World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka made history at the 2025 US Open, defeating Amanda Anisimova 6-3, 7-6(3) in the Women’s Singles final. This was her 100th Grand Slam win, and she became the first woman to defend her title at Flushing Meadows since Serena Williams. Sabalenka has now won a Major title each year for the last three years.
However, this moment of triumph was overshadowed by an “absolutely awful” act by the host, Mary Carillo, during the post-match on-court speeches.
What Did Mary Carillo Do During Aryna Sabalenka and Amanda Anisimova’s US Open Final Speeches?
Following the conclusion of the match, both players were called on stage to get their trophy. Carillo, an American sportscaster and former tennis player, first called Anisimova to collect her finalist trophy, but the words she used caused trouble in the online tennis community. She began by saying, “You really made that a match,” seemingly hinting at her 6-0, 6-0 loss to Iga Świątek in the Wimbledon final.
Anisimova voiced her feelings after the tough match, thanking US Open tournament director Stacey Allaster, and then paused momentarily. Before she could say anything, Carillo interrupted, asking her to stay on stage to collect her finalist trophy, which appeared a bit hurried. Anisimova politely said she wanted to thank her team, who supported her during the tournament, before getting down from the mic.
Bizarrely, the same thing happened with Sabalenka’s speech, which triggered tennis fans on social media. Firstly, Carillo called her to the podium by saying, “Aryna Sabalenka, get up here.” Then, after the champion thanked the crowd for supporting her during her matches, Carillo made a three-word comment, “It was remarkable,” and went on to call the sponsor to present her with the check.
But Sabalenka’s completely confused expression conveyed that she was expecting another question or wanted to speak more. She quickly stopped Carillo, saying, “Oh, wait, wait, I need to say thank you to my team, I’m not done. What do you mean?”
Both these interruptions seemed unnecessary to the tennis community online. They argued that the final speeches are for the players to express their thoughts, thank the crowd, their team, and family, and voice their goals. Carillo not letting both players finish their speeches enraged fans.
MORE: Amanda Anisimova Cries Uncontrollably at US Open After Aryna Sabalenka Crushes Her Dreams
Many voiced frustration on X, writing, “I’m sorry, that was an absolutely awful hosted ceremony by Mary Carillo.”
I’m sorry, that was an absolutely awful hosted ceremony by Mary Carillo.
She didn’t even realize Sabalenka was not finished with her speech yet. Either get someone who can actually moderate it like Mary Joe Fernandez in past years or (preferably) it’s not an interview.
— Tennis Updates (@TennisUpdates25) September 6, 2025
Another fan wrote similarly about Carillo: “I’m sorry but Mary Carillo was HORRIBLE at the @usopen”
I’m sorry but Mary Carillo was HORRIBLE at the @usopen
She made it about her not the players by constantly interrupting. Not only did she totally interrupt Anisimova during her speech but then did the same thing with Sabalenka.
Just horrible job by her.
— Just My Opinion (@JustMyOpinions4) September 6, 2025
One fan had an issue with Carillo’s “You made a match of it there at the end” comment to Anisimova.
Mary Carillo telling Anisimova, “You made a match of it there at the end,” wasn’t really necessary.
— Tick Tock Tennis (@TickTockTennis) September 6, 2025
A fan noted that the interruptions during the speeches turned it into a press conference while criticizing Carillo and calling it a “horrible idea.”
Having Mary Carillo doing that champion interview was the worst decision. We lost the honesty and free flowing of thoughts from these champions. Turned it into a press conference. Horrible idea!
— salim madjd (@salimmadjd) September 6, 2025
A fan quoted the importance of post-match speeches and how Carillo ruined it: “Tennis major post-championship speeches from the players are so much better when you let them speak freely and uninterrupted. Not sure why the US Open speeches are being done this way, with rushed questions and Mary Carillo cutting them off before they can even thank their teams.”
Tennis major post-championship speeches from the players are so much better when you let them speak freely and uninterrupted. Not sure why the US Open speeches are being done this way, with rushed questions and Mary Carillo cutting them off before they can even thank their teams.
— Kevin Chiang, MD, MEd, FAAP (@KevinCChiang) September 6, 2025
One fan noted the comments from Carillo that they didn’t like in a tweet on X.
#USOpen That Mary Carillo trophy ceremony should be shown around the world in communication classes on how not to do a ceremony like that.
“You made a match of it at the end”
“And she said she was speechless”Absolutely awful. https://t.co/oBYpauiarV
— Vinayakk (@vinayakkm) September 6, 2025
Another fan wasn’t happy with Carillo’s interruptions during the championship speeches.
Disregarding Carillo’s controversial interference, both players proceeded to complete their speeches and thanked their loved ones for their unceasing support.
