Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus poses with the trophy during the awarding ceremony for the women's singles event of the 2025 US Open tennis championships in New York, the United States, Sept. 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

WASHINGTON, Sept. 6 (Xinhua) -- World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defended her US Open women's singles title after triumphing 6-3, 7-6 (3) over host player Amanda Anisimova in the final on Saturday.

It was also the fourth Grand Slam trophy for Sabalenka in the singles event. The 27-year-old became the first woman to successfully defend the US Open since Serena Williams claimed three straight from 2012 to 2014.

After her first set win, Sabalenka felt pressure from Anisimova in the second set, which was dragged into a tie-breaker. After her final losses at this year's Australian Open and French Open, Sabalenka held firm this time to eventually prevail.

"I think because of the finals earlier this season, this one felt different. I had to overcome a lot of things to get this one. I knew that with the hard work we put in, I deserved to have a Grand Slam title this season," Sabalenka said after the match.

"I'm able to handle my emotions, because I have a better understanding of who I am. I'm super proud right now of myself," she added.

Anisimova reached the final at this year's Wimbledon and US Open, but fell short both times, with 29 unforced errors on Saturday making it hard for her to come back.

"I just felt like throughout the match I wasn't playing my best tennis. I feel like with finals I have a lot of nerves, and it's something I'm trying to work on, but I just wish I played more aggressive," 24-year-old Anisimova reflected. "I didn't win today, so of course I didn't do enough. That's just the reality, and I have to accept that."

Earlier in the day, fifth seeds Marcel Granollers of Spain and Argentina's Horacio Zeballos defeated British duo Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski 3-6, 7-6 (4), 7-5 to clinch the men's doubles title. ■