“This One Felt Different”: Sabalenka Cherishes Hard-Fought US Open Win

For Aryna Sabalenka, her fourth Grand Slam title was not just another victory; it was a profound personal triumph that felt different from all the rest. After defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6 (3) to defend her US Open title, the champion revealed the deep emotional significance of this hard-fought win.
“I think because of the finals earlier this season, this one felt different,” Sabalenka explained. “This one felt like I had to overcome a lot of things to get this one.” The comment references her agonizing losses in the Australian Open and French Open finals, defeats that tested her resolve and forced her to re-evaluate her mental approach.
This victory was the culmination of that process of reflection and hard work. When faced with a late-match surge from Anisimova, Sabalenka did not crumble as she might have in the past. She drew on her painful experiences, using them as a source of strength to maintain her focus and close out the match with authority in the tiebreak.
The tears of joy and relief she shed after the final point told the story of a season’s journey from heartbreak to elation. This US Open trophy, earned through immense adversity, will likely be cherished as one of the most meaningful of her career.