A key, and often overlooked, element of Aryna Sabalenka’s 6-3, 7-6 (3) US Open final victory was her relentless and effective attack on Amanda Anisimova’s second serve. This tactical masterstroke consistently put the American under pressure and was a cornerstone of the champion’s win.
From the very first return game, Sabalenka stepped in and took aggressive cuts at any second serve she saw. This didn’t always result in a clean winner, but it immediately put Anisimova on the back foot, preventing her from starting the point on neutral terms. The pressure forced Anisimova to either go for too much on her second serve, risking double faults, or to play it safe, offering up a sitter for Sabalenka to attack.
This strategy was particularly effective in the first set, where Sabalenka secured the crucial break of serve. Throughout the match, Anisimova was unable to find a comfortable rhythm in her service games, knowing that any missed first serve would be met with a ferocious return.
By targeting this specific weakness, Sabalenka showcased her tactical acumen. It wasn’t just about mindless power; it was about applying that power to the most vulnerable part of her opponent’s game, a strategy that paid championship dividends.