New York [US], September 7 (ANI): Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka pulled off a stunning victory at the US Open final over American Amanda Anisimova, 6-3, 7-6(3), to become the first woman to win back-to-back singles titles since Serena Williams in 2014.

Sabalenka cruised past the eighth seed, securing her 100th Grand Slam main-draw win and extending her tour-leading tally to 56 victories this year, as per the US Open website.

The reigning No. 1 finally claimed her first major trophy of 2025 and fourth overall--after falling short in previous finals at the Australian Open and Roland Garros. Anisimova has now come up short in consecutive Grand Slam finals, having earlier fallen to Iga Swiatek, 6-0, at Wimbledon.

'I think because of the finals earlier this season, this one felt different. This one felt like I had to overcome a lot of things to get this one. I knew that with the hard work we put in, like, I deserved to have a Grand Slam title this season. When I fell, it was true emotions, because it means a lot to defend this title and to bring such great tennis on the 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,' Sabalenka said, as quoted from the US Open website.

Anisimova came in with a 6-3 head-to-head record against Sabalenka, but their 10th meeting was something different. In the past, Anisimova's superb timing, clean ball-stroking and technique kept Sabalenka pinned behind the baseline.

The tense opening set featured five breaks of serve, with the fifth proving crucial as Sabalenka took a 5-3 lead. She seized the chance, closing out the 38-minute set when Anisimova's forehand sailed wide.

' She came out, and she was playing great tennis from the start,' said Anisimova. 'She's No. 1, and she's very capable of playing amazing tennis, which she did today. I give all the credit to her.' (ANI)