess on the court.
Sabalenka will come into the final riding high on confidence as the clear favorite expected by seeding and overall history leading up to this match. She has made no secret of her desire to defend her title and knows that staying sharp for the duration of the match will be key.
“It means a lot [to defend my title]. I’m living my dream life and I’m ready to do everything possible to get this win. For me it’s important to focus on myself and never doubt my shots and go for it.” – Aryna Sabalenka
Experts are looking at this as a very even match because of Anisimova’s historic head to head over Sabalenka, having gone 6-3 in their previous meetings. Sabalenka’s returning, power and baseline aggression will be a tall order for Anisimova.
“Despite being the clear favourite in terms of ranking and prior experience, Sabalenka faces a stern test in Anisimova,” – Gavriella Epstein-Lightman
Further stoking the fire, tennis great Martina Navratilova expressed her home-team firm support for the final’s Bushido-like duel.
“I just hope it’s a good match. But I have to go with Sabalenka – at her best she’s the better player.” – Martina Navratilova
Anisimova understands just how important this chance is. It would be her first opportunity to challenge for another grand slam title following her recent disappointment at Wimbledon.
“If I’ll be able to hold that trophy, it’s going to mean a lot for me. I’ll be just the happiest person on earth probably.” – Amanda Anisimova
Both players have championed the importance of their journeys to this moment. As they mentally and physically get ready to duke it out on the court, they know that every second will matter.
“The key for me is going to be just go out there, obviously fight, but trust my decisions and go after my shots.” – Aryna Sabalenka