Sudden downpour
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Ticket-toting fans ducked a sudden downpour at Flushing Meadows that forced organisers to close the retractable roof at the stadium, where the usual array of A-listers packed the stands.
The rain slowed down as the players warmed up and Sabalenka unleashed a perfect storm of tenacious tennis on her opponent.
Sabalenka, 27, had ice in her veins as she saved three break points in a nervy first game before Anisimova handed over the early break when she sent a shot past the baseline in the second.
Anisimova hit her stride when she won a 12-shot rally with a forehand winner out of Sabalenka’s reach to break back in the third game, and she went up a break as Sabalenka hit one beyond the baseline in the fifth.
The tiger-tattooed Belarusian prowled along the baseline in frustration, drowning out the fans who were squarely in her opponent’s favour as she faced an American in the final for a third straight year.
World no.1 Aryna Sabalenka.Credit: Getty Images
Sabalenka pounced on her chance to get the momentum back, breaking Anisimova to love in the sixth and converting on another break point from the baseline in the eighth.
She closed out the first set with an unreturnable serve and sent a backhand whizzing past the American to convert on a break point in the third game of the second set.
Anisimova battles
Anisimova refused to give up as she levelled it in the sixth game with a backhand winner of her own, whipping the fans into a frenzy, but the American party ended abruptly as their home hope sent the ball into the net on break point in the seventh.
Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova embrace at the net after the match.Credit: Getty Images
Anisimova stayed in it as Sabalenka helped her break back with a flubbed smash in the 10th game but buckled to the Belarusian’s power in the tiebreak, where Sabalenka sprinted through to triumph.
Sabalenka claimed her 100th grand slam match win with the victory and slapped her trainer’s bald head in what has now become a traditional celebration for the two-time Australian Open winner before offering her opponent heartfelt praise.
“I know it hurts but, girl, when you win your first one – and you are going to win it – you will realise that all the tough lessons are worth it,” Sabalenka said in comforting her opponent.
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Anisimova will move up to fourth in the rankings with her US Open run, as she continues a fine comeback since taking an eight-month break to prioritise her mental health, returning to the court in 2024.
“Aryna, you are so incredible,” said the American. “I know I have to face you all the time, I’m in awe of what you have accomplished.”
Reuters
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