Aryna Sabalenka leaks game plan to get Wimbledon revenge in US Open final

Aryna Sabalenka has revealed her game plan to exact revenge on Amanda Anisimova in the US Open final. World No. 1 Sabalenka will defend her US Open title against eighth seed Anisimova on Saturday after overcoming American Jessica Pegula.

Sabalenka came out the 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victor in Thursday's semi-final at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Pegula, who also lost out to Sabalenka in last year's final, came out firing but the Belarusian grew into the match as her 43 winners and eight aces proved to be the difference. It marked the three-time Grand Slam winner's third straight win in the US Open semis, putting her within reach of clinching her first Grand Slam of the season.

The 27-year-old is expected to face a tougher challenger in Anisimova in the final. Anisimova sealed her own comeback victory against two-time champion Naomi Osaka to reach the US Open final for the first time on the same night. The 24-year-old from New Jersey clinched a gritty 6-7 (4-7), 7-6 (7-3), 6-3 win as she found her range on the ground strokes and dominated the baseline exchanges.

Sabalenka's 4-6, 6-4, 4-6 loss to Anisimova in their Wimbledon semi-final clash earlier this year will certainly be fresh in her memory. For all of her career success, Sabalenka tends to struggle against Anisimova, having lost six of her nine matches against her. And she addressed exactly how she will look to use the lessons learned from her SW19 defeat this weekend.

Sabalenka said during her post-semi-final press conference: "I think I have to trust myself and I have to go after my shots. I felt like in that match at Wimbledon, I was doubting a lot of my decisions, and that was the main thing that was bringing a lot of unforced errors.

"I gave her [Anisimova] a lot of opportunities and of course, she played incredible tennis, but I feel like I had my opportunities. I didn't use them and I feel like the key for me is to just go out there and of course fight, but trust my decisions and go after my shots."

Sabalenka had said on court after beating Pegula: "It was a really tough match. I had to work hard to get this win. She's such a great player, such a great fighter. Hopefully I can go all the way again. And thank you guys for bringing the best atmosphere.

"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 the happiest person on earth, probably."