Sabalenka Finds the “Fight” Anisimova Was Missing in US Open Decider

In the immediate aftermath of the US Open final, a tearful Amanda Anisimova lamented, “I think I didn’t fight enough for my dreams today.” In stark contrast, her opponent, Aryna Sabalenka, found that exact fight when it mattered most, gritting out a 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory to capture her fourth major.
The difference in their resolve was most apparent at the match’s critical juncture. After Anisimova broke back late in the second set, she had the momentum and the crowd behind her. It was a moment that called for her to press the advantage and fight for a third set. Instead, her game buckled with errors in the tiebreak.
Sabalenka, meanwhile, embodied the spirit of a fighter. Stung by her own error while serving for the match, she didn’t retreat. She dug in, held a tough service game to force the tiebreak, and then fought for every single point in the decider. Her focus and determination were unwavering.
Sabalenka’s post-match comments about overcoming adversity and her on-court resilience showed a champion who was willing to fight through the tough moments. It was this fighting spirit, the very thing Anisimova felt she lacked, that ultimately made Sabalenka a worthy two-time US Open champion.