Amanda Anisimova in tears after US Open final defeat as Aryna Sabalenka retains title

Amanda Anisimova broke down in tears on Arthur Ashe Stadium on Saturday after losing the US Open women's final to Aryna Sabalenka, who successfully defended her title.

The 24-year-old American fell in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6, finishing runner-up in New York and set to climb to a career-high world No. 4 in the WTA rankings. Sabalenka became the first woman in more than a decade to retain the US Open women's singles crown.

Sabalenka, the world No. 1, seized an early break in the opening set and closed it out 6-3 as Anisimova struggled with unforced errors. The American regrouped in the second, reducing her mistakes and forcing a tiebreak, but Sabalenka’s strong record in deciding moments — the champion entered the match with a noted 20-1 record in tiebreaks this season — proved decisive.

After the match, Anisimova embraced Sabalenka and then sat alone on her chair as the presentation area was prepared. Tournament director Stacey Allaster offered a towel and words of comfort; Anisimova was seen sobbing into the towel before composing herself for the trophy ceremony. In her runner-up remarks she praised Sabalenka and reflected on a summer that has been both rewarding and painful.

"It's been a great summer," Anisimova told the crowd. "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." She thanked her team and family during the presentation.

The run to the final was Anisimova’s first appearance in a US Open championship match. Her path included a notable three-set semifinal victory over former champion Naomi Osaka and a quarterfinal win over Iga Swiatek, the player who had handed Anisimova a 6-0, 6-0 defeat in the Wimbledon final eight weeks earlier.

Anisimova's return to Grand Slam finals after the heavy loss at Wimbledon underscored the swing in her season. The Wimbledon defeat on Centre Court was the most decisive scoreline of her career, but she rebounded in New York, reaching the title match for the second time this summer after also contesting a Grand Slam final at Wimbledon.

For Sabalenka, the victory marks another milestone in a season that has included appearances in Grand Slam finals at the Australian and French Opens. The Belarusian has previously played in the US Open final in 2023, and last year captured the Flushing Meadows title by defeating Jessica Pegula.

Anisimova will leave New York with the runner-up plate and an ascent in the rankings that reflects the accumulated points from her deep run. The immediate aftermath, however, was dominated by the visible distress of a player who had come within reach of a maiden major title in front of a home crowd.

Coaches, fellow players and fans offered messages of support on social media after the match, highlighting the composure of Anisimova’s on-court speech and the progress she has made despite the recent setbacks. The U.S. Open concluded with the champion and the runner-up reflecting on contrasting narratives: Sabalenka consolidating her position at the top of the game, and Anisimova confronting the emotional cost of back-to-back Grand Slam final defeats while rising to a new career-best ranking.