For the second Grand Slam in a row, Amanda Anisimova came heartbreakingly close to making tennis history, only to see victory slip away in straight sets.
The 24-year-old American lost 6-3, 7-6(3) to world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final on Saturday, adding another painful chapter to her tale of near victories on the sport’s grandest stages.
After falling short at Wimbledon earlier this year, Anisimova again struggled under the immense pressure of a major final.
“I tend to get very nervous in finals, and it’s something I’m working on,” Anisimova confessed at her post-match press conference.
Her aggressive baseline play, which helped her defeat former champions Iga Swiatek and Naomi Osaka, was evident as she hit 22 winners compared to Sabalenka’s 13.
However, her high-risk approach led to costly mistakes, with Anisimova making 29 unforced errors to Sabalenka’s 15.
Anisimova mentioned that her rhythm was disrupted by an unexpected factor: the lighting under the closed roof of Arthur Ashe Stadium during the day session.
“I hadn’t played on this court during the day with the roof closed before, and it was so bright, I couldn’t see the ball when serving,” she explained.
Despite the tough loss, the former junior US Open champion’s journey to the final ensures she will enter the top five in world rankings for the first time.
“It’s been an amazing summer. Reaching two finals is incredible, yet also incredibly tough,” Anisimova remarked on the court, reflecting the bittersweet nature of her breakthrough season.
The result also means she will have a chance to compete in the season-ending WTA Finals for the first time.
“Playing in the WTA Finals was one of my goals at the start of the year,” she said.
Sabalenka, now with four major titles, offered supportive words during the trophy ceremony.
Aryna Sabalenka poses with the trophy after defeating Amanda Anisimova in the US Open final.
“Congratulations Amanda on reaching consecutive finals at the slams,” Sabalenka said. “I know how tough it is to lose, but you will win one, your tennis is amazing.”
