A tearful Amanda Anisimova looked away when Aryna Sabalenka lifted the open trophy up in the air.
This is the second time in 57 days to rank second in the Grand Slam final – but the situation is very different.
On Wimbledon in July, Anisimova froze in her first major final – defeating Iga Swiatek 6-0 6-0, but she could still raise her head despite defeating 6-3 7-6 (7-3) in Sabalenka’s hands.
Few support the 24-year-old recovering so quickly from that frustrated failure of SW19, but Anisimova showed incredible spiritual power.
“Today I fight for my dreams,” Anisimova said.
“I had a lot of nervousness in the finals, and it was something I wanted to do, but I wanted to play more aggressively.
“I think if I work hard, maybe I will give myself more opportunities.”
The world’s number one Sabalenka knows better than anyone else.
The New York victory gave Sabalenka a fourth Grand Slam singles title, but she also suffered defeats in three major finals, including two this year.
“I know how painful it hurts. But believe me, the moment you win the first one…” Sabalenka told Anisimova.
“And you’re going to win. You play tennis.
“You will enjoy it even more after the huge loss.”
