'We’re going to drink!': Aryna Sabalenka banks $5m, stays World No.1 with US Open title defence

Aryna Sabalenka cemented her dominance at Flushing Meadows by defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6 in the 2025 US Open final, a win that not only gave her a second title in New York but also secured her position as world No. 1. The Belarusian star, often lauded for her raw power and fiery emotions, showed remarkable composure under pressure—something she admitted had eluded her in past finals.

Sabalenka has a lot to celebrate after winning her coveted 4th Grand Slam title. This year she came close in her three previous major appearances but still came up empty-handed. She lost in three-set battles at the Australian Open (against Madison Keys) and Roland Garros (against Coco Gauff), while at Wimbledon she was eliminated in the semifinals, also in three sets, against Amanda Anisimova.

This time, Sabalenka won her first major of the season and the 4th of her career, all on hardcourts. In addition, she took home the largest prize in Grand Slam history: $5 million, a $1.4 million increase from the check she received as champion in 2024.

“After those two finals where I completely lost control over my emotions, I didn’t want that to happen again,” Sabalenka explained in an interview with ESPN after the match. “There were a few moments where I was this close to letting it go, but I told myself, ‘Come on, no, you cannot do that. Stay focused and keep going.’” That resolve proved crucial as Anisimova pushed her hard, especially in a tense second-set tiebreak where Sabalenka extended her unbeaten run in breakers this year to a staggering 19–0.

The champion also highlighted the importance of her evolving connection with the New York crowd. Known for wearing her emotions on her sleeve, Sabalenka was moved by the support she felt from the stands. “I’m just super happy that I was able to build this connection with you guys throughout the years and feel the support here,” she said. “It’s an incredible feeling.” That mutual bond with the fans is fast becoming one of the cornerstones of her New York success.

Yet beyond the emotions, there was clear tactical maturity on display. The 4-time major champion revealed that one of her priorities was neutralising Anisimova’s firepower and refusing to fall into the trap of overplaying. “The key was just to go for my shots,” she explained. “In our last match she played really aggressive and I was stopping my arms, giving her so much time to attack. Today, whatever speed she gave me, I tried to give it back and always push her on the back foot.”

Tactical adjustments and mental breakthroughs

Sabalenka’s ability to execute her game plan while keeping her emotions in check underscored her growth as a player. Even her handling of the nerve-racking second-set tiebreak reflected a new level of maturity. “Before the tiebreak I thought, ‘At some point you’re going to lose one. Is it this time?’” she admitted. “I had to switch my focus, bring myself back on court, and fight. My mentality is just to put as much pressure as I can on the opponent—make her handle the pressure, not me.”

Team spirit and trust

The world No. 1 was also keen to credit her team for her success. Sabalenka spoke warmly of coach Max Mirnyi, whom she described as “the beast,” and praised the long-term bond she has built with her support staff. “We’ve been together for so long and they really mean a lot to me. Without them, I wouldn’t be able to achieve so much,” she said. Trust, she admitted, doesn’t come easily: “I’m an open person, but at the same time I’m very private, so it’s tough for me to bring in someone new.”

Celebrations and world No. 1 status

And how does the champion plan to celebrate? Sabalenka laughed, “Oh, girl, we’re going to drink!” The remark drew cheers from the crowd, who have embraced her fun-loving, candid personality as much as her powerful tennis. “I worked hard, and now it’s time to celebrate, absorb it, let it sink in, and just enjoy the moment,” she said.

With the victory, Sabalenka not only captured her second US Open title but also ensured she remains firmly at the top of the world rankings. “Right now I’m kind of frozen by this trophy, so I can’t even think about keeping my position as world No. 1 or everything I’ve achieved,” she admitted. “I’m speechless.”

For now, though, speechless or not, Sabalenka’s message to New York was loud and clear: the queen of composure has finally arrived.