Amanda Anisimova’s Unstoppable 3 Keys to US Open Glory

Destiny Awaits: Can Amanda Anisimova Topple a Champion?

(New York, NY) – Get ready for a blockbuster finale at Arthur Ashe Stadium. In a rematch of their epic Wimbledon clash, American sensation Amanda Anisimova is set to challenge the formidable defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka, for the US Open title this Saturday at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN.

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The stage is set for a dramatic conclusion. Anisimova, riding a wave of incredible momentum, stunned the world by defeating Sabalenka at Wimbledon in July. However, the top-seeded Sabalenka has been nearly flawless in her title defense, dropping just a single set en route to the final. It’s a classic showdown: the powerful, experienced champion versus the fearless, rising American star.

So, how can each player claim victory? Our experts break it down.

The Blueprint for an Anisimova Upset

The path to victory for the New Jersey-native is clear, but it requires overcoming immense physical and mental challenges.

1. Embrace the Recovery: First and foremost, Anisimova must recover. As ESPN’s D’Arcy Maine pointed out, her path has been grueling. After a demanding quarterfinal win over Iga Swiatek on Wednesday, she endured a nearly three-hour semifinal battle against Naomi Osaka that ended in the early hours of Friday morning. In contrast, Sabalenka enjoyed a four-day rest after a walkover. Sleep and recovery are not clichés; they are necessities.

2. Trust the Game Plan: Secondly, she must trust the aggressive, powerful style that has brought her success. Analyst Bill Connelly highlights a critical stat: Anisimova wins against Sabalenka by dominating long rallies. At Wimbledon, she won 12 of 18 points lasting seven shots or more, primarily through winners and forced errors. She doesn’t wait for mistakes; she creates them. Her breathtaking backhand and mental fortitude are her greatest weapons.

3. Harness the Home Crowd: Finally, she must use the energy of a partisan New York crowd firmly in her corner. As Simon Cambers noted, Anisimova plays with a “nothing to lose” freedom that makes her dangerous. After rebounding from a devastating loss in the Wimbledon final, her confidence is at an all-time high. She leads their head-to-head record 6-3 and knows she can win on the biggest stage.

The Defending Champion’s Path to Victory

For Sabalenka, this match is about redemption and executing her A-game under pressure.

1. Serve Aggressively: The key for Sabalenka lies in her serve. Bill Connelly’s analysis reveals a stark contrast: in her wins over Anisimova, she wins over 73% of her first-serve points. In her losses, that number plummets to around 60%. She must serve big, aim for a high first-serve percentage, and generate free points with aces to avoid long, draining rallies where Anisimova thrives.

2. Trust Her Shots: Sabalenka has been introspective about her Wimbledon loss, admitting she second-guessed her decisions, leading to unforced errors. Her vow for the final? “Trust my decisions and go after my shots.” She must play her powerful, first-strike tennis without hesitation.

3. Use Her Experience: While the crowd will be against her, Sabalenka is a battle-tested champion. This is her third major final this year. She must use that experience to block out the noise, handle the pressure of expectation as the defending champion, and channel her hunger for a first Slam title of 2024.

Expert Predictions: A Split Decision

The predictions are divided, underscoring the match’s unpredictability.

• Pam Shriver finds it challenging, noting Anisimova’s potential fatigue but also her “feeling of destiny.” She believes if Anisimova recovers, she will win.
• D’Arcy Maine leans into the narrative, picking Anisimova in three sets, citing a “destiny”-like run.
• Bill Connelly pragmatically picks Sabalenka in straight sets, arguing her consistency throughout the year must eventually yield a major title.
• Simon Cambers sides with the American, listing four factors: pressure on Sabalenka, the crowd, the head-to-head advantage, and Anisimova’s incredible mental rebound from Wimbledon.

One thing is certain: the US Open women’s final promises high drama, ferocious hitting, and a storybook ending—whether for the reigning champion or a hometown hero completing an unforgettable comeback.