Anisimova and Sabalenka Battle for US Open Women’s Title
American tennis player Amanda Anisimova will face defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the women’s final of the US Open on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET. This marks Anisimova’s second consecutive major final, following her recent appearance at Wimbledon, where she upset Sabalenka. As the No. 1 seed, Sabalenka has displayed impressive form throughout the tournament, having dropped only one set.
Both players have unique strategies that could determine the outcome of this high-stakes match. Anisimova, who has a solid track record against Sabalenka, with six wins in their nine encounters, must focus on a few key elements to secure her first major title.
Keys to Anisimova’s Victory
To defeat Sabalenka, Anisimova needs to prioritize her recovery after a demanding semifinal match against Naomi Osaka, which ended in the early hours of Friday morning. In contrast, Sabalenka had a four-day break before her semifinal due to Marketa Vondrousova‘s withdrawal. This disparity in rest may impact Anisimova’s performance, but her experience in high-pressure matches can be a significant advantage.
According to tennis analyst D’Arcy Maine, Anisimova must harness her powerful hitting and aggressive play style while also capitalizing on her serve to gain free points. Engaging the crowd, which will likely support her given her American roots, can further boost her confidence.
Another expert, Bill Connelly, emphasizes the importance of Anisimova’s ability to win extended rallies. She excelled in such scenarios during their Wimbledon match, winning 12 out of 18 points in rallies of seven or more shots. By maintaining her aggressive approach and capitalizing on any openings, Anisimova can position herself for victory.
Strategies for Sabalenka
For Sabalenka, the path to victory lies in overcoming the emotional fallout from her previous loss to Anisimova at Wimbledon. She has openly expressed that the defeat affected her significantly but has since taken time to reset and refocus. During her recent press engagements, Sabalenka acknowledged the need to improve her decision-making to avoid unforced errors that plagued her last encounter with Anisimova.
Maine suggests that Sabalenka’s success will rely heavily on her serve. Historically, she has achieved much higher success rates on first and second serves in her wins against Anisimova. Maintaining a high first-serve percentage and minimizing double faults will be crucial as she seeks to control the pace of the match.
Cambers notes that despite her impressive results this year, including reaching three major finals, Sabalenka’s serve has been less reliable than earlier in the season. She will need to channel her experience and adapt to the pressure from an enthusiastic crowd, as Anisimova is likely to receive overwhelming support.
Predictions and Insights
The match presents a compelling narrative with both players having strong arguments for victory. Tennis commentator Pam Shriver finds it challenging to predict the outcome, citing Anisimova’s recent performances and the physical toll of her semifinal match. Should Anisimova recover well and harness the momentum from her previous victories, she could emerge victorious, becoming the third American woman to win a major title this year.
Conversely, Maine believes that Sabalenka’s experience and status as the defending champion give her the upper hand. While she has demonstrated vulnerability this year, the stakes are high for her to secure a title.
Analyst Connelly points out that the match could swing either way, with Anisimova’s resilience playing a significant role. If she can maintain her performance level, it could lead to a thrilling showdown. Ultimately, whether it is Sabalenka securing a repeat victory or Anisimova achieving a remarkable comeback, the US Open women’s final promises to be an exhilarating event for tennis fans everywhere.
