The big change Aryna Sabalenka made in the US Open final after her defeat to Coco Gauff in Paris has been identified

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Aryna Sabalenka is now a four-time Grand Slam champion after successfully defending her US Open title against Amanda Anisimova in the final.

Sabalenka defeated Anisimova in straight sets, winning 6-3, 7-6 to go back-to-back at Flushing Meadows, becoming the first woman to do so since Serena Williams in 2014.

After finishing as the runner-up at both the Australian Open and Roland Garros, the Belarusian has finally claimed a major title in 2025.

The 27-year-old delivered a remarkable performance against the American, which former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli said was incredibly different to her showing in the French Open final.

Marion Bartoli reacts to Aryna Sabalenka winning the US Open

Speaking on Sky Sports, Bartoli said: “Sabalenka was able to get a better tactic. She took a step back, waiting for that power. Not trying to overpower Anisimova but actually playing safer.

“She was the one who committed far fewer unforced errors, she committed only 14 for the whole match. Bear in mind, in the final at Roland Garros, she was over 70 against Coco Gauff.

“She learned from her mistake and absolutely deserved the title. But as a sports person, it’s always sad to see someone being so upset when they lose.

“But Sabalenka, the way she was able to pull it back after missing that overhead at 30-30, she couldn’t believe she was not up match point, and had to regroup and get the win in the tiebreak. Absolutely outstanding from her.”

Aryna Sabalenka becomes the third woman to achieve Open Era feat

Sabalenka‘s four Grand Slam titles have all come at either the Australian Open or the US Open, having won each of her crowns in the last three years.

She is now the third player in the Open Era to win her first four major championships on hard-court, following Naomi Osaka and Kim Clijsters.

The world number one picked up her first two in Melbourne, winning in 2023 and 2024, before her victories in New York.

She will now look to secure triumphs at Roland Garros and Wimbledon in order to complete the career Grand Slam.