American tennis player Amanda Anisimova is set to compete against defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the US Open on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET. This marks Anisimova’s second consecutive appearance in a Grand Slam final. The stakes are high as she looks to upset Sabalenka, who has dominated the tournament, dropping only one set. Anisimova previously defeated Sabalenka at Wimbledon in July, adding an intriguing layer to this highly anticipated showdown.
Road to the Final
Anisimova’s journey to the final has been nothing short of remarkable. After a quick turnaround between her quarterfinal victory over Iga Swiatek on Wednesday and her semifinal match against Naomi Osaka on Thursday, Anisimova needed nearly three hours to secure a win against Osaka in the early hours of Friday. While this extended match might take a toll on her stamina, it also signifies her resilience and determination.
In contrast, Sabalenka enjoyed a significant advantage with four days of rest before her semifinal, following Marketa Vondrousova‘s withdrawal due to injury. This difference in preparation could play a pivotal role in the final, as Anisimova needs to recover quickly to compete at her best.
Strategies for Success
Experts have weighed in on what Anisimova must do to defeat Sabalenka. According to D’Arcy Maine, Anisimova needs to harness her powerful hitting and trademark aggression while capitalizing on crowd support. She has previously proven capable of taking down the world No. 1, having won six out of their nine career matches. Anisimova’s ability to win longer rallies will be crucial; in their last match at Wimbledon, she secured 12 of 18 points from rallies of seven or more shots. This strategic approach, coupled with a strong serve, could propel her to her first major title.
Bill Connelly emphasizes the need for Anisimova to maintain her aggressive mindset. He notes that she successfully forced errors from Sabalenka in previous matches by being proactive rather than waiting for mistakes. If she continues to apply pressure and play confidently, she has a strong chance of winning.
On the other side of the court, Sabalenka is determined to learn from her past mistakes. She admitted that her loss at Wimbledon was a crushing blow but has taken the time to reset. Sabalenka acknowledged her need to trust her decision-making during matches and avoid unforced errors. “I gave her a lot of opportunities, and of course, she played incredible tennis,” she said, reflecting on their Wimbledon encounter. “I feel like the key for me is going to be just go out there, of course, like, obviously fight, but trust my decisions and go after my shots.”
Pressure and Experience
Sabalenka, a seasoned competitor, has reached three major finals this season but is still seeking her first title of the year. The pressure of this expectation can be daunting, especially against a home crowd supporting Anisimova. Connelly points out that Sabalenka’s serving performance has fluctuated, particularly in her losses. To secure victory, she must improve her serving percentages and minimize double faults, which have plagued her in recent matches.
Simon Cambers adds that while Sabalenka has consistently reached the later stages of Grand Slams, she may not be performing at her peak compared to earlier in the year. He emphasizes the importance of a strong serve to set up shorter points against Anisimova, who has been known to capitalize on return opportunities.
The atmosphere at the US Open will undoubtedly favor Anisimova, who hails from New Jersey. The crowd’s energy could be a significant factor, providing her with the motivation to overcome any nerves she might face. As she aims for her first Grand Slam title, the pressure on Sabalenka as the defending champion may add to the intensity of the match.
A Compelling Final
As the final approaches, predictions are mixed. Pam Shriver notes that Anisimova could potentially be fatigued after her intense semifinal match, while others believe her recent performances have positioned her favorably against Sabalenka. Maine suggests that while Sabalenka has the experience and freshness on her side, Anisimova’s run feels destined for success.
Connelly and Cambers present contrasting views, with Connelly leaning towards Sabalenka’s proven track record and Cambers backing Anisimova’s confidence and crowd support. The final promises to be a captivating encounter, showcasing the talents of two remarkable athletes vying for the prestigious US Open title.
