Anisimova’s Giant-Killing Run Comes to an End Against World No. 1

Amanda Anisimova’s spectacular, giant-killing run through the US Open draw came to a halt in the final, as she was defeated 6-3, 7-6 (3) by the one giant she couldn’t topple: World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Despite a valiant effort, the American’s dream of a maiden Slam was denied by the tour’s most dominant player.
Anisimova’s path to the final was extraordinary. She produced some of the best tennis of her career to score immense wins over top seeds like Iga Swiatek and former champion Naomi Osaka. Her fearless, all-or-nothing brand of tennis captivated the New York crowd and made her the story of the tournament.
In the final, she brought that same attacking mindset, but found herself up against a player who could match her power and exceed her consistency. Sabalenka, the defending champion, was a wall that Anisimova couldn’t break through. The World No. 1 absorbed the American’s best shots and fired back with interest, eventually forcing errors.
While the loss will sting, Anisimova’s performance over the fortnight was a powerful reminder of her immense talent. She proved she can beat anyone on any given day, and though her run ended in the final, she re-established herself as a major threat in the women’s game.