The 5 Biggest Moments in U.S. Open Tennis History

The **U.S. Open**, the final Grand Slam of the tennis season, is known for its electric atmosphere, raucous crowds, and a history filled with unforgettable drama. Held on the hard courts of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens, this tournament has been the stage for some of the sport’s most defining moments. From groundbreaking victories that transcended sport to fairytale runs that captured the world’s imagination, the tournament consistently delivers unparalleled excitement. As players battle under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, legacies are forged and history is made. In this article, we will countdown the five biggest moments that have shaped the identity of this iconic American sporting event.

What Makes the U.S. Open Unique?

Before diving into the specific moments, it’s crucial to understand the tournament’s unique character. Unlike the polite applause at Wimbledon or the clay-court grind of the French Open, the **U.S. Open** is loud, proud, and quintessentially American. It was the first Grand Slam to introduce tiebreaks in deciding sets and the first to offer equal prize money to men and women, a landmark decision made in 1973. The hard courts are a great equalizer, rewarding powerful servers and aggressive baseliners alike, leading to a wide variety of playing styles finding success. The night sessions in Arthur Ashe Stadium, the largest tennis-specific stadium in the world, create an atmosphere that is more rock concert than tennis match, feeding the players’ adrenaline and producing spectacular theater for millions watching globally.

1. Arthur Ashe’s Historic 1968 Victory

In 1968, the world was in turmoil, and the Civil Rights Movement was at a crucial juncture in the United States. In this charged environment, a calm and cerebral player named Arthur Ashe made history. Competing in the first-ever “Open Era” U.S. National Championships where professionals were allowed to compete alongside amateurs, Ashe, a lieutenant in the U.S. Army, was still an amateur himself. He navigated a treacherous draw to reach the final against the Netherlands’ Tom Okker. Ashe’s triumph made him the first—and to this day, the only—African American man to win the singles title. Because of his amateur status, he was ineligible for the $14,000 prize money, which went to his opponent. But his victory was priceless; it was a monumental achievement that broke racial barriers and established Ashe not just as a champion, but as a global icon for social justice and change. You can read more about the tournament’s rich past on the official U.S. Open history page.

2. The Epic ‘Super Saturday’ of 1984

September 8, 1984, is widely regarded as the single greatest day in the history of tennis. Dubbed “Super Saturday,” it featured an astonishing lineup of matches that stretched for over 11 hours. The day began with 37-year-old Martina Navratilova winning her second consecutive women’s singles title by defeating her rival Chris Evert. What followed was a pair of men’s semifinals that have since become legendary. First, Ivan Lendl and Pat Cash battled in a five-set marathon that Lendl ultimately won. Immediately after, John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors, two fiery American rivals, took the court for another five-set epic. McEnroe emerged victorious in a match filled with brilliant shot-making and explosive tempers. The sheer quality, drama, and star power on display in a single day set a new standard for tennis entertainment and cemented Super Saturday as an indelible part of U.S. Open folklore.

3. Serena and Venus Williams: A Sister Act Dominates

No story is more intertwined with the modern U.S. Open than that of the Williams sisters. From the moment they burst onto the scene, Venus and Serena changed the game with their power, athleticism, and unshakeable belief. The 2001 final was a watershed moment: the first Grand Slam final between two sisters in the Open Era. Venus won that encounter, but it was the start of an era of dominance. Serena would go on to win six U.S. Open titles, while Venus claimed two. Their primetime matches at Arthur Ashe Stadium became must-see television, drawing massive ratings and bringing a new audience to the sport. Their journey from the public courts of Compton to the pinnacle of tennis is one of the most inspirational stories in all of sports, and their numerous battles at Flushing Meadows are a central chapter. Choosing the right equipment is essential for players hoping to emulate their power game.

4. Del Potro’s Stunning 2009 Upset of Federer

By 2009, Roger Federer was the undisputed king of tennis and had won the U.S. Open five consecutive times. He entered the final as the overwhelming favorite against the 20-year-old Argentine, Juan Martín del Potro. What transpired was one of the greatest upsets in Grand Slam final history. Armed with a thunderous forehand, del Potro refused to be intimidated. After falling behind two sets to one, the “Tower of Tandil” rallied with incredible courage, pushing the match to a deciding fifth set. He ultimately prevailed, ending Federer’s 40-match winning streak in New York and capturing his only Grand Slam title. Del Potro’s emotional victory, powered by one of the biggest weapons the sport has ever seen, proved that even the most dominant champions are vulnerable and created a moment of pure, unscripted joy.

5. Emma Raducanu’s Fairytale in New York (2021)

Perhaps the most improbable run in the history of any Grand Slam occurred in 2021. Emma Raducanu, an 18-year-old from Great Britain ranked 150th in the world, entered the qualifying tournament just hoping to make the main draw. Three matches later, she had. What happened next was unbelievable. Raducanu stormed through the main draw, winning match after match without dropping a single set. She played with a fearless, joyful aggression that charmed the New York crowd. In the final, she defeated fellow teenager Leylah Fernandez to become the first qualifier—male or female—to ever win a Grand Slam title. It was a run so unexpected and so dominant that it defied all logic, serving as a powerful reminder that in sports, absolutely anything is possible.