Tennis Tournament Finale: Amanda Anisimova set to square off against Aryna Sabalenka
Sabalenka and Anisimova Set for US Open Final Showdown
Reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka will face Amanda Anisimova in the final of the 2023 US Open. The match promises to be an exciting encounter, as both players have shown impressive form throughout the tournament.
Sabalenka, who has made it to her third successive US Open final, started her journey with a victory over Jessica Pegula in the semifinals. The Belarusian saved three break points and fought off another in the eighth game to close in on victory, eventually winning the match in three sets (4-6, 6-3, 6-4).
Anisimova, on the other hand, reached her second consecutive major final by defeating Naomi Osaka. The American carried momentum into the third set and broke for a 3-1 cushion, eventually winning the match in three sets (6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3).
The final will be a rematch of their Wimbledon semi-final, where Sabalenka emerged victorious. Anisimova has expressed her excitement about being in the final and her hopes to become the champion.
Four breaks in six games in the second set betrayed the nerves on both sides. However, it was Sabalenka who eventually converted a third match point with a crunching forehand winner to win the match.
Aryna Sabalenka has not added to her haul of three majors since winning the 2024 US Open. She finished runner-up at the Australian Open and Roland Garros earlier this year. If she wins the US Open, she will seek to become the first player to successfully defend the title since Serena Williams in 2014.
The match stretched past midnight in New York, with both players putting up a fierce fight. Anisimova said she wasn't sure she would make it past the finish line and described the match as a huge fight.
Osaka, seeded 23rd, was enjoying her best Grand Slam run since winning her second Australian Open title in 2021. However, she lost the first set in a tie-break but had a 26-1 record at this level when doing so.
The final promises to be an exciting end to the US Open, with both players showcasing their skills and determination throughout the tournament. The winner will take home the coveted title and the $3.8 million prize money.
