Special Edition: Who will be NY’s new it girl?

The GIST: When Sabalenka’s on, she’s nearly unstoppable, armed with a killer serve and wicked forehand. It’s no wonder she’s competing in her third Grand Slam final of the season.

• That said, the three-time major winner hasn’t hoisted a Grand Slam trophy in 2025, losing to No. 6 Madison Keys (Australian Open final), No. 3 Coco Gauff (French Open final), and Anisimova (Wimbledon semis) this year. So close, yet so far.

👑 Sabalenka’s quest to defend her crown: No woman has won consecutive US Opens since Serena Williams claimed three straight from 2012 to 2014. Now, Sabalenka has a prime shot at accomplishing the feat as she competes in her third straight final at Arthur Ashe Stadium.

• Sabalenka wows on the hard court — she plays aggressive, offense-driven tennis, a style complemented by the speed of the surface. Not to mention, she exudes aura, the type of player US Open fans love…unless she’s up against an American.

🏆 Why Sabalenka will win: The 27-year-old is battle-tested this tourney, coming back from a set down to knock No. 4 Jess Pegula out in the semis. But her biggest X-factor might be motivation considering how close Sabalenka’s come to a Slam trophy this season. Tennis is a mental game, after all.

The GIST: It’s been a breakout year for Anisimova, who’s competing in her second straight (and second-ever) Grand Slam final today. Her powerful game is quite similar to Sabalenka’s, but the 24-year-old’s path to Arthur Ashe includes a notable break — one that possibly made all the difference.

🫂 Anisimova stepped away from tennis for eight months: In 2019, Anisimova reached the French Open semis, catapulting her into the spotlight at just 17 years old. That same year, tragedy struck when her father unexpectedly passed away just before the US Open.

• Fast forward to May 2023, Anisimova took an indefinite tennis break, citing burnout and mental health concerns. She returned eight months later and began a steady climb to become a world top 10 player after falling out of the top 400 in the rankings.

• A testament to Anisimova’s mental fortitude? Her recent US Open quarter-final win over No. 2 Iga Świątek, who beat her 6–0, 6–0 in the Wimbledon final just seven weeks earlier. And that’s on grit.

🏆 Why Anisimova will win: Anisimova is very familiar with Sabalenka’s game — the opponents have faced each other nine times in their careers, with the American winning six of those matches.

• While Sabalenka has more experience in Slam finals, Anisimova proved during Thursday’s come-from-behind semi win that she can regain her composure when it counts — something Sabalenka has notably struggled with in major finals this year.

Now all that’s left to do is toss on your athleisure and tune in. Catch Sabalenka vs. Anisimova in the US Open Women’s Final today at 4 p.m. ET on ESPN in the U.S. and on TSN in Canada. Serves all around.