Two Powerhouses, Two Very Different Roads to US Open Final
The 2025 US Open women’s final brings together two headline acts with unfinished business—World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, the defending champion, and Amanda Anisimova, the American comeback queen.
Sabalenka returns to Arthur Ashe Stadium with a point to prove. Despite reaching all three Grand Slam finals this year, she’s come away empty-handed, falling to Madison Keys in Melbourne and Coco Gauff in Paris. She’s chasing her 21st career title—and her second straight US Open crown.
Her route to the final was bumpy early, needing tiebreaks to fend off Polina Kudermetova and Leylah Fernandez. But she found her groove, brushing aside Cristina Bucsa and capitalizing on an injury-hit Marketa Vondrousova. Then came her biggest test—Jessica Pegula. The American led by a set before Sabalenka powered back 4-6, 6-3, 6-4.
On the other side of the net stands Amanda Anisimova, who has delivered one of the season’s most stirring stories. After stepping away from the sport in 2023 to prioritize mental health, the 24-year-old re-emerged in 2024 refreshed—and more dangerous than ever.
She’s already reached finals in Wimbledon and Doha this season and now has her chance at Grand Slam redemption on home soil. Her campaign in New York has been nothing short of heroic—battling through Maya Joint, Jacqueline Cristian, and Beatriz Haddad Maia before taking out two in-form former No.1s: Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka.
Anisimova Leads Their Rivalry—But Sabalenka Is Still the One to Beat
Anisimova owns a 6-3 head-to-head lead over Sabalenka, including wins at Wimbledon and Toronto in the past 14 months. Her crisp backhand and counterpunching style have long troubled the Belarusian’s explosive game. In fact, she won their first four meetings in a row—a rare feat against a dominant No.1.
Sabalenka has clawed back some ground, taking three of their last five clashes, including straight-set wins in Melbourne and Paris earlier this year. But Anisimova’s recent victory at Wimbledon—denying Sabalenka a maiden final —adds spice to their New York showdown.
Despite the rankings and momentum, this final is finely poised. Sabalenka brings more big-match experience. Anisimova has the mental freedom of someone who’s already exceeded expectations. And in a year where the women’s game has rarely been more competitive, either player could script the perfect ending.
Our prediction: WIN Anisimova.
Saturday Showdown Set to Deliver Fireworks Under the Lights
The 2025 US Open final takes place Saturday, September 6 at 4:00 PM local time on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Sabalenka is aiming to become the first back-to-back women’s champion in New York since Serena Williams. Anisimova, meanwhile, has a chance to join the elite club of American women who’ve won the US Open in the last decade—and to fully complete one of the greatest comebacks in recent memory.
With both players in peak form and plenty of history between them, fans can expect a high-octane battle filled with blistering rallies, emotion, and Grand Slam stakes at their highest.