Aryna Sabalenka makes confident prediction about Amanda Anisimova after beating her in the US Open final

Follow us on Google Discover

Aryna Sabalenka was looking to right the wrongs of Melbourne and Paris as she contested her third Grand Slam final of the season.

After losing in the final of the Australian Open to Madison Keys and the final of the French Open to Coco Gauff, Sabalenka took on another American, Amanda Anisimova, in the US Open final.

In a cagey first set, the pair exchanged breaks before Sabalenka took the lead, 6-3, with her opponent spraying unforced errors.

Breaking early in the second, it looked like the Belarusian was set to defend her title before Anisimova provided a late fightback, forcing a tiebreak.

Unfortunately for the 24-year-old, it wasn’t quite enough, as Anisimova lost to Sabalenka, 3-6, 6-7, in the US Open final.

With Anisimova understandably devastated with the result, Sabalenka provided her with a comforting prediction during the post-match ceremonies.

Aryna Sabalenka tells Amanda Anisimova she will win a Grand Slam in the future

An overjoyed Sabalenka took the time to share her appreciation for Anisimova’s efforts during her speech.

“It was crazy. All those tough lessons are worth this one. I am speechless right now,” she said.

“First of all, I want to say congrats, Amanda [Anisimova], on reaching back-to-back finals on the Slams.

• 2025 Wimbledon F – Amanda Anisimova lost to Iga Swiatek
• 2025 US Open F – Amanda Anisimova lost to Aryna Sabalenka

“I know how much it hurts losing in the final, but trust me, the moment you are going to win your first one – and you are going to win it – you are playing incredible tennis.

“Congrats to you and your team on the things you have been able to achieve since your comeback.

“And, girl, you are going to enjoy it even more after this tough loss in the finals.”

Anisimova took a break from tennis back in 2023, citing concerns over her mental health.

Returning in 2024, it didn’t take long for the American to regain competitiveness, winning a WTA 1000 title in Qatar earlier this year, before reaching two Grand Slam finals.

Thanks to her efforts over the past few months, Anisimova will debut at a new career-high ranking on Monday.

She’ll be delighted with her new ranking, but bitterly disappointed not to have won the title in front of her home crowd.

Anisimova had the fans willing her on throughout the final, but they were respectful throughout, much to the appreciation of the world number one.

Aryna Sabalenka gives her verdict on the US Open crowd

Always quick to thank the crowd, the Belarusian had plenty to say about the fans on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

“I love it. I love the support,” said Sabalenka.

“I feel like throughout the years we built a relationship, and you guys give me so much support.

“My first year here, when I saw I had to play back-to-back against Americans, I was like, no way, guys. I was like I don’t want to play!

“And then coming back next year, I had to play back-to-back against Americans, but I felt a bit more support, and this year I felt even more support.

“So I am super excited to come back next year, and I hope you are all going to cheer for me! Thank you for bringing the best atmosphere.”

As Sabalenka mentioned, she’s played her fair share of Americans at the US Open over the years.

Holding a 9-1 record against Americans in New York, Sabalenka has proven she knows how to beat those playing on home soil.

Only time will tell if she will meet any Americans at the 2026 US Open, when she looks to win her third consecutive title.