Sabalenka Retains US Open Crown with Record $5 Million Prize Money
Aryna Sabalenka showcased her dominance in women’s tennis by successfully defending her US Open title against Amanda Anisimova, winning in straight sets 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) on Saturday. This victory marks Sabalenka’s fourth Grand Slam title and solidifies her position as the world No. 1.
The match took place at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, where Sabalenka ruthlessly attacked Anisimova’s shaky service game from the outset. The Belarusian’s aggressive play and tactical discipline allowed her to secure the first set 6-3. Anisimova put up a fight in the second set, breaking Sabalenka early to take a 3-0 lead. However, Sabalenka quickly broke back, and the set ultimately went to a tiebreak, which Sabalenka clinched 7-3.
This victory is particularly sweet for Sabalenka, who had faced disappointment earlier in the year by finishing as a runner-up at both the Australian Open and French Open. Additionally, she lost to Anisimova in the Wimbledon semifinals, making this win a form of redemption on the grand stage.
Sabalenka’s triumph came with a record-breaking prize of $5 million, the largest payout in women’s tennis history. This amount reflects a staggering 100% increase from the $2.5 million awarded to Emma Raducanu when she won the US Open just four years ago, illustrating the rapid rise in financial rewards in the sport.
Anisimova, despite the loss, received a substantial $2.5 million as the runner-up, which will significantly boost her career earnings. The match also awarded Sabalenka 2,000 ranking points, which restores her total after last year’s success and further cements her lead in the WTA Rankings. Anisimova will gain 1,300 points, elevating her to a career-high No. 4 in the world.
Tennis legend Martina Navratilova commented on the match, noting, “For a match that was 6-3, 7-6, there were a lot of momentum changes within the match. Sabalenka showed just what a champion she is, holding her nerve brilliantly in the tiebreaker.”
