Amanda Anisimova sat in her chair with tears streaming down her face as Aryna Sabalenka celebrated another major triumph in New York.
Less than two months ago, Anisimova endured a nightmare debut in a Grand Slam final, losing 6-0 6-0 to Iga Swiatek at Wimbledon. On Saturday night at the US Open, the script was different. She fought bravely against the world No. 1, but Sabalenka’s experience and composure carried her to a 6-3 7-6(3) victory. For Anisimova, the pain was overwhelming, as she broke down in tears on her chair.