Amanda Anisimova could only sob into her towel moments after she was defeated 6-3 7-6(3) by Aryna Sabalenka in the US Open final, before cutting off the presentation interviewer. The American had rallied from her whitewash in the Wimbledon final by Iga Swiatek to reach the showpiece match of her home Major, but ultimately could not get the better of the defending champion.
Anisimova had complained about the lights in the roof at the end of the first set, before shocking the Arthur Ashe Arena crowd when Sabalenka had a chance to win in the second. But the Belarusian sent a smash into the net, giving Anisimova a temporary reprieve that lasted just a few more moments, before Sabalenka took the second-set tiebreak.
She had paid an emotional tribute to her opponent and was then told that she would be handed the runner-up trophy, before interrupting the message and saying: “Oh, just a few more words…”
Anisimova began her speech by saying: “It’s been a great summer. Losing in two finals in a row is great but it’s also super hard. I think I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today.
“I wanna say congrats to Aryna. You are so incredible. I know I have to face you all the time. But I’m in awe of what you’ve accomplished. You keep achieving so many incredible things. Big congratulations to you and your team. You guys are amazing.”
To be the first to receive the latest tennis news, join our WhatsApp community or newsletter
She then penned a message to the hordes of American fans cheering her on in New York, telling them: “Thank you everyone for coming out and supporting me at my home Slam all two weeks.
“It’s been an incredible fortnight and I absolutely love it here, it has been a dream of mine to play in the final of the US Open, so a big thank you to everyone at the US Open who has made this happen, a big thank you to USTA, to Stacey [Ann Allaster – US Open tournament director] I know it is your last year. I really tried to go as far as I could to share this moment with you. It has been really special and I have really enjoyed.”
When told that she would then be presented with her trophy and a runner-up’s cheque of £1.85m, she had to stop proceedings and awkwardly said: “Oh, just a few more words…”
The 24-year-old insisted on offering up some more thankful messages, and her wish was granted as she continued: “I want to say a big thank you to my team, you guys are amazing and you have helped me get to this point. It has been a crazy, crazy journey.
“A big thank you to my family and everyone who is part of my life, who are like family to me, my sponsors, IMG my agency who are also my family and have been with me through this crazy journey, a big thank you to everyone and I love all you guys.”