Amanda Anisimova breaks down after US Open final defeat to Aryna Sabalenka
Anisimova reaches a career-high No. 4 but is overcome with emotion after consecutive Grand Slam final losses, eight weeks on from a 6-0, 6-0 Wimbledon defeat
Amanda Anisimova sobbed on Arthur Ashe Stadium after losing the US Open final to Aryna Sabalenka on Saturday night, then delivered an emotional runner-up speech in which she described the pain of back-to-back Grand Slam final defeats.
Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and defending champion, beat the American 6-3, 7-6(‑) to retain the title in New York. Anisimova had never previously made the final in Flushing Meadows and had reached the match by beating Naomi Osaka in a three-set semi-final.
After exchanging congratulatory hugs with Sabalenka, Anisimova sat in her chair on court as the presentation area was prepared and became overcome with emotion. Tournament director Stacey Allaster offered comfort and a towel, but the 24-year-old continued to cry before composing herself for the trophy ceremony.
In her remarks to the stadium crowd, Anisimova praised Sabalenka's performance and reflected on a difficult but rewarding summer. "It's been a great summer," she said. "Losing two finals in a row is great, but it's also super hard. I think I didn't fight hard enough for my dreams tonight." The comment followed a run that included a loss in her first Grand Slam final at Wimbledon less than two months earlier, where she was beaten 6-0, 6-0 on Centre Court by Iga Swiatek.
Despite the defeat, Anisimova will move to a career-high world No. 4 in the rankings following her run at the US Open. The result marks her second runner-up finish inside eight weeks and the latest milestone in a season that has also seen her reach deep draws at the Australian and French Opens.
Sabalenka, who lost the 2023 US Open final to Coco Gauff and won the title in 2024, became the first woman in more than a decade to successfully defend the US Open crown. Her victory was built on an aggressive start in Queens, taking an early break in the first set, and closing out the match by prevailing in the decisive set tiebreak.
Anisimova's path to the final included a quarter-final victory over Swiatek, avenging some of the punishment she had taken at Wimbledon, and a high-profile semi-final win against former champion Naomi Osaka. The American praised the support of her family and team in previous post-final remarks at Wimbledon, highlighting the role of her mother and coaching staff in her progress.
On court in New York, Anisimova thanked those around her and acknowledged the difficulty of the moment while also suggesting there was cause for pride. Tournament officials, players and some fans offered immediate comfort as she left the court with the runner-up plate.
The defeat leaves Anisimova without a Grand Slam singles title so far in 2025 but underlines her rising position in the women's game after a season of deep runs at the biggest events. Sabalenka's successful title defence extends her status at the top of the tour and hands her another Grand Slam trophy as the season heads into its autumn swing.