The 2025 US Open women’s singles final should have been a moment of pure triumph for Aryna Sabalenka. Instead, it ended with a bizarre and uncomfortable trophy presentation that stole the spotlight.
While the World No. 1 successfully defended her title, the post-match ceremony became the main event for all the wrong reasons, leaving both players visibly bothered and fans questioning the conduct of a broadcasting legend.
How Did Mary Carillo’s Interruptions Affect Amanda Anisimova and Aryna Sabalenka?
The awkwardness began almost immediately after Sabalenka secured a 6-3, 7-6(3) victory over American favorite Amanda Anisimova, becoming the first singles player to win back-to-back championships at Flushing Meadows since Serena Williams did from 2012 to 2014.
Mary Carillo, a former pro and decorated sportscaster with over four decades of experience, was tasked with hosting the ceremony. Despite a career that earned her the title of “the sport’s top analyst” from Sports Illustrated, her performance sparked accusations of unprofessionalism and extreme rudeness.
Fans hoping to hear emotional speeches from the finalists instead watched Carillo repeatedly derail the moment.
The first jarring interruption came during Anisimova’s runner-up speech. After congratulating Sabalenka, the 24-year-old was cut off by Carillo, who steered her to talk about the New York crowd. Anisimova handled it gracefully, thanking the fans and tournament director Stacey Allaster, but paused to collect herself.
Mary Carillo manages to cut off BOTH women’s finalists’ speeches
byu/Large_banana_hammock intennis
Carillo jumped in again, trying to move the ceremony along. Anisimova, however, politely insisted on thanking her team, making sure to acknowledge their support during her run to the final.
What Was Sabalenka’s Response to Being Cut Off During Her Speech?
When it was the champion’s turn, the situation didn’t improve. Sabalenka, soaking in her second straight US Open crown, began her speech by reflecting on her journey with the New York crowd, recalling early career challenges before expressing her gratitude for their support in 2025.
But before she could properly thank her coaches and family, Carillo tried to move on, introducing a representative from JPMorgan to present the $5 million winner’s check. A visibly confused Sabalenka stopped her, saying, “Wait, wait, wait, I need to say thank you to my team, I’m not done. What do you mean?”
The series of interruptions was especially surprising given Carillo’s respected status in tennis. She played professionally from 1977 to 1980, reaching a peak singles ranking of World No. 33 and winning the 1977 French Open mixed doubles title with John McEnroe.
Happy birthday to the terrific sportscaster, former professional tennis player, member of the Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame and our friend, Mary Carillo. 🎉 pic.twitter.com/5hXONKEFxg
— Billie Jean King (@BillieJeanKing) March 15, 2024
After injuries cut her playing career short, she built a celebrated broadcasting career with networks like USA Network, ESPN, NBC Sports, and HBO. Her analysis has been a staple at Wimbledon, the French Open, the Olympics, and the US Open, making the clumsy handling of Saturday’s ceremony all the more puzzling.
