Amanda Anisimova’s quest for a maiden Grand Slam title was undone by a wave of unforced errors at critical moments, as she fell to a more composed Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 7-6 (3) in the US Open final. While the American displayed her trademark power, her inability to maintain consistency proved to be the deciding factor against the World No. 1.
Throughout the tournament, Anisimova’s high-risk, high-reward game had paid off handsomely, leading to victories over top-tier opponents. In the final, however, the pressure of the occasion and the relentless consistency of Sabalenka exposed the fine margins of her playing style. Key errors on crucial points stalled her momentum and gave Sabalenka control of the first set.
Despite fighting back to break Sabalenka late in the second set, Anisimova’s game unraveled in the tiebreak. Sabalenka, in contrast, played a clean, error-free breaker, highlighting the difference in their execution under pressure. Anisimova was felled by her own mistakes, unable to find the court when it mattered most.
The loss serves as a tough lesson for the rising American star. While her power is undeniable and capable of defeating anyone on tour, harnessing it with greater consistency will be the key to capturing the major titles that seem within her reach. Against a champion like Sabalenka, there is simply no room for error.
