Aryna Sabalenka is on the brink of making tennis history as she prepares for her third consecutive US Open final, fueled by a fierce determination to reclaim her crown. After a gripping semi-final clash against world No. 4 Jessica Pegula, where Sabalenka staged a remarkable comeback to win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4, she now sets her sights on Amanda Anisimova, the very player who handed her a heartbreaking defeat at Wimbledon earlier this year.
In a thrilling rematch of last year’s championship, where Sabalenka triumphed over Pegula in straight sets, the Belarusian showcased her resilience by overcoming a shaky start. Despite losing the first set after squandering a 4-2 lead, she regained her composure and delivered an impressive performance. With her serve unbroken for the remainder of the match, Sabalenka capitalized on key moments, breaking Pegula’s serve just once in each of the final two sets to secure her place in the final.
This title match is monumental for Sabalenka, who is eager to clinch her second US Open title and her fourth Grand Slam overall. Having faced disappointment in both the French Open and Australian Open finals earlier this season, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With this achievement, she joins an elite group of only six women, including legends like Serena Williams and Martina Navratilova, who have reached three or more major finals in a single year.
Standing in her way is Amanda Anisimova, currently ranked ninth in the world, who made headlines after a thrilling victory over four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka in the other semi-final. This matchup is not just about titles; it’s personal. In her post-match press conference, Sabalenka reflected on her previous encounter with Anisimova, revealing the mental battle she faced during their Wimbledon showdown. “I think I have to trust myself, and I have to go after my shots because I feel like in that match, I was doubting a lot my decisions,” Sabalenka explained. It was this self-doubt, she admits, that led to unforced errors, granting Anisimova too many opportunities.
As she gears up for this high-stakes rematch, Sabalenka is adamant about not repeating past mistakes. She recognizes the importance of confidence in her game and the need to seize the moment when it presents itself. “The key for me [is] going to be just go there, of course, like, obviously fight, but also trust my decisions and go after my shots,” she stated emphatically.
Reflecting on the emotional rollercoaster of serving out the match against Pegula, Sabalenka admitted to a whirlwind of feelings as she faced match points. “I was super emotional. I was just like, ‘oh, my gosh, no way it’s happening. Please just close this match’,” she recalled. This raw honesty about her struggles reveals the pressure she faces at this elite level and her desire to prove herself capable of overcoming adversity.
With the final fast approaching, Aryna Sabalenka is not just playing for a title; she is on a quest for redemption, armed with hard-earned lessons and a burning ambition to showcase her true potential. The stage is set for a thrilling showdown against Anisimova, and fans around the world are bracing for what promises to be an unforgettable clash at the US Open.
