Amanda Anisimova’s pursuit of Grand Slam glory suffered another setback as she fell short in the US Open final against World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian powered through in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6(7-3), to successfully defend her crown at Arthur Ashe Stadium, leaving the American star in tears after her second consecutive loss in a major final.
The defeat comes just months after Anisimova endured a devastating 6-0, 6-0 loss to Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final. Despite the heartbreak, the 22-year-old managed a remarkable turnaround at the US Open, showcasing resilience and determination to reach the championship match.
Aryna Sabalenka backs Amanda Anisimova despite defeat
After clinching her fourth career Grand Slam title, Sabalenka praised Anisimova’s talent and suggested her rival’s breakthrough moment is inevitable.
“She’s going to win Grand Slams in the future,” Aryna Sabalenka noted, highlighting the progress the young American has made this season.
Amanda Anisimova herself showed great sportsmanship, sending a heartfelt message to her opponent after the match. Her words struck a chord with fans, proving her maturity despite the bitter loss.
Martina Navratilova calls for emotional growth
While many hailed Anisimova’s run, tennis legend Martina Navratilova offered constructive criticism following the final. Speaking on Sky Sports Tennis, the 18-time Grand Slam champion pointed out the emotional hurdles Anisimova must overcome to take the next step in her career.
“She was okay emotionally but still a little bit too much of a rollercoaster. I think she needs to be nicer to herself. Period,” Navratilova said. “She is such a perfectionist that she gets disappointed too easily and she needs to stay more positive the whole time.”
Her comments suggest that mental resilience, rather than talent, could be the decisive factor in determining Amanda Anisimova’s path to future major titles.
Bartoli highlights Sabalenka’s edge
Former Wimbledon champion Marion Bartoli also weighed in on the US Open final, attributing Sabalenka’s victory to both physical and mental superiority.
“I think she was moving a bit better than Amanda today. That might have been a bit from fatigue from first of all the extra match and also that gruelling semifinal over Naomi Osaka,” Bartoli explained. “Aryna Sabalenka was able to showcase that incredible resilience today that got her over the line ultimately. She played clever, she played better, was emotionally in control and when she was able to really dig deep she was there for it.”
While back-to-back Grand Slam final defeats will sting, Amanda Anisimova’s resurgence in New York signals that she is edging closer to fulfilling her potential. With legends like Navratilova emphasizing emotional balance and peers like Sabalenka recognizing her talent, the foundations for future success are firmly in place.