The biggest stage in tennis awaits two players whose journeys couldn’t be more different. Aryna Sabalenka arrives at Arthur Ashe Stadium carrying the weight of defending her crown. At the same time, Amanda Anisimova steps into her second major final with nothing to lose and everything to prove. Behind each player stands a coaching team that has shaped their games and their paths to this moment.
A Look at Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova’s Coaching Team at the 2025 US Open
Sabalenka’s rise to world No. 1 centers around Anton Dubrov, who made the transition from hitting partner to lead coach in 2020. That partnership has delivered remarkable results. Under Dubrov’s guidance, Sabalenka claimed 14 WTA Tour-level singles titles, including the 2023 and 2024 Australian Open titles and the 2024 US Open.
Dubrov focuses on game strategy and mental readiness, helping transform Sabalenka’s raw power into calculated aggression. The Belarusian’s support system extends beyond Dubrov. Jason Stacy has served as her fitness and mental performance coach since 2018, bringing a background in sports therapy and strength conditioning. Stacy helps Sabalenka control her power through breathing mechanics and endurance training, which are crucial elements for maintaining her intensity throughout three-set battles.
Andrei Vasilevski, a Belarusian former professional and doubles specialist who joined Sabalenka as her hitting partner in 2024, supports their daily practice routine. Vasilevski helps Sabalenka refine her shot placement, especially under match conditions that mirror the pressure of Grand Slam tennis.
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Meanwhile, Anisimova’s coaching story reflects resilience and renewal. Hendrik Vleeshouwers began working with her in 2023 after her return from a break following her father’s death. The Dutch coach brought extensive tour experience from his previous work with WTA players Elise Mertens and Yanina Wickmayer, along with tactical insight that would prove transformative.
Vleeshouwers emphasizes match-play strategy and emotional resilience, helping Anisimova channel her natural aggression into consistency. That work showed its value in her remarkable comeback from a double-bagel final loss at Wimbledon 2025 to reach the US Open final. In the players’ box, Anisimova’s mother and sister provide steady moral support, while Vleeshouwers delivers key tactical adjustments between sets.
What Makes This Sabalenka vs Anisimova Final So Compelling?
History favors the American in this matchup. These two players have faced off nine times, with Anisimova holding a 6-3 advantage overall and a 3-2 lead in Grand Slam encounters. Their 2025 meetings tell the story of two players trading momentum. Sabalenka knocked Anisimova out of Roland Garros in their fourth-round match earlier this year, but Anisimova struck back at the Wimbledon 2025 semifinal.
The paths to this final showcase contrasting strengths. Sabalenka enters with a dominant form, dropping just one set during her entire tournament run. Her power game, refined by Dubrov’s strategic approach, has overwhelmed opponents throughout the fortnight. Anisimova arrives as the crowd favorite, bringing what many consider the best movement skills on tour along with the fearless ball-striking that Vleeshouwers has helped her harness.
Aryna Sabalenka will look to repeat.
Amanda Anisimova will look to win her home Grand Slam.
Here we go. pic.twitter.com/h6UHPrZ7gJ
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 5, 2025
As Saturday evening arrives at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the stage is set for a clash of styles and stories. World No. 1 Sabalenka brings the heavy groundstrokes and mental grit that Dubrov’s game plans have perfected. World No. 9 Anisimova counters with the strong baseline attack that Vleeshouwers has sharpened into a weapon capable of dismantling any opponent. Two players, two coaching philosophies, and one championship on the line.
