Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka outplays Anisimova, successfully defending her US Open title.

In a thrilling match played under a closed roof and artificial lights due to rain, Aryna Sabalenka emerged victorious in the US Open Women's Singles final on Sunday. The Belarusian tennis star defeated Amanda Anisimova in straight sets (6-3, 6-7 (3)).

The opening set saw Sabalenka claim the advantage after winning the next four games following Anisimova's break back. The conditions left the air still and heavy, ideal for the powerful gameplay of both players. Sabalenka had a chance to win the match at 5-4 in the second set but sent the ball into the net, allowing Anisimova to rebound and force a tiebreak.

Anisimova's break back was completed with a backhand winner and a forehand rocket that excited the crowd. However, Sabalenka's resilience shone through as she twice went up a break in the second set against Anisimova. The match was a testament to the aggressive play of both players, with neither preferring a defensive strategy, leading to a mix of breathtaking winners and costly errors.

Sabalenka's victory marked her fourth Grand Slam title and her first since the Australian Open in 2022. It also prevented her from becoming the first woman since Justine Henin in 2006 to lose three major finals in one season.

Anisimova, who had rebounded from her loss to Sabalenka in the US Open quarter-finals by defeating Iga Świątek, showed impressive resilience throughout the match. Her errors accounted for half of Sabalenka's early points, but her aggressive play kept the match alive until the final moments.

Currently ranked World No 1, Sabalenka has now won all of her Grand Slam titles on hard courts. Previously, she had fallen short to Madison Keys at the Australian Open and Coco Gauff at Roland Garros. At Wimbledon, Anisimova had ousted her, reaching her first Grand Slam final.

As Sabalenka lifts the US Open trophy, the tennis world looks forward to seeing how she will continue to dominate the sport in the coming years.

Tennis star Aryna Sabalenka outplays Anisimova, successfully defending her US Open title.