Full Breakdown
US Open 2025: Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova Set for Final Showdown
9/5/2025, 12:43:50 PM
Sabalenka Advances with Grit
Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka secured her place in the final of the 2025 US Open by defeating fourth-seeded Jessica Pegula in a closely contested semifinal match, winning 4-6, 6-3, 6-4. This victory marks Sabalenka's third consecutive appearance in the US Open final and her seventh overall at Grand Slam events. The match showcased Sabalenka's resilience as she fought back after losing the first set, demonstrating her ability to perform under pressure.
Sabalenka's path to the final included victories over Rebeka Masarova, Polina Kudermetova, and Leylah Fernandez, and she advanced to the semifinals without playing in the quarterfinals due to Marketa Vondrousova's withdrawal. In the semifinal, Sabalenka initially struggled, dropping the first set but rebounded with a powerful performance in the second and third sets, ultimately saving four break points in the final set to clinch the match.
Pegula's Strong Performance
Jessica Pegula, who was aiming to avenge her loss to Sabalenka in last year's final, started strong, taking the first set with a series of well-placed shots and tactical play. Pegula's performance was marked by her ability to capitalize on Sabalenka's unforced errors, particularly in the first set where she made only three unforced errors. However, as the match progressed, Sabalenka's aggressive style began to dominate, leading to Pegula's struggles in the second set.
Despite the loss, Pegula's journey to the semifinals was notable, as she reached this stage for the second consecutive year, becoming the first American woman to do so since Serena Williams in 2018-2019. Pegula expressed her frustration at not being able to convert break points in the final set, stating, "I don’t know how I didn’t break back in the third."
Anisimova's Upset Over Osaka
In the other semifinal, Amanda Anisimova defeated Naomi Osaka in a thrilling match that concluded at nearly 1 a.m., winning 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3. Anisimova's victory was particularly significant as it marked her first win over Osaka, who had previously been undefeated in Grand Slam semifinals. Anisimova's performance was characterized by her powerful groundstrokes and strategic play, allowing her to recover from a set down and secure her place in the final.
Anisimova's journey to the final included a notable victory over Iga Swiatek in the quarterfinals, showcasing her return to form after a challenging period in her career. She expressed her determination, stating, "I wasn’t sure I would make it past the finish line and I tried to dig deep."
What's Next: The Final Showdown
The final will see Aryna Sabalenka face Amanda Anisimova, with both players vying for their first Grand Slam title of 2025. Sabalenka is looking to become the first woman to win consecutive US Open titles since Serena Williams achieved the feat from 2012 to 2014. Anisimova, on the other hand, aims to claim her first major title after a remarkable comeback from previous setbacks.
As the tournament reaches its climax, the anticipation builds for what promises to be an exciting final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
