World number two Aryna Sabalenka was pushed to the absolute limit by an inspired Amanda Anisimova before clinching a nerve-shredding victory in the US Open second round on Wednesday night.
The Belarusian star, a semi-finalist at Flushing Meadows last year, was forced to dig deep to overcome the American wildcard 6-3, 6-4, 7-6(5) in a match that stretched late into the New York evening. The contest served as a stark reminder of Anisimova's prodigious talent, marking her most significant performance since returning to the tour after a break for mental health reasons.
Anisimova's Resurgence Meets Sabalenka's Power
From the outset, it was clear this would be no routine outing for the second seed. Anisimova, once ranked as high as 21st in the world and a former French Open semi-finalist, unleashed the powerful groundstrokes that made her a teenage phenom. Her aggressive returning and flat, clean hitting immediately put Sabalenka on the back foot.
Sabalenka's famed power game eventually found its range, allowing her to seize the first two sets. However, the third set transformed into a nail-biting affair of the highest quality. Anisimova, feeding off the energy of the home crowd, broke Sabalenka's serve and surged to a 4-1 lead, threatening to force a decisive fourth set.
A Champion's Response
Facing a potential upset, Sabalenka demonstrated precisely why she is a Grand Slam champion. She elevated her game, clawing back the break with a combination of thunderous serves and blistering forehands. The set hurtled towards a tie-break, where Sabalenka's big-match experience proved crucial. She finally sealed the match on her fifth match point after a tense two hours and 37 minutes of play.
"I'm super happy that I was able to fight through this," a relieved Sabalenka stated in her post-match interview. "She's an incredible player and I'm just super happy with this win."
Looking Ahead: A Blockbuster Rematch Looms
With this stern test behind her, Sabalenka now advances to the third round where a blockbuster rematch awaits. She is slated to face fellow young gun Coco Gauff, whom she defeated in a thrilling quarter-final at this year's Wimbledon. The upcoming clash promises to be another electrifying chapter in their burgeoning rivalry, with both players in formidable form.
This hard-fought victory not only keeps Sabalenka on track for a deep run in New York but also signals the welcome return of Amanda Anisimova as a formidable force on the WTA Tour.
