NEW YORK—Aryna Sabalenka did not make many mistakes—well, until near the end—despite not sacrificing any power, and outplayed Amanda Anisimova for a 6–3, 7–6 (3) victory in the U.S. Open final Saturday, making her the first woman to win the tournament in consecutive years since Serena Williams more than a decade ago.
The No. 1-ranked Sabalenka picked up the fourth Grand Slam title of her career, all on hard courts. This was not all smooth sailing, though.
Sabalenka twice led by a break in the second set, and served for the win at 5–4. But at 30-all, so close to the trophy, she had a chance to hit an overhead and get to match point. Instead, while backpedaling, Sabalenka put the ball into the net, giving Anisimova a break chance….