Sabalenka goes back-to-back as two finalists, battling separate adversity, prove their resilience

(Getty/Elsa)

It would be easy to hide after being double-bageled in a Wimbledon final with millions tuning in around the world, but that isn't part of Amanda Anisimova's character.

Add that with taking a break from the sport to prioritise her mental health, and tragically losing her father just one week before turning 18, the American's journey will be discussed for decades to come.

Then there's world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka, who arrived in New York hoping to eliminate the demons of heartbreaking three-set Grand Slam final losses in Melbourne and Paris earlier this year.

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After exiting the US Open in 2022, a then 24-year-old Sabalenka was yet to reach a major final after 19 attempts.

Three years on, she contested her seventh Slam final and clinched her fourth major trophy in a 6-3, 7-6(3) win against Anisimova on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

Sabalenka's 5-3 lead evaporated in the second set, but her mental fortitude and hunger helped her prevail and eliminate some of the scars from 2025.

"All the tough lessons make this one worth it. I'm speechless right now," she said in her ceremony speech.

"Congrats Amanda on reaching back-to-back slam finals. I know how much it hurts, losing in the final.

"You play incredible tennis. Congrats to you and your team on the things you've achieved after your comeback.

"Girl, you're gonna enjoy it even more after the tough losses in the final."

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Like Anisimova, the Belarusian has also had to deal with the emotional pain of losing her father, which is something she spoke about.

"When he passed away, I was very depressed. But I decided to take it as motivation to put our family name in history. I think I feel his protection from up there," said Sabalenka.

For Anisimova, it's another learning experience to grow and develop, but her latest defeat will again prove to be a tough pill to swallow.

The eighth seed, who is guaranteed a career-high ranking of world No.4, was reduced to tears as she waited for the ceremony to commence, and left the court with regrets.

"Getting to two finals in a row is great, but it's also hard," Anisimova said.

"I think I didn't fight hard enough for my dreams today."

The result handed Sabalenka a cheque worth A$7.6 million, as she holds a commanding 3,292-point advantage at the top of the WTA rankings.

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