Aryna Sabalenka delivered a masterclass at the 2025 US Open, overpowering American Amanda Anisimova in front of a roaring crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Queens, New York.
The Belarusian star not only claimed her second consecutive US Open title but also exacted revenge for her Wimbledon semifinal loss to Anisimova earlier this year.
With a commanding 6-3, 7-6(3) victory that lasted just one hour and 34 minutes, Sabalenka‘s performance solidified her status as one of the premier players in women’s tennis.
Yet, despite the triumph, there is an unexpected twist that will leave a sizable dent in her earnings.
While the champion’s purse for the women’s singles title at the 2025 US Open stands at an impressive $5 million, up from $3.6 million last year, marking a 38.8 percent increase, Sabalenka will not be able to pocket the full sum.
U.S. tax laws require winners to relinquish 30 percent of their prize money, meaning $1.5 million will go straight to taxes.
Consequently, the two-time US Open champion will take home approximately $3.5 million.
This is not the first time such deductions have affected Sabalenka‘s earnings.
Last year, after defeating Jessica Pegula in the final, she earned $3.6 million but, following the 30 percent tax cut of around $1.08 million, her net prize totaled approximately $2.4 million.
A rare achievement in New York
Even with the financial setback, Sabalenka‘s accomplishment is historic. She joins an elite group of 26 women in US Open history to successfully defend a title since the tournament’s inception in 1887.
Among them, Serena Williams stands out as the only WTA player to win back-to-back US Open titles across three consecutive seasons, from 2012 to 2014.
More than a decade after Williams‘ remarkable run, Sabalenka has carved her own legacy in New York.
In 2024, she defeated Pegula in straight sets, and this year she bested Anisimova with similar dominance.
Her consistency on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows demonstrates her ability to perform under pressure on the sport’s biggest stages.
Following her latest victory, Sabalenka reflected on her journey, telling the US Open’s official website on September 6, “I’m super proud right now of myself.”
In addition to the trophy and prize money, Sabalenka will receive 2,000 ranking points, further cementing her position at the top of the WTA standings.
With the season still underway, she is on course to finish 2025 as the World No.1.
After missing out on opportunities earlier in the year, falling to Madison Keys in January and Coco Gauff in Paris, this US Open win marks her third chance at a major title in 2025 against American opponents. This time, the outcome was firmly in her favor.
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