Aryna Sabalenka confirmed this Saturday that she is the most dominant player on hard courts. The Belarusian was crowned US Open champion for the second consecutive year by defeating Amanda Anisimova in two sets, 6-3 and 7-6 (3), in a match that lasted one hour and 34 minutes.

With this result, she achieved the fourth Grand Slam title in her career and successfully closed a season in which she had suffered several disappointments in final stages.

The triumph also has historical significance. Sabalenka is the first tennis player to retain the title in New York since Serena Williams did it three times in a row between 2012 and 2014. In addition, she has six consecutive finals on hard courts, between Melbourne and the US Open, with four victories.

A final marked by Sabalenka's revenge

The clash had extra ingredients. Anisimova, world number 9 and originally from Freehold Township, New Jersey, arrived motivated by playing practically at home and having defeated Sabalenka at Wimbledon earlier this year. In fact, the American dominated the previous record with six wins in nine matches.

The start was promising for the home team. After a hesitant start, she shook off the pressure and even took a break lead. But Sabalenka's reaction was immediate: she won four games in a row and closed out the first set 6-3, committing just four unforced errors compared to her opponent's 15.

The second set was more balanced. Sabalenka took an early lead and had the opportunity to wrap things up at 5-4 and serve, although she gave up the break and the match went to a tiebreak. There she once again showed her implacability: the Belarusian had won her last 19 tiebreaks and maintained her streak. Anisimova could barely hold on.

“I feel like I didn't fight hard enough for my dreams today,” the American admitted after the defeat.

Ranking and prizes

The title strengthens Sabalenka's position at the top of the WTA rankings with 11,225 points, ahead of Iga Swiatek (7,933) and Coco Gauff (7,874). Anisimova, meanwhile, climbed to fourth place, the best ranking of her career, with 5,159 points.

On the financial side, the champion pocketed $5 million, the largest prize ever awarded at a Grand Slam. The runner-up received $2.5 million.

"All those tough lessons were worth it for this moment. I'm speechless right now," an emotional Sabalenka declared after lifting the trophy in New York.