NEW YORK — In a quiet, somber press conference following a lopsided US Open final, a dejected Amanda Anisimova offered a raw and painful assessment of her performance. The 22-year-old American, who had captivated the tennis world with a stunning run to the championship match, fell short of the ultimate prize, succumbing to the relentless power of top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka, 6-4, 6-3. Her most poignant admission cut deeper than any forehand winner: "I didn't fight hard enough for my dreams."
The Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd, which had roared its support for the home favorite throughout the fortnight, was left in a hushed silence as Anisimova struggled to contain her emotions. The final, which many had hoped would be a coronation for a resurgent star, instead became a masterclass in controlled aggression from the defending champion, Sabalenka. For Anisimova, the loss represented more than just a missed opportunity for a first major title; it felt like a personal failure to seize a moment she had worked years to reclaim.
A Dream Run Meets a Relentless Reality
Anisimova’s journey to the final was the stuff of tennis fairytales. Having stepped away from the sport indefinitely in May 2023, citing mental health concerns and burnout, her return in 2024 was initially met with cautious optimism. Few could have predicted she would blast through the draw in Flushing Meadows, notching impressive victories over established stars like Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur and world number five Elena Rybakina. Her powerful, flat groundstrokes and fearless returning seemed to be peaking at the perfect time.
However, the final presented a different caliber of challenge in Aryna Sabalenka. The Belarusian, now a three-time Grand Slam champion, has perfected a brand of high-risk, high-reward tennis that can overwhelm any opponent on any given day. From the first ball, Sabalenka imposed her will, her serve a devastating weapon and her returns landing deep at Anisimova’s feet, preventing the American from setting up for her own potent shots.
Anisimova’s game plan appeared to unravel under the pressure. Uncharacteristic errors flowed from her racquet, and the aggressive intent that had defined her previous matches was replaced by hesitation. The key moments all swung in Sabalenka’s favor, breaking Anisimova’s serve at 4-4 in the first set and then again early in the second. The American’s frustrations were visible, her shoulders slumping after missed opportunities, a stark contrast to the fiery determination she had displayed all tournament.
The Weight of Expectation and a Painful Admission
In her post-match press conference, Anisimova was brutally honest. The typically reserved player opened up about the mental battle she lost on the sport's biggest stage. "It's just tough to get through it," she stated, her voice barely above a whisper.
She elaborated on the feeling of being overwhelmed, not just by Sabalenka’s game, but by the magnitude of the occasion. "Aryna played incredible, she deserves this so much. But I just feel like I had a lot of chances, and I didn't take them. I didn't fight for every point the way I know I can. I let the moment get to me, and that's the most disappointing part."
This introspection highlights the immense psychological toll of professional tennis, particularly for a player like Anisimova, who has been marked for greatness since her teenage years. Her run to the 2019 French Open semifinals as a 17-year-old created enormous expectations, followed by a period of immense personal tragedy with the sudden passing of her father and coach, Konstantin. This US Open was supposed to be her redemption arc, a triumphant completion of a long and painful journey back to the top.
Instead, she was left with a feeling of regret. When asked to clarify her comment about not fighting hard enough, she explained: "It's not about not trying. It's about that extra five percent, that belief in the biggest points. She [Sabalenka] went for her shots without any doubt. I hesitated. And in a Grand Slam final, that's the difference. I didn't fight for that belief in myself."
Looking Ahead: Perspective from a Tough Loss
Despite the searing pain of the loss, there were glimmers of perspective breaking through. Anisimova acknowledged the incredible support from the New York fans and the fact that even reaching the final was an achievement few predicted after her hiatus. "A month ago, I didn't even know if I'd be here. So to be in the final is something I should be proud of," she conceded.
The tennis community has largely rallied around her, praising her courage both in returning to the tour and in her vulnerable honesty after the final. Former champion and commentator Lindsay Davenport noted, "What Amanda is going through is the toughest lesson in sports. But her vulnerability shows incredible self-awareness. That awareness is what will fuel her comeback from this."
For Sabalenka, the victory cemented her status as the world's most dominant hard-court player. In her victory speech, she paid tribute to her opponent's journey: "Amanda, you are such an incredible player and such a strong person. I know how hard it is to come back. What you’ve done this week is amazing. I have no doubt you will have your Grand Slam title very, very soon."
A Foundation Built for Future Success
While the immediate aftermath is filled with disappointment, Anisimova’s US Open performance has unequivocally announced her return to the elite of women's tennis. Her game is clearly capable of beating anyone on tour. The challenge now will be to harness the pain of this loss and use it as motivation, transforming the narrative from one of a fight not hard enough to one of a dream ultimately realized.
The takeaways from this tournament for Anisimova are overwhelmingly positive, even if they are hard to see through the tears:
- A massive rise back into the world's Top 15.
- A proven ability to compete with and defeat the best players in the world.
- A newfound resilience after overcoming immense personal challenges.
The final word belongs to Anisimova herself, who, in a moment of clarity amidst the disappointment, hinted at the fire still burning within. "This hurts. It hurts a lot. But I remember what it feels like to be away from this game, and I remember how much I missed it. This pain means I'm back where I belong. I will learn from this. I will be better." For a player who has already overcome so much, betting against her would be a mistake. The dream is not dead; it has simply been deferred.