US Open 2025: Amanda Anisimova says she ‘didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams’ in Aryna Sabalenka loss

A teary-eyed Amanda Anisimova looked away as Aryna Sabalenka lifted the US Open trophy high into the air.

It was the second time in 57 days that the American had come up short in a Grand Slam final – but the circumstances are vastly different.

At Wimbledon in July, Anisimova froze in her first-ever major final – losing 6-0 6-0 against Iga Swiatek – but she can hold her head high despite going down 6-3 7-6 (7-3) at the hands of Sabalenka.

Few backed the 24-year-old to recover so quickly from that demoralising defeat at SW19, but Anisimova displayed incredible mental strength to reach Saturday’s final at Flushing Meadows.

“I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams,” Anisimova reflected on the defeat.

“With finals I have a lot of nerves, and it’s something I’m trying to work on, but I wish I played more aggressive.

“I feel like if I fought harder, maybe I would have given myself more of a chance.”

World number one Sabalenka knows better than anyone how Anisimova is feeling.

Victory in New York gave Sabalenka her fourth Grand Slam singles title, but she has also suffered defeat in three major finals – including two this year.

“I know how much it hurts,” Sabalenka told Anisimova.

“But trust me, the moment you’re going to win the first one, and you are going to win it, you’re going to enjoy it even more after the tough losses.”