In a stunning display of resilience and skill, Aryna Sabalenka clinched the 2025 US Open title, leaving spectators and pundits alike in awe. This remarkable victory over American favorite Amanda Anisimova, with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6(3), was not just another addition to her trophy cabinet; it was a historic moment marking her as the first woman since Serena Williams to defend the US Open title since 2014.
The journey to this moment was anything but smooth for Sabalenka, who had battled severe serving issues in recent years, famously referred to as “full-blown serving yips.” Reflecting on her challenging past, Sabalenka’s performance at this year’s tournament highlighted her incredible mental fortitude. Throughout her six matches in New York, including a quarterfinal walkover, she recorded 19 double faults, a statistic reminiscent of her earlier struggles, notably during the 2022 Australian Open where she similarly faltered.
Once plagued by a staggering 338 double faults in the 2021 season, and an even more alarming 428 in 2022, Sabalenka has undergone a remarkable transformation. Over the past two years, her double fault count decreased significantly, with only 141 recorded in the current season, far better than her nearest rivals, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff.
Andy Roddick, the 2003 US Open champion, was quick to praise Sabalenka’s evolution on his podcast, ‘Served with Andy Roddick’. He emphasized the importance of acknowledging her struggles: “We don’t mention it enough. She had full-blown serving yips three years ago. You could see it [at the 2025 US Open], the way she took her time, she was more emotional. It was more relief and pride than it was out-and-out happiness.” His insights reflect the intense pressure and scrutiny athletes face, especially when overcoming such personal hurdles.
Roddick further articulated the weight of Sabalenka’s triumph, acknowledging the grit required to navigate her challenges. “You could see that she took the moment, and it gripped her, and it meant more to her. That’s because it didn’t come easy for her this year. It didn’t just happen. It was hard. It was grit. She was gutted a couple of times this year. That’s what makes the moment sweeter. I was happy to see it for her. We appreciate her more,” he remarked.
This year’s campaign was a rollercoaster for Sabalenka. Earlier in the season, she faced heartbreak, losing both the Australian Open final to Madison Keys and the French Open final to Gauff. The stakes were high as she entered the US Open, knowing the weight of history rested on her shoulders.
In a moment that demonstrated her awareness of the gravity of her achievements, Sabalenka expressed her determination to change the narrative surrounding women’s tennis. When reminded of the 11-year gap since a woman last defended the US Open title, she said, “I was trying to ignore that statistic. My thought is to change that. But, wow, that’s insane, you know, how unpredictable women’s tennis is, right? Should we change it? Should we at least try to change it?” Her reflective attitude showcases not just her ambition but also a profound respect for the sport’s evolving landscape.
As she celebrated her victory, Sabalenka acknowledged the pressure of defending her title, yet her experience and confidence shone through. “I love this place. I have amazing memories from last year. I think it’s a lot of pressure, definitely. But I feel like I’m experienced enough to just focus on myself and try to replicate that result,” she stated.
With this victory, Aryna Sabalenka has not only solidified her status as a dominant force in women’s tennis but has also become a symbol of perseverance. Her journey from the depths of serving woes to the pinnacle of success resonates with fans around the globe, making her story one of inspiration and tenacity in the face of adversity.
