EXPLAINER
Will Sabalenka overcome her two Grand Slam final losses in 2025 to beat Anisimova, a woman carving a comeback trail?
Published On 5 Sep 2025
On September 6, 2025, the US Open will witness a high-stakes clash as Aryna Sabalenka, the defending champion and world number one, faces Amanda Anisimova, a budding star making a notable comeback.
Match Preview
This showdown promises to be thrilling, with both players known for their power and speed on the court. However, their recent journeys to the final have been markedly different.
Sabalenka’s Recent Finals
Despite holding the top spot in the WTA rankings, Sabalenka has faced challenges in 2025, finishing as a finalist at both the Australian and French Opens without securing a Grand Slam title. As she approaches the final, her desire to solidify her legacy as a multiple Grand Slam champion intensifies.
Anisimova’s Inspiring Comeback
Contrasting with Sabalenka’s recent struggles, Anisimova has shown remarkable resilience. After a tough defeat at Wimbledon in July, where she lost in straight sets to Iga Swiatek, she rebounded impressively, earning her place in the US Open final just two months later.
Final Match Timing
The women’s singles final is set for Saturday, September 6, at 4 PM local time (20:00 GMT).
Historical Matchups
In their previous encounters, Anisimova has the favorable record against Sabalenka, winning six out of nine matches. Their latest clash at Wimbledon showcased Anisimova’s strengths, although Sabalenka did triumph in their earlier match at the French Open in straight sets.
Aryna Sabalenka will look to repeat.
Amanda Anisimova will look to win her home Grand Slam.
Here we go. pic.twitter.com/h6UHPrZ7gJ
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2025
Anisimova’s Break from the Game
In May 2023, Anisimova temporarily left the sport to address burnout and mental health concerns. After a year off, she made her return at the beginning of the 2024 season, marking an impressive resurgence by reaching the fourth round of the Australian Open.
Sabalenka’s Grand Slam Triumphs
Throughout her career, Sabalenka has clinched three Grand Slam titles: the Australian Open in 2023 and 2024, and the US Open in 2024.
Insights from the Players
Sabalenka’s Perspective
Reflecting on her past matches, Sabalenka stated, “I have to trust myself, and I have to go after my shots. I felt like in that match at Wimby [Wimbledon], I was doubting a lot my decisions, and that was the main thing that was bringing a lot of unforced errors.”
Anisimova’s Thoughts
Anisimova echoed similar sentiments, saying, “We’ve had very, very tough matches. But I think the standout one was probably Wimbledon. It was really a seesaw match, which is almost always the case when I play her.”
Career Statistics
2025 Win-loss Records
Sabalenka: 50-10
Anisimova: 33-15
WTA Titles in 2025
Sabalenka: 3
Anisimova: 1
Overall Career Records
Sabalenka: 466-198
Anisimova: 194-113
Career Titles
Sabalenka: 20
Anisimova: 3
Total Prize Money
Sabalenka: $37.4 million
Anisimova: $8.7 million
