The tennis world buzzed with controversy after Amanda Anisimova stood silently on stage, runner-up trophy in hand, while former US Open champion Andy Roddick questioned whether the sport’s most prestigious tournament had lost its heart.
What started as a celebration of athletic achievement became a debate about tradition, empathy, and whether some ceremonies do more harm than good.
How Did Aryna Sabalenka Defend Her 2025 US Open Title?
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka made history at the 2025 US Open final by defending her title against Amanda Anisimova on Saturday. The Belarusian commanded the match from the beginning. It secured a 6-3, 7-6(3) win over the American.
Sabalenka took home the grand prize of $5 million and the trophy. In comparison, Anisimova earned $2.5 million despite the loss. The victory marked another milestone in Sabalenka’s dominant season, cementing her position at the top of women’s tennis.
What Did Andy Roddick Say About Amanda Anisimova and the US Open Final Ceremony?
However, the post-match ceremony sparked unexpected controversy when Andy Roddick raised concerns about the tournament’s traditions.
During the presentation, Carillo called Anisimova to collect her runner-up trophy and ceremonial envelope containing her $2.5 million prize. She talked about her great summer season, reaching two consecutive Grand Slam finals. The American then congratulated Sabalenka and her team, thanked the crowd for their support during her matches, and thanked tournament director Stacey Allaster before pausing momentarily.
Before she could continue, Carillo interrupted her and asked her to stay on the stage for the trophy presentation. This moment drew immediate backlash from the online tennis community, who felt the interruption was inappropriate.
On the September 6 episode of “Quick Served,” Roddick spoke candidly about the ceremony. He defended Anisimova and said, “We get to the thing where it’s like Anisimova has to stay out there, doesn’t even get a hug from anyone she loves. And people are like, ‘Well, everyone has to talk.’ No, I understand press conferences exist. They also exist after a certain amount of time when you’ve probably cried on someone or hugged someone, or had a conversation to at least process a little.”
Why Does Roddick Believe the Ceremony Format Needs to Change?
Roddick then talked about how Anisimova was visibly upset reaching the stage and highlighted that she had to “get through it without breaking down.” The former champion criticized the tradition of handing out prize money during the ceremony, calling the practice awkward and potentially harmful to defeated players.
“Do we need to hand her millions of dollars publicly? That’s a weird thing that she has to just smile because that’s a life-changing amount, even though she’d give it up in a heartbeat for the win. I felt so bad watching her step to the mic,” he said, highlighting how uncomfortable it can feel to celebrate a prize that comes after a crushing defeat.
The ceremony marked the end of a difficult tournament for Anisimova, who competed in her second Grand Slam final two months after losing 6-0, 6-0 to Iga Świątek at Wimbledon. Despite the loss, she earned the largest runner-up prize in tennis history as part of the tournament’s record $90 million prize pool.
The American has enjoyed a strong 2025 season with a 39-16 win-loss record while claiming the WTA 1000 title in Qatar. She will reach her career-best ranking of World No. 4 once the tournament concludes, positioning her right behind compatriot Coco Gauff. This achievement represents a remarkable comeback for a player who has faced significant challenges in recent years.
