NEW YORK -- After two disappointing finishes in major finals this year, and an equally devastating loss to Amanda Anisimova in the Wimbledon semifinals, world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka arrived here last month eager to defend her US Open crown and end her Grand Slam season with a title.

On Saturday, again facing the American Anisimova, in front of 24,000 loud fans under the roof on Arthur Ashe Stadium, Sabalenka silenced the crowd, the naysayers and her self-doubt with a 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory in 94 minutes.

In a battle between two of the hardest hitters on tour, Sabalenka looked well on her way to victory in the second set before nerves appeared to creep in and Anisimova raised her level with her back against the wall.

Sabalenka, of Belarus, was twice up a break in that set and was servin

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