For the second consecutive Grand Slam final, American Amanda Anisimova was unable to capture her first major title, falling to world number one Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6(3) in the US Open final on Saturday. The loss mirrored her defeat at Wimbledon earlier this year, marking another painful chapter of coming up just short on the sport’s biggest stages. The 24-year-old admitted to struggling with the immense pressure, stating, “I feel like with finals I have a lot of nerves, and it’s something I’m trying to work on.”
Anisimova’s aggressive game, which had powered her past former champions like Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka, was a double-edged sword. While she out-hit Sabalenka with 22 winners to 13, her high-risk strategy also led to 29 unforced errors, nearly double her opponent’s count. She also cited an unexpected challenge, explaining that the lighting under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium made it difficult to see the ball during her serve.
Despite the heartbreak of another straight-sets loss in a final, Anisimova’s remarkable summer has a significant silver lining. Her run to the final ensures she will break into the world’s top five for the first time in her career and has secured her a spot in the season-ending WTA Finals for the first time, which was a primary goal for her at the start of the year.
Following her victory, a gracious Sabalenka offered words of consolation and encouragement to her opponent during the trophy ceremony. Acknowledging the pain of defeat, the four-time major champion told Anisimova, “I know how much it hurts to lose, but trust me you will win one, you play incredible tennis.” The result solidifies a bittersweet but breakthrough season for Anisimova, who has firmly established herself among the elite in women’s tennis.
