Already short on wide receivers as they opened the season against the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil, the Kansas City Chiefs lost Xavier Worthy to a shoulder injury on the game’s third offensive play. Then they lost the Chargers’ receivers in coverage. Then they lost containment against Justin Herbert to seal their 27-21 loss.
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Top Democrat says intelligence briefing cancelled after attacks by far-right Laura Loomer | US politics
Senator Mark Warner said on Wednesday that a meeting he had scheduled at the headquarters of a US intelligence agency was cancelled following online attacks by the far-right activist and conspiracy theorist Laura Loomer.
Warner, the Democratic vice-chair of the Senate intelligence committee, was set to visit the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency in Virginia in what he described part of his “responsibility to provide oversight and support to our intelligence community”.
The administration rescinded the invitation after Loomer initiated a “campaign of baseless attacks” against him and the agency’s director, Trey Whitworth, he said.
“I can’t overstate how unprecedented and dangerous this is,” Warner said in a fundraising email. “This administration is taking its marching orders from Laura Loomer – a wackjob with a long history of outlandish fringe views, including 9/11 denialism, anti-Muslim harassment campaigns, and associations with white supremacists.”
Loomer posted on social media in recent days complaining that the director of an intelligence agency was hosting a “rabid ANTI-TRUMP DEMOCRAT SENATOR”. She celebrated the cancellation, calling Warner a threat to national security and arguing he should be removed from the Senate committee.
“He weaponized our intelligence agencies to push the debunked Russia Collusion Hoax,” she wrote.
She told the New York Times Warner should “be removed from office and tried for treason”.
Warner told reporters that the decision to cancel the previously unpublicized meeting was made by the office of the defense secretary.
The incident illustrates Loomer’s enduring influence within Donald Trump’s administration. The 32-year-old, who has previously described herself as “a proud Islamophobe”, has acted as a national security and foreign policy adviser to the president. In April, Trump fired six staffers after Loomer gave him a list of people she believed were not sufficiently loyal to the president.
Last month, the administration announced it was planning to stop issuing visas to children from Gaza seeking medical care after complaints from Loomer.
Warner argued that Loomer is “basically a cabinet member at this point” and that Trump and his administration were “caving to whatever she wants”.
“This nakedly political decision undermines the dedicated, nonpartisan staff at [the] NGA and threatens the principle of civilian oversight that protects our national security,” Warner said in a statement.
“Members of Congress routinely conduct meetings and on-site engagements with federal employees in their states and districts; blocking and setting arbitrary conditions on these sessions sets a dangerous precedent, calling into question whether oversight is now allowed only when it pleases the far-right fringe.”
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What a way to start a season, huh?
It could have been worse — and without quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ hero-ball performance, it likely would have been.
It’s a long flight to Brazil. With emotions high after such a frustrating outcome, the flight home must have been even worse.
Here are a few who stood out as the Chiefs stumbled out of the gate to begin the 2025 season.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: There were plenty of missed opportunities — including some long passes that were just off target. But the two-time MVP did his best to put the team on his back and drag it down the field — and Mahomes’ best is quite a lot. He led the team in rushing, scoring on the ground (and through the air) as he accounted for 315 total yards. Had the Chiefs been able to get the ball back at the end of the game, perhaps we’d remember the spectacular passes Mahomes was able to complete on Friday night, like the horizontal throw and the throw on the run while getting hit. Mahomes Magic is alive and well.
Tight end Travis Kelce: While Ms. Swift’s fiancée only had two catches, one was a beautiful 37-yard touchdown. The broadcast cameras caught what might have been an equally impactful moment where the veteran held the team’s right tackle accountable for his mistakes. This was the type of game we always want Kelce to have: a couple of catches and some veteran leadership.
Linebacker Drue Tranquill: On a night where the linebackers didn’t play very well, Tranquill stepped up — showing fire and leadership against his former team. Recording five tackles (two for a loss) and two sacks, Tranquill was the defense’s most impactful player. And like Kelce, Tranquill did what he could to hold teammates accountable, letting Chris Jones hear it when the All-Pro defensive tackle made a critical mistake.
Cornerback Trent McDuffie: The defense’s other All-Pro was great against the Chargers. He may have been the only member of the secondary who was able to cover anyone. He batted down a pass and had five tackles.
Special teams coordinator Dave Toub: It was one of the best moments in an otherwise forgettable game: the “fire drill” 59-yard field goal at the end of the first half. Getting the right squad on the field and lining it up in time for a snap as time expires isn’t easy, but the special team’s execution and timing were perfect. Of course, it’s also impressive that Butker was able to drive home such a long field goal in that situation. Still, the success of the whole unit on this play served to remind us that Toub is still one of the best in the business.
Right Tackle Jawaan Taylor: His blocking wasn’t perfect, but it would have been good enough. The five penalties, however, are another matter. That’s not going to cut it.
The passing defense: Whom should I call out when the entire defense managed so little pass rush, left open receivers on every play and allowed the opposing quarterback to have one of his best games ever? There were struggles at all three levels. If this was a personnel issue, it should have already been solved. If it was just an off game, we should expect to see a huge bounce-back performance against the Philadelphia Eagles on GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium next Sunday.
Running back Isiah Pacheco: On the plus side, he gained five yards per attempt. But on the minus side, he only had five carries; the Chiefs couldn’t get anything going on the ground. As a receiver, Pacheco turned three targets into two catches for only three yards. For teams to respect any threat of a running game, Pacheco will need to step up — and the team needs to give him the opportunities to do so. If not, Mahomes might be in for a long year.
Head coach Andy Reid and defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo: When motivation and emotion look inconsistent and execution is rough — and the same issues pop up over and over again — that’s on the coaches. They have to adjust their plans, make sure players are ready and put them in a position to win. While Friday’s matchup wasn’t as lopsided a loss as Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles, it had some of the same problems: a lack of pass rush, no running game… and no answers.
Note: Applying the labels “winners” and “losers” is not intended to be a judgment on the talent or character of any of these players or coaches. It’s just a simple way to grade their performance in a single game. No disrespect should be inferred.
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US Open tennis 2025: Aryna Sabalenka beats Amanda Anisimova in women’s singles final – live | US Open Tennis 2025
Key events
It’s a fourth grand slam title overall for Sabalenka and she’s the first player to successfully defend their US Open singles title since Serena Williams in 2014. Her record in her past six hard-court majors reads W/F/W/W/F/W. It’s almost Sinner-like.
Sabalenka sinks to her knees and is crying, before Anisimova comes over to her side of the net to share an embrace. Sabalenka celebrates with her team. And now Anisimova is crying too. Her disappointment is, of course, understandable, but I hope she isn’t too hard on herself. She played a good match – her level was higher than Sabalenka at times, but she was just too up and down. Sabalenka, meanwhile, had clearly learned from her two major final defeats this year and was able to maintain a state of equilibrium.
Sabalenka beats Anisimova 6-3, 7-6 (3) to win the US Open!
… credit to Sabalenka for the way she’s put that missed overhead at 5-4 to the back of her mind. And she’s nonchalantly hitting the balls back to Anisimova to serve, after setting up five championship points for 6-1. Anisimova’s serve is too strong for Sabalenka on the first, Sabalenka tries to bury her return on the second … but overcooks her forehand. But now the third championship point is on her own serve, and Anisimova goes wide! It’s back-to-back US Open titles for Sabalenka! After her season of what-ifs, she’s finally got her hands on a slam trophy, banishing her demons from the Australian Open and French Open finals. For Anisimova, it’s another defeat in a slam final, but after not turning up at Wimbledon, she more than played her part this time.
… and Anisimova doubles. Ach. That second serve didn’t miss by much. But, anyhow, it’s her fifth double fault of the set. So it’s 4-1 Sabalenka … and 5-1 at the changeover after a snarling serve …
Sabalenka is 20-1 in tie-breaks this year. That’s phenomenal. Though Anisimova did come through a second-set tie-break against Osaka in their semi-final. Anisimova sends down an ace on the opening point … Sabalenka steadies herself for 1-1 and then 2-1, as the crowd are rebuked by the umpire for being too shouty. Who can blame them though? Sabalenka seizes the first mini-break for 3-1 …
Second set: Sabalenka 6-3, 6-6 Anisimova* (*denotes next server)
A net cord distracts Anisimova on the opening point. Sabalenka strikes long on the second. 15-all turns into 30-15, and Sablenka pulls off a classic one-two punch for 40-15. Anisimova then nets her return. A steely hold from Sabalenka.
Second set: *Sabalenka 6-3, 5-6 Anisimova (*denotes next server)
But every time Anisimova seems to have got herself back into this match, she has faltered. Will this be any different? Yes, because she holds to 30, despite a double fault! Having been two points from defeat, Anisimova is now on top. She even allows herself a smile at the changeover. She knows at the very least she’s got herself a tie-break.
Anisimova breaks: Sabalenka 6-3, 5-5 Anisimova* (*denotes next server)
So, after two grand slam final defeats this year, can Sabalenka get the job done? She starts how she doesn’t mean to go on, as Anisimova attacks her serve and is rewarded for that bravery. Another slightly safe serve and Anisimova is all over that too! 0-30. This time a gutsy second serve saves Sabalenka, cue her biggest roar of the match so far. She’s willing herself over the line. And then hitting herself over the line, when she fizzes a forehand winner. 30-all. Will it be break point or match point? It looks for all of Arthur Ashe as though it’ll be match point … but Sabalenka mis-times her smash, jumping far too early, and whacks into the net! P-R-E-S-S-U-R-E. And Anisimova strikes with a forehand down the line! This match isn’t over yet.
Second set: *Sabalenka 6-3, 5-4 Anisimova (*denotes next server)
Perhaps now the pressure is almost off, Anisimova will swing more freely again. Which is exactly how this game plays out. 15-0, 30-0, 40-0. Well, how it starts to play out. Because Sabalenka smacks down a smash for 40-15. And then hits a beautiful backhand return, which sets up the point for her. 40-30. But Anisimova survives from there. Sabalenka, though, is just 90 seconds away from serving for her second US Open title.
Second set: Sabalenka 6-3, 5-3 Anisimova* (*denotes next server)
A no-fuss, quicker than quick hold from Sabalenka to 15. Anisimova will serve to stay in this.
Sabalenka breaks: *Sabalenka 6-3, 4-3 Anisimova (*denotes next server)
But then Anisimova gets in on the double fault act, slipping to 15-30 and then 15-40 with a loose forehand error. Sabalenka’s return then rocks Anisimova, who can’t get the ball back. She’s been all over Anisimova’s second serve today. Just as in the first set, Anisimova has worked so hard to haul herself level, but then it gets away from her in the blink of an eye. She’ll be kicking herself. Sabalenka is two games away from retaining her title.
Anisimova breaks: Sabalenka 6-3, 3-3 Anisimova* (*denotes next server)
Some of the celebrities in the house are shown on the big screen at the changeover. No signs of any marriage proposals yet though, after someone proposed in the crowd during Sabalenka’s third-round win over Leylah Fernandez. Which led to this exchange on Sky Sports. Awkward. But back to more immediate matters, because Anisimova has whipped the crowd into a New York frenzy with a one-two punch for 0-15 on Sabalenka’s serve. Which develops into 0-30. And then 0-40, when Sabalenka double faults! Well, well. Now it’s the defending champ who’s feeling the nerves. And Anisimova breaks with another one of those trademark backhands! She’s right back in it! And Arthur Ashe erupts!
Second set: *Sabalenka 6-3, 3-2 Anisimova (*denotes next server)
Anisimova reminds Sabalenka that she hasn’t totally gone away, with a backhand winner. But from 30-15, she snatches at her shot and nets. She’s chattering and chuntering to herself and doesn’t look as if she believes she can turn this around. But Sabalenka then morphs into Anisimova, going for broke, and missing. 40-15. Game, when Sabalenka tamely nets.
Second set: Sabalenka 6-3, 3-1 Anisimova* (*denotes next server)
“She just doesn’t know whether to hit harder or softer, because her normal game isn’t working,” says Navratilova of the quandary Anisimova now finds herself in. And Sabalenka bosses another service game, getting to 40-15 before scooping a wonderful backhand cross-court, and Anisimova isn’t getting that back into play. The break is consolidated.
Sabalenka breaks: *Sabalenka 6-3, 2-1 Anisimova (*denotes next server)
Sabalenka gets her biggest cheer of the night when, defending for her life, scurrying left and right and left and right at the baseline and then forward to the drop shot, out drop shots Anisimova to reach 0-30! The camera pans in on Courteney Cox, who’s voicing her approval. And Sabalenka goes on to break with a backhand winner! Sabalenka has weathered that mid-first-set storm from Anisimova and is now firmly in control.
Second set: Sabalenka 6-3, 1-1 Anisimova* (*denotes next server)
Another chat between the umpire and Anisimova at the change of ends. The umpire says nothing can be done and it’s been the same all week. Anisimova’s reply? “That’s ridiculous.” She needs to refocus. And for the first time in this final, Sabalenka holds to love. Anisimova has come from a set down this fortnight already, by the way, against Osaka in the semi-finals, ending a three-year, eight-match losing streak after losing the first set at a grand slam. But doing so against Sabalenka is another matter entirely.
Second set: *Sabalenka 6-3, 0-1 Anisimova (*denotes next server)
Anisimova is now complaining to the umpire; I think it’s to do with the lights affecting her ball toss. I can’t see how anything will change, though. She needs to get it out of her mind and reset. And show more patience than she did in that opening set, when she hit 15 unforced errors to Sabalenka’s four. She seems poised to do that when she advances to 40-30, but then here’s a wobbly double and it’s deuce. Advantage Anisimova. Then another double. She looks up again at the closed roof and shakes her head. But it’s the same for both players. Deuce. Advantage Anisimova. Deuce. Advantage Anisimova. Game Anisimova. A crucial hold.
Sabalenka wins the first set 6-3
You just don’t know what to expect from Anisimova now. It’s so hit and miss. But more misses than hits, as Sabalenka secures two set points at 40-15. Anisimova’s forehand return flies into the tramlines and that’s the end of a curious set, in which Anisimova fell behind, moved ahead and then fell apart in a flurry of errors. All Sabalenka needed to do was stay steady.
Sabalenka breaks: *Sabalenka 5-3 Anisimova (*denotes next server)
“Anisimova is Alcaraz and Sabalenka is Sinner,” notes Patrick Mouratoglou, the former coach of Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams, on social media. “The first one taking a lot of risks and making the winners and the unforced, the second one putting a lot of intensity and consistency.” Anisimova, perhaps now feeling the scoreboard pressure in this set, coughs up two double faults to give Sabalenka 15-40. If Sabalenka takes one of these break points she’ll be serving for the first. And a wild and wayward low-percentage backhand means Anisimova concedes another break. Cue the sound of silence.
First set: Sabalenka 4-3 Anisimova* (*denotes next server)
Looking at the stats, Sabalenka will be encouraged by the fact that she’s only hit three winners so far but is still somehow on level terms; the defending champion will feel she’s got another gear to get to. At 40-30, she then nearly takes Anisimova out with an errant 115mph body serve – that’s one way to down the American – and apologises. She lands her second serve and holds from there.
Sabalenka breaks: *Sabalenka 3-3 Anisimova (*denotes next server)
But Anisimova, suddenly, loses focus. 0-15, 0-30, 0-40. She looks to the skies. Or more accurately the roof. She knows Sabalenka hasn’t done much to earn these three break points; she handed them to the Belarusian. And a fourth error gift wraps the game.
Anisimova holds and then breaks: Sabalenka 2-3 Anisimova* (*denotes next server)
Now that Anisimova has secured her first game, this final can really start. And the American holds fairly confidently to 30. She’s already hit 10 winners to Sabalenka’s three; it’s not often you say that in a match featuring the world No 1. Another colossal hit – this one on the forehand – and Anisimova is hitting Sabalenka off the court. She’s got another break point. And a brilliant return from Anisimova forces Sabalenka to hit long! From 2-0 down, Anisimova leads 3-2. This is the Anisimova we saw against Swiatek in the quarter-finals.
Anisimova breaks: Sabalenka 2-1 Anisimova* (*denotes next server)
Anisimova shows courage under fire to get to 30-all from 30-0 down. And that backhand down the line gets her a break-back point! Anisimova is bossing the break point, with Sabalenka screaming and crouching as she desperately attempts to withstand the barrage, but Anisimova eventually finds a way through her with a forehand winner! Cue the loudest cheer of the match so far. Anisimova isn’t celebrating though, she’s keeping her emotions in check. She’s not only on the board for the first time in a grand slam final, she’s also back on serve.
Sabalenka breaks: *Sabalenka 2-0 Anisimova (*denotes next server)
That opening game showed Anisimova has confidence in this match-up. She actually leads the head-to-head 6-3, including that most recent meeting in the Wimbledon semi-finals, though Sabalenka did beat Anisimova in the French Open fourth round in June. From 30-all, Anisimova pushes her backhand wide, and now it’s Sabalenka’s turn for a break point. The pair trade backhands on the break point, before Sabalenka mixes it up, and Anisimova hits well beyond the baseline. Sabalenka has the break … and you wouldn’t blame Anisimova for wondering if this is now going the way of the Wimbledon. But she needs to keep her head up; it could easily have been 1-1.
First set: Sabalenka 1-0 Anisimova* (*denotes next server)
An early break point for Anisimova. Already she’s done more than she did in the entire Wimbledon final. Sabalenka saves herself with a smart kick serve, but Anisimova crushes another winner for a second break point. A big serve rescues Sabalenka once more, but here’s a third bp. And it’s a similar story as Sabalenka’s serve dismisses the danger. And Sabalenka secures the next two points for the hold. A promising start from Anisimova, nonetheless.
Anisimova admitted, after forcing herself to watch the highlights (or should that be lowlights) of the Wimbledon final that she was as “slow as hell”. Perhaps that’s why she’s wearing the brightest of red trainers today, to remind herself to keep her feet moving. Sabalenka, meanwhile, is dressed in white. You feel the start is more important for Anisimova given what happened in the Wimbledon final, but unfortunately for her, this game isn’t on her racket, because Sabalenka is serving. Sabalenka moves 30-0 ahead before Anisimova shows everyone why her backhand is one of the best in the business, smoking the sideline with a winner. And then it’s 30-all. And Sabalenka double faults!
Apparently Sabalenka looked a little stressed in her practice earlier; she knows the pressure is on. But she seems more comfortable during the warm-up. They’re almost good to go.
A spine-tingling moment as they make their entrance, the sound of the New York crowd magnified by the roof. It has to be said the welcome for Sabalenka was nearly as loud as that for Anisimova, despite Anisimova being the home player.
Mary Joe-Fernandez has grabbed both players for a quick pre-match chat. Which seems a bit mean when they’ve got a grand slam final to focus on.
“I’m feeling very confident, playing at my home slam is very special,” says Anisimova. “I’m super excited and I’m sure the crowd will be backing me.”
As for Sabalenka, she says: “It means a lot [to defend my title]. I’m living my dream life and I’m ready to do everything possible to get this win. For me it’s important to focus on myself and never doubt my shots and go for it.”
“Despite being the clear favourite in terms of ranking and prior experience, Sabalenka faces a stern test in Anisimova,” emails Gavriella Epstein-Lightman. “Few can match Sabalenka from the baseline – her pummelling groundstrokes, consistently deep, push many players into perennial defence. Yet Anisimova is one of a select coterie of players who possesses the purity of ballstrike and power off both forehand and backhand wings. She is no counterpuncher and won’t be easily cowed. If Anisimova can hold her nerve, this could be tight.”
“I just hope it’s a good match,” Martina Navratilova says on Sky when asked for her prediction. “But I have to go with Sabalenka – at her best she’s the better player.”
First we’ll hear America the Beautiful, sung by Brittney Spencer. 24,000 fans fall silent. The roof is still shut, which is only adding to the atmosphere.
Sabalenka is now throwing a giant ball about, while doing a good job of ignoring Anisimova, who’s only a few metres away from her. If Sabalenka can see the ball that big when she gets on to court, she’ll be unbeatable. They should be out very shortly.
Do remember you can get in touch with your predictions too. It’s always good to hear from you.
So who wins? Erm, I’m really undecided. Sabalenka has the greater experience; Anisimova has the crowd. You could argue that Sabalenka has the bigger pressure being the world No 1 and defending champ; but there’s also huge pressure on Anisimova to give a better account of herself than she did in the Wimbledon final. But if Sabalenka keeps her emotions in check, she has the edge.
The players are still warming up backstage, both being pulled around on giant resistance bands, so we’ve got time to talk tactics. Sabalenka and Anisimova are two of the biggest ball-strikers in the game – and Anisimova’s two-handed backhand in particular can be devastating – so this will be first-strike tennis, even though Sabalenka has learned in recent years how to throw in some drop shots and forays to the net too. But their fearsome hitting is mixed with mental vulnerabilities. Anisimova can freeze (the Wimbledon final, of course, being the most extreme example) – while Sabalenka can let her emotions boil over. This will most likely come down to who handles the occasion better.
Stat attack. Sabalenka is the first woman to reach the Australian and US Opens finals for three consecutive years since Martina Hingis in 1999, as well as the first to make three major singles finals in a calendar year since Serena Williams in 2016. Anisimova is the youngest woman to reach the Wimbledon and US Open finals in a season since Serena and Venus in 2002.
Anisimova says:
I’ve worked really hard, especially on my mental game and not giving up. When I was at Wimbledon, every single match was a surprise to me. I was shocked with every match that I won. But here it feels more I believe in myself, and I’m able to do it. I think I have really shifted with my attitude.
Sabalenka says:
I’m super excited to give myself another opportunity, another final. If I’ll be able to hold that trophy, it’s going to mean a lot for me. I’ll be just the happiest person on earth probably.
I felt like in that match [against Anisimova] at Wimby, I was doubting a lot my decisions. That was the main thing that was bringing a lot of unforced errors. I feel like I had my opportunities, I didn’t use them. The key for me is going to be just go out there, obviously fight, but trust my decisions and go after my shots.
Road to the final. Not only has Anisimova beaten Swiatek this tournament, she also came back from a set down to defeat another grand slam champion in Naomi Osaka in their semi-final. Sabalenka’s path has been easier, especially after Marketa Vondrousova withdrew before their quarter-final, but she also came from behind in the last four to see off Jessica Pegula, which was a rematch of last year’s final.
Sabalenka
First round def Rebeka Masarova 7-5, 6-1
Second round def Polina Kudermetova 7-6, 6-2
Third round def Leylah Fernandez (31) 6-3, 7-6
Fourth round def Cristina Bucsa 6-1, 6-4
Quarter-final walkover against Marketa Vondrousova
Semi-final def Jessica Pegula (4) 4-6, 6-3, 6-4
Anisimova
First round def Kimberly Birrell 6-3, 6-2
Second round def Maya Joint 7-6, 6-2
Third round def Jaqueline Cristian 6-4, 4-6. 6-2
Fourth round def Beatriz Haddad Maia (18) 6-0, 6-3
Quarter-final def Iga Swiatek (2) 6-4, 6-3
Semi-final def Naomi Osaka (23) 6-7, 7-6, 6-3
Tale of the tape
Sabalenka – Anisimova
27 Age 24
1 Seeding 8
1 World ranking 9
3 Grand slam titles 0
7 Grand slam finals 2
20 Singles titles 3
3 Head-to-head 6
His interview with Anisimova from back in May, in which she talks about the mental health break she took from tennis in 2023, is well worth a look too, if you haven’t already read it:
Meanwhile: I’ve just eaten an obscene amount of sushi and am feeling a little sluggish. So here’s Tumaini’s excellent preview to keep you going while I recover:
Amanda Anisimova was struggling to maintain her composure in the days leading up to the final grand slam tournament of the year. As the American braced herself for her first round match, her high expectations became a source of significant stress. In hindsight, this was nothing out of the ordinary. “I think most players are putting a lot of pressure on themselves and those few days before the tournament are pretty stressful, just the anticipation of it,” she said after reaching round three. “I feel it was natural for me to feel that way.”
However, the circumstances surrounding Anisimova on the eve of the US Open made her situation unique. The last time she appeared at a grand slam, Anisimova was beaten 6-0, 6-0 in the Wimbledon final by Iga Swiatek. Wimbledon had represented a long-awaited breakthrough after years of unfulfilled promise and under most circumstances it would have only signified a positive step forward in her career, but by the end of her excruciating day on Centre Court it was hard not to wonder if such a humiliating moment might completely derail her progress.
For that reason, Anisimova’s handling of those challenges has been nothing short of remarkable. At the next grand slam tournament, her earliest possible opportunity, the 24-year-old has given herself another shot at competing for a grand slam title again as she faces Aryna Sabalenka, the world No 1 and defending champion, on home soil in the US Open final on Saturday.
Anisimova’s talent has never been in doubt. She is one of the cleanest, most destructive ball strikers on the tour, blessed with peerless timing and technique that allows her to take the ball so early, change directions at will and generate immense pace off both ground strokes, particularly her extraordinary two-handed backhand.
Those skills were evident in her last few matches, which have been an exhibition in devastating offensive shotmaking. In her win over Swiatek, she constantly robbed time from the Pole’s offensive weapons. Despite her early nerves a day later against Naomi Osaka, it was remarkable how she turned the match around, dominating another of the biggest hitters in the game from the baseline. Even as they neared 1am after nearly three hours on the court, her hands remained steady during the decisive moments at the end and she never stopped attacking.
You can read the rest here:
Just after the match finished, along came thunder, lightning and torrential rain, just to add to the tension before the women’s final. At least Arthur Ashe has a roof. So this match will feel more like a night match, even though it gets under way at about 4pm in New York.
Already today, Joe Salisbury and Neal Skupski have fallen agonisingly short in their attempt to become the first all-British pair since 1903 to win the men’s doubles title. They had three match points in the third set, before being edged out 3-6, 7-6, 7-5 by Spain’s Marcel Granollers and Argentina’s Horacio Zeballos, who also won the French Open title together this year. And look who’s celebrating:
Preamble
Tennis, bloody hell. 56 days ago Amanda Anisimova was whitewashed in the Wimbledon final 6-0, 6-0 by Iga Swiatek as she froze in the headlights in the biggest match of her life. It was the most public and painful of humiliations from which most of us, if put in the same position, would not recover, let alone have the character to return to the tour less than three weeks later as she started her preparations for the US Open.
And now here the 24-year-old is in the final of her home grand slam, having gained the sweetest of revenge against Swiatek in the quarter-finals, and she’ll be fortified by the knowledge she can beat Aryna Sabalenka when it matters, having defeated the Belarusian in three sets in their Wimbledon semi-final. Get the better of Sabalenka again and Anisimova’s redemption story would rank among the greatest in tennis, along with Jana Novotna winning Wimbledon in 1998 after heartbreak five years earlier, Jennifer Capriati going to hell and back before finally becoming a major champion in 2001 and Andre Agassi returning from the tennis wilderness to claim his career slam in 1999. And doing it in New York, not far from where Anisimova was born in New Jersey, would add a shine that not even Broadway could make up.
But Sabalenka is in the slightly curious position of needing to prove herself too, despite being the defending champion, world No 1 and top seed. She’s got her own ghosts of grand slams past to banish, having also let her emotions get the better of her in the crucial moments this year. After losing to Madison Keys in the Australian Open final, Coco Gauff in the French Open final and Anisimova in that Wimbledon semi, this match represents her last chance to end a year of what-ifs with a significant triumph.
So both want their own form of redemption – and Sabalenka probably wants a bit of revenge too. If I could, I’d call the two of them as the US Open champion – Sabalenka arguably deserves a slam for her efforts this year, but who would deny Anisimova such a heartwarming comeback for the ages? – but alas, that’s not possible. So let’s just hope, for both their sakes, that this time these huge hitters can show courage and composure every bit as big as their shots.
The players will arrive at about: 4pm New York time/9pm BST.
In the meantime: here’s a trip down memory lane:
This is the live blog for Nassourdine Imavov vs. Caio Borralho, the middleweight main event for Saturday’s UFC Paris card at Accor Arena.
Imavov joined the UFC in 2020 and quickly made a strong impression, until a setback loss to Sean Strickland in 2023. A weird no-contest with Chris Curtis followed, but since then, Imavov has been perfect, stringing together four ranked wins in a row, including most recently when he knocked out former two-time middleweight champion Israel Adesanya in February.
Leader of the Fighting Nerds gym that has taken the MMA world by storm, Borralho is undefeated in the UFC, putting together seven wins since joining the promotion from Contender Series. Most recently, he won a unanimous decision over one-time title challenger Jared Cannonier in 2024, and now he and Imavov face off for a possible shot at Khamzat Chimaev’s newly won middleweight title.
Check out the live blog for Imavov vs. Borralho below.
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