Anisimova Upsets Osaka, Faces Sabalenka in US Open Final Showdown

World number one Aryna Sabalenka will face Amanda Anisimova in the US Open final after defeating their respective opponents in the semifinals.Sabalenka defeated Pegula 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 in a rematch of last year's final. She aims to be the first player to successfully defend the title in New York since Serena Williams in 2014.The 27-year-old Belarusian has reached her third consecutive US Open final."It was a really tough match -- she (Pegula) played incredible tennis as always and I had to work really hard to get this win," said Sabalenka.Go Beyond The Boundary with our YouTube channel. SUBSCRIBE NOW!
"Just super happy to be back in the final and hopefully I can go all the way again."Sabalenka has reached the final in four of the last five Grand Slams but hasn't added to her three major titles since winning the 2024 US Open. She finished second at both the Australian Open and Roland Garros this year."I badly wanted to give myself another opportunity, another final, and I want to prove to myself that I learned those tough lessons and I can do better in the finals," added Sabalenka.The match began with Sabalenka taking a 4-2 lead in the first set after breaking Pegula's serve. However, Pegula quickly recovered, winning four straight games to claim the first set 6-4.Sabalenka responded strongly in the second set, winning the first three games and eventually forcing a deciding third set.In the final set, Sabalenka secured an early break and maintained her advantage. She saved multiple break points throughout the set and sealed victory with a forehand winner on her third match point."It was too good from her today at some points," said Pegula.Sabalenka will now face Anisimova in a rematch of their Wimbledon semifinal.Anisimova, seeded eighth, reached her second consecutive major final by defeating Osaka 6-7 (4/7), 7-6 (7/3), 6-3 in a late-night match."I wasn't sure I would make it past the finish line. I tried to dig deep. It was a huge fight out there," said Anisimova."It means the world. I'm trying to process that right now, it's a dream come true. The hope is to be the champion but I'm in the final now and I'm excited."Osaka, seeded 23rd, was experiencing her best Grand Slam performance since winning the 2021 Australian Open. She won the first set via tiebreak, maintaining her impressive 26-1 record in major matches after winning the opening set.The second set saw four service breaks in the first six games. Anisimova broke Osaka's serve to lead 5-4 but immediately lost her own service game.Anisimova dominated the second set tiebreak to level the match. She maintained her momentum in the final set, breaking Osaka's serve for a 3-1 lead.Anisimova moved to a 5-2 lead with strong service games. The final game was dramatic, with Anisimova converting her third match point after saving two break points from Osaka.