A teary-eyed Amanda Anisimova looked away as Aryna Sabalenka lifted the US Open trophy high into the air.
It is the second time in 57 days that the American has come up short in a Grand Slam final – but the circumstances are vastly different.
At Wimbledon in July, Anisimova froze in her first-ever major final – losing 6-0 6-0 against Iga Swiatek – but she can hold her head high despite going down 6-3 7-6 (7-3) at the hands of Sabalenka.
Few backed the 24-year-old to recover so quickly from that demoralising defeat at SW19, but Anisimova has displayed incredible mental strength.
“I didn’t fight hard enough for my dreams today,” Anisimova said.
“With finals I have a lot of nerves, and it’s something I’m trying to work on, but I wish I played more aggressive.
“I feel like if I fought harder, maybe I would have given myself more of a chance.”
World number one Sabalenka knows better than anyone how Anisimova is feeling.
Victory in New York gave Sabalenka her fourth Grand Slam singles title, but she has also suffered defeat in three major finals – including two this year.
“I know how much it hurts. But trust me, the moment you’re going to win the first one…” Sabalenka told Anisimova.
“And you are going to win it. You play incredible tennis.
“You’re gonna enjoy it even more after the tough losses.”
