US Open Women’s Final Preview: Anisimova vs. Sabalenka

Saturday, 4 PM Arthur Ashe Stadium

Two of the tour’s hardest hitters and hottest players will collide for the US Open title on Saturday night in Arthur Ashe Stadium, as Amanda Anisimova and Aryna Sabalenka renew their rivalry in a rematch of this year’s tense, dramatic Wimbledon semifinal. Anisimova triumphed that day in three sets, and she holds a 6-3 lifetime edge over the top seed.

Sabalenka, the reigning champion, is bidding to become the first woman to defend the US Open title since Serena Williams in 2016. Already a three-time major winner, she owns a 3-3 record in Grand Slam finals but has lost both of her title matches in 2025. Despite holding the WTA’s No.1 ranking all season and leading the tour with 55 victories, she is still searching for her first Slam of the year.

“It’s going to feel amazing, you know,” Sabalenka said. “I’m super excited to give myself another opportunity, another final. If I’ll be able to hold that trophy, it’s going to mean a lot for me.”

For Anisimova, Saturday’s final represents a shot at redemption. The American reached her maiden Grand Slam final at Wimbledon in July, where she was promptly double-bageled by Iga Swiatek. But she has rebounded brilliantly in New York, taking out Swiatek in the quarterfinals before defeating Naomi Osaka in a thrilling three-set semifinal.

“At Wimbledon, every single match was kind of like a surprise to me. … But here it feels more I believe in myself, and I’m able to do it,” Anisimova said.

By the Numbers

Sabalenka’s Slam run: Winner of the 2024 US Open and 2023/2024 Australian Opens, she owns a 3-3 record in Grand Slam finals. She is the first woman to reach three major finals in a single season since 2016 (Serena Williams, Angelique Kerber).

Consistency is Key: Sabalenka has now reached six consecutive Grand Slam finals on hard court, joining legends Steffi Graf and Martina Hingis.

Milestone watch: Sabalenka is seeking her 50th career Top 10 win today, after picking up No.49 in the semifinals against Jessica Pegula.

Tour dominance: She leads the Hologic WTA Tour in 2025 with 55 match wins.

Anisimova’s breakthrough: After her first Slam final at Wimbledon this summer, she’s into her second straight major final. Before 2025, her best US Open run was just the third round in 2020.

Historic opportunity: Anisimova could become the second American this year to defeat both the No.1 and No.2 players en route to a maiden Slam (Keys did it at the 2025 Australian Open).

American streak: This is the third straight US Open women’s final to feature an American (Gauff 2023, Pegula 2024) and the fifth consecutive major final overall (Keys AO 2025, Gauff RG 2025, Anisimova Wimbledon 2025).