In a riveting display of skill, Aryna Sabalenka has defended her US Open title, besting Amanda Anisimova in a thrilling women's singles final.

With this victory, Sabalenka solidifies her status as a four-time Grand Slam champion, marking her territory on the hard courts where she's secured two of her illustrious titles.

The match unfolded at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium, ending with a score of 6-3, 7-6(7-3)—making Sabalenka the first female player since Serena Williams in 2024 to successfully defend her title.

Navratilova's Bold Call for Change

Tennis legend Martina Navratilova, who provided commentary for the final, did not hold back in criticizing a longstanding rule during the match. Frustrated by a call during the first set, Sabalenka believed it should have been ruled a let, but the umpire ruled otherwise.

Navratilova voiced her thoughts on Sky Sports Tennis, declaring, "That’s why we should just play it as a live ball. It’s such a stupid rule. I am really fed up with it!" She expressed her disbelief that a rule established 150 years ago remains unchanged, despite the sport's evolution.

A Glimpse Into Technology's Role

Former British number one Laura Robson weighed in on the controversy, explaining that the technology used in such calls is often unreliable. She noted that the same numbers are reported regardless of whether the chair umpire or the technology calls it, leading to inconsistencies.

"Half the time it wasn’t even working," Robson lamented. "There is just not a reliable form of technology for that." The debate over whether this controversial rule will be revisited looms ahead, although the misstep didn’t sway the final outcome.

A Rivalry to Remember

The match added another chapter in the ongoing rivalry between Sabalenka and Anisimova, who have previously faced off at prestigious competitions including the 2025 French Open and Wimbledon.

While Sabalenka currently holds the bragging rights after her triumph in New York, Anisimova still boasts an impressive 6-4 win-loss record against her.

As the tennis world reflects on this high-stakes showdown, many are left wondering: will change finally come for the sport’s most antiquated rules?