World number one Aryna Sabalenka says she deserved to win a Grand Slam title after defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) to lift the US Open women’s singles crown on Saturday, Afrosport reports.
The Belarusian reached this year’s Australian Open and French Open final but lost to Americans Madison Keys and Coco Gauff.
She was up against another American at Flushing Meadows in Anisimova but was not going to be denied a third time and ended up defending the title she won last year when she defeated American Jessica Pegula.
“I think because of the finals earlier this season, this one felt different,” she said.
“You know, this one felt like I had to overcome a lot of things to get this one. I knew that, you know, the hard work we put in, like, I deserved to have a Grand Slam title this season.
“So, yeah, when I fell, it was like truly emotions, because it means a lot to defend this title and to bring such a great tennis on court.
“And to bring the fight and be able to handle my emotions the way I did in this final, it means a lot. I’m super proud right now of myself.”
Meanwhile, Anisimova who reached back-to-back Grand Slam finals after Wimbledon, is motivated to be in more finals.
“I’ve been really motivated, and I really wanted to give myself the best shot in the final,” the eighth seed said.
“I don’t know. Like, making it to the final is obviously really special, but it would have been a dream come true to make it all the way.
“But, yeah, I mean, of course I’m motivated, and I hope I can keep working really hard to give myself more opportunities to be in more and more finals.”
From Melbourne to New York 🏆🏆🏆🏆 pic.twitter.com/zwAV0ecThJ
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 7, 2025
Sabalenka now has four Grand Slam titles to her name after winning the 2023 and 2024 Australian Open and the 2024 and 2025 US Open.
It was also her third title of the year after victories in the WTA 1000 events in Miami and Madrid.
