Mike Frey-Imagn Images

Aryna Sabalenka Could Make Unfortunate History During US Open Final

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Sep 6, 2025 11:50 AM ET

For the third year in a row, Aryna Sabalenka is back in the US Open final. It's something tennis fans haven't seen since Serena Williams accomplished this feat from 2012-2014.

After suffering a crushing loss to Coco Gauff in the 2023 US Open final, Sabalenka bounced back with a straight sets win over Jessica Pegula in 2024. Standing in her way this time around is Amanda Anisimova, who defeated her in the Wimbledon semifinals back in July.

"She was the better player," Sabalenka said after the loss. "Losing sucks, you know? You always feel like ... you don't want to exist anymore."

Sabalenka bounced back from her tough exit at Wimbledon with a strong run on the hard court in New York. However, it'll all be for nothing if she can't successfully defend her title against Anisimova.

Sep 4, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus in action against Jessica Pegula of the United States in the semifinal of the women’s singles at the US Open at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images

On the wrong side of history.

If Sabalenka fails to win the US Open final this Saturday, she'll tie the record for the most Grand Slam wins in a year without a title. Venus Williams and Kim Clijsters share that record with 22 wins in 2002 and 2003, respectively.

Sabalenka, however, has the best results of the bunch. She has made three Grand Slam finals and a semifinal. Williams, on the other hand, made three Grand Slam finals and a quarterfinal.

A loss to Anisimova this afternoon would essentially make Sabalenka's season the greatest titleless campaign of all time. That's not something you want on your résumé.

We'll see if Sabalenka can exorcise the demons and capture the fourth Grand Slam title of her career.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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