Sabalenka’s Final Hurdle: Overcoming Nerves and a Late-Match Scare

To secure her fourth Grand Slam title, Aryna Sabalenka had to clear one final hurdle: her own nerves and a dramatic late-match scare. Her ability to overcome this internal and external challenge was the defining feature of her 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory over Amanda Anisimova.
For much of the match, Sabalenka appeared calm and in control. But as she stepped up to serve for the championship, the nerves that have haunted her in past finals made a brief but terrifying appearance. A simple smash became a shocking error, and suddenly, the finish line seemed to move further away.
This was the critical moment, the final hurdle that would determine if she was truly a changed player. Her response was emphatic. She pushed aside the nerves, regrouped, and navigated the scare with the poise of a seasoned champion. Her flawless play in the subsequent tiebreak was a clear signal that she had cleared the hurdle for good.
This victory was so significant because it wasn’t just about beating her opponent; it was about conquering her own past. By overcoming that final moment of doubt, Sabalenka proved that she is now in complete control of her game and her destiny.