Amanda Anisimova vs. Aryna Sabalenka: Major Final Showdown
Amanda Anisimova, the rising American tennis star, is set to contest her second consecutive major final against Aryna Sabalenka, the reigning champion, on Saturday at 4 p.m. ET, broadcasted live on ESPN. Anisimova previously triumphed over Sabalenka at Wimbledon just two months earlier, which adds an intriguing dynamic to their upcoming showdown, especially since Sabalenka has only encountered one set dropped during this tournament.
Insights from Analysts
Numerous analysts have shared their insights on what needs to happen for each player to claim victory.
D’Arcy Maine emphasizes the importance of rest for Anisimova after her recent demanding matches, particularly against Naomi Osaka and Iga Swiatek, in a quick succession of games. She acknowledges that Sabalenka has enjoyed a more leisurely preparation, having had several days off due to her opponent’s injury withdrawal, potentially giving the No. 1 seed an edge in terms of recovery.
Nonetheless, Anisimova has managed to defeat the world No. 1 player in six of their nine encounters, indicating her combativeness and ability to step up in crucial moments. Armed with her aggressive playstyle, mental fortitude, and a supportive crowd behind her, Anisimova aims for her first Grand Slam title.
Bill Connelly notes that Anisimova’s strategy hinges on winning extended rallies. In their prior matches, she has successfully claimed the majority of points that featured seven or more shots, creating winners and pressured errors from Sabalenka, showcasing her resolve and patience in trading blows.
Simon Cambers adds that Anisimova has shown remarkable resilience following her Wimbledon final experience, asserting that her victories over Swiatek and Osaka have fortified her confidence. Statistically, she has outperformed Sabalenka in head-to-head matches, specifically highlighting her potent backhand and movement as critical advantages.
While the home crowd might introduce nerves, Cambers believes Anisimova will harness this energy positively.
Sabalenka’s Strategy and Motivation
Conversely, Sabalenka is motivated to rebound from her Wimbledon loss and has reflected on her game strategy following that match. She openly discussed the importance of trusting her instincts and avoiding unforced errors to achieve a different outcome. Throughout this season, she has reached three major finals, facing American opponents each time, thus intensifying her desire to secure her first title of the year.
Connelly points out that Sabalenka must adopt a more aggressive serving approach to shift the match’s dynamics in her favor. He observes a stark contrast between her serving effectiveness during her wins and losses against Anisimova, suggesting a need to both minimize her double faults and maximize her service points during crucial moments.
Cambers echoes that while Sabalenka has been consistent in advancing through tournaments, her serve appears less formidable compared to earlier this year, raising concerns about her performance under pressure.
Final Thoughts
With differing opinions on the outcome, Pam Shriver expresses uncertainty regarding predictions due to the factors affecting both players, notably Anisimova’s stamina and Sabalenka’s past confrontations with American players in high-stakes matches. Both analysts and fans alike await a thrilling finale that could solidify Anisimova’s status as a major contender in women’s tennis.
