Aryna Sabalenka unleashed a ferocious display of power tennis on the famed courts of Flushing Meadows, dismantling American talent Amanda Anisimova in a brutally efficient third-round clash. The Belarusian powerhouse needed a mere 70 minutes to secure a commanding 6-3, 6-2 victory, sending a thunderous warning to her rivals.
The second seed was in devastating form from the outset, her thunderous groundstrokes and relentless pressure proving far too much for the 22-year-old Anisimova to handle. Sabalenka's aggressive returning and formidable serve created an insurmountable gap in class.
Relentless Aggression From The Baseline
Sabalenka's game plan was executed with clinical precision. She struck an impressive 21 winners past her opponent, dominating the baseline exchanges with her characteristically powerful forehand. Her serve, a weapon that has consistently improved throughout the season, was firing on all cylinders, helping her navigate out of the few challenging moments she faced.
Anisimova, a former semi-finalist at the French Open, struggled to find any rhythm or answer to the barrage of power coming from the opposite side of the net. The American's attempts to counter-punch were often met with even more forceful replies, as Sabalenka controlled the centre of the court and dictated the pace of every rally.
A Statement of Intent in New York
This dominant performance solidifies Sabalenka's status as one of the firm favourites for the title. Having already captured her first Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open earlier this year and reaching the semi-finals at both the French Open and Wimbledon, the Belarusian is in the form of her life.
This victory marks another confident step towards a potential second major trophy and reinforces her position at the top of the women's game. The comprehensive nature of the win demonstrates her focus and ability to handle the pressure of being one of the tournament's top seeds.
Sabalenka now awaits the winner of the match between Russia's Daria Kasatkina and Greet Minnen of Belgium. Based on this scintillating form, she will be a formidable opponent for anyone left in the draw.
