Flushing Night, No Losers: Anisimova’s Thorny Crown

At 24, Anisimova fought with every last ounce of strength in the US Open final. Compared to her debut Grand Slam final two months earlier, she gained nine additional games and managed to break Sabalenka’s championship serve, stubbornly dragging the match into a tiebreak. Yet against the tiebreak queen who has dropped just one out of 22 tiebreaks this season, no miracle occurred. Sabalenka secured the win 6-3, 7-6(3).

Once again, Anisimova tasted defeat in a Grand Slam final. After the match, she couldn’t help but cover her face and cry, her tears full of frustration and regret. But these tears are different from those at Wimbledon; through adversity, she has transformed, becoming tougher and closer to her peak.“I really wanted to give everything in the final. Reaching the final is special, of course. But to be the one smiling at the end—that would be a dream come true,” Anisimova said after the match, expressing the complex feelings every runner-up knows: a blend of glory and disappointment.

The harsh reality of competitive sports is that there is only one champion, yet its charm lies in every participant finding their own value through hard work. Anisimova’s performance at this US Open has proven she is not a lucky underdog who accidentally reached the final, but a contender truly capable of winning a Grand Slam title.

At the award ceremony, Sabalenka’s first words were for her respected opponent: “Congratulations to Amanda for reaching two Grand Slam finals in a row. Losing these finals—I know how painful it is. But believe me, you will win your first title.”

These words not only reflect Sabalenka’s sportsmanship but also reveal the growth path of a top athlete. Sabalenka’s journey mirrors the one Anisimova is on now. Both experienced losing two Grand Slam finals this season, but Sabalenka found redemption in her third final. The Belarusian’s experience undoubtedly lights the way forward for Anisimova.

Being a Grand Slam runner-up is not the end but a necessary step on the path to becoming a champion. Throughout tennis history, countless great players have endured multiple runner-up finishes before finally reaching the top podium.

Anisimova’s technical game is continuously improving, and her mental toughness has been tested in major tournaments. From Wimbledon to the US Open, her progress is clear: winning nine more games, breaking her opponent’s championship serve, and pushing the match to a tiebreak all indicate she is closing the gap to the champion.

This night in New York had no true losers. Sabalenka claimed the championship trophy and $5 million prize, while Anisimova earned respect and hope. Both warriors can hold their heads high as they leave Flushing Meadows and embark on new journeys.

The allure of sports competition lies not only in crowning a champion but also in the spirit of struggle and pushing human limits shown by every participant. Anisimova’s tears will not be in vain; they will nurture even more brilliant victories in the future.

Next, let us look forward to Anisimova’s third Grand Slam final. By then, she will carry the experience and strength gained from these two losses and truly realize the moment when her dream comes true.There is only one champion, but honor belongs to all those who give their all. Anisimova’s thorny crown will eventually shine with the light of a champion.(Source: Tennis Home, Author: Mei)