Power-hitters out to conquer their frailties in summit clash

Sabalenka and Anisimova, who have both suffered final defeats in Slams this year, vie for US Open

- Rutvick Mehta

MUMBAI: Sandwiched between one high quality and one highly dramatic women’s singles semifinal was Venus Williams turning up at Arthur Ashe Stadium for Williams foundation program. Somewhat fittingly, both finalists entered into Williams’ territory at Williams’ den.

One became the first world No.1 to make three Grand Slam finals in the same year since Serena Williams in 2016. The other became the youngest woman to reach the Wimbledon and US Open finals in the same season since Serena and Venus in 2002.

Neither, though, has a Slam next to her name this year.

That's your 2025 US Open women finalists: Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova.

Apart from their Williams-matching deeds and one-step-to-glory defeats, they have something else in common. Both rallied from a set down to flip their Thursday night semifinal spectacle.

Sabalenka, the world No.1 and defending champion, withstood world No.4 Jessica Pegula ina 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 ina repeat of last year’s final.

Anisimova, the world No.9 and Wimbledon finalist, shrugged off a shaky start to find her big-hitting range just in time in a 6-7(4), 7-6(3), 6-3 encounter that at times lacked fluidity but not the drama.