US Open women: World number 1 defeats Amanda Anisimova to retain crown

World number one Aryna Sabalenka overpowered Amanda Anisimova to defend her US Open crown on Saturday, making her the first woman to win the tournament in consecutive years since Serena Williams more than a decade ago.

The No. 1-ranked Sabalenka picked up the fourth Grand Slam title of her career, all on hard courts. Sabalenka clinched the win after once again demonstrating her incredible prowess in tiebreaks -- winning her 19th consecutive breaker 7/3 to complete victory in one hour and 34 minutes.

Sabalenka ruthlessly attacked Anisimova's shaky service game to complete a 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) victory on the Arthur Ashe Stadium which cements her status at the pinnacle of women's tennis.

"It's crazy, all those tough lessons were worth it for this one," said Sabalenka afterwards. "I'm speechless right now."

Anisimova had dominated their rivalry, winning six of their previous nine meetings, including a memorable semi-final triumph at Wimbledon.

This time, however, Sabalenka drew on her experience from six past Grand Slam finals, showing composure and power to end Anisimova’s bid for a maiden major crown.

"Losing in two finals in a row is great but it's also super hard," Anisimova said. "I think I didn't fight hard enough for my dreams today."

Tie-break drama
Anisimova meanwhile was left ruing her inability to make the most of break points at key moments, in sharp contrast to Sabalenka who converted five of her six break point chances.

That imbalance was on display early in the first set, when Anisimova failed to convert three break points openings as Sabalenka took a 2-0 lead.

Yet Anisimova hit back in the third game, lasering a backhand winner into the corner to earn break point before unfurling a rasping forehand winner to break back before holding for 2-2.

With the momentum behind her and her groundstrokes forcing Sabalenka around the court, Anisimova then broke again for a 3-2 lead.

But that was the catalyst for Sabalenka to raise her game and she broke to love before holding to edge back in front.

Anisimova's faltering serve again betrayed her in the eighth game, the eighth seed double-faulting twice in quick succession to hand Sabalenka two break points at 15-40.

Sabalenka needed no further encouragement and she duly converted before holding to take the first set.

Sabalenka punished another wayward service game from Anisimova early in the second set and looked in complete control at 3-1.

Yet Anisimova wasn't quite finished, and she held confidently before breaking back to love to level it at 3-3.

The fightback was shortlived however, and when Anisimova thumped a wide open forehand long to gift Sabalenka a 15-40 lead, the Belarusian once again seized her chance for a break.

Sabalenka held for 5-3 and was soon serving for the match at 5-4. Yet she allowed Anisimova off the hook after ploughing a wide open smash into the net.

Instead of giving her match point, Anisimova had break point which she took to give her a lifeline.

But in the tiebreak Sabalenka reasserted her control and she sprinted into a 6-1 lead before closing out victory.