The US Open never fails to entertain, often thrilling fans with action in New York City.
Tennis’ most recent trip to the ‘Big Apple’ saw two champions crowned for the first time at the US Open.
Jannik Sinner beat Taylor Fritz in the men’s final, 6-3, 6-4, 7-5, as he crushed American dreams on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
On the women’s side, Aryna Sabalenka took down Jessica Pegula to collect her third Major title, with a similarly convincing straight sets victory.
Neither final would likely be described as a ‘classic’, but that’s not to say that there weren’t several huge moments throughout the two weeks in New York that had fans on the edge of their seats.
Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic were both knocked out in the early stages, as the Spaniard fell to Botic van de Zandschulp in the second round before the Serb lost to Alexei Popyrin in the third.
During the semi-finals, Fritz beat Frances Tiafoe in a five-set thriller to book his place in a maiden Grand Slam final, a moment that will live long in the memory of those in attendance.
The 2024 tournament was a memorable one, but it can’t even begin to compare to what happened at the event 41 years ago.
Super Saturday at the 1984 US Open: The ‘Greatest Day of Tennis Ever’
On Saturday, September 8, 1984, fans woke up expecting a thrilling day of action at the US Open, but what followed exceeded all expectations.
The two men’s semi-final matches and the women’s final were set to be played, as the world’s best players took to the court.
- Men’s SF 1 – Pat Cash v Ivan Lendl
- Women’s F – Martina Navratilova v Chris Evert
- Men’s SF 2 – John McEnroe v Jimmy Connors
Men’s SF 1: Pat Cash [15] v Ivan Lendl [2]
The day started with a bang, as 15th seed Pat Cash, took on Ivan Lendl in a thrilling encounter.
Twice a losing finalist, in 1982, and 1983, Lendl was determined to make it third time lucky, but first had to make his way past the Australian star.
It was Cash who got out the gates quickest, taking a one-set lead over Lendl, 6-3, before the Czech second seed battled back.
Lendl won the second and third sets, 6-3, and 6-4, putting him just one set away from a third consecutive US Open final.
Tension continued to rise, however, as Cash took the fourth set in a tiebreaker, sending things to a decider.
Another tiebreaker followed in the fifth, as Lendl eventually won in five sets, having saved a match point.
The first of three matches on Saturday was a breathless encounter that left fans excited for more, something Martina Navratilova and Chris Evert quickly delivered.
Women’s Final: Martina Navratilova [1] v Chris Evert [2]
The top two seeds in the women’s draw made their way into the final for the second straight year, as Evert looked to exact revenge on Navratilova, having lost to her in 1983.
Navratilova had made light work of her American opponent one year earlier, winning in straight sets, 6-1, 6-3.
Evert quickly showed she was up for a fight this time around, however, as she stormed into a one-set lead, taking the first, 6-4.
Always up for a fight, Navratilova stepped up in the second and third sets, winning, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
It was Navratilova’s 13th straight win over her Floridian opponent, as she lifted the US Open title once more.
Men’s SF 2: John McEnroe [1] v Jimmy Connors [3]
Fans were already more than satisfied having watched two legendary matches on ‘Super Saturday’, but John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors were determined to send them home on a high.
The pair had shared the previous six US Open titles, and two-time defending champion Connors was searching for his sixth title in New York.
McEnroe and Connors played out what many believe to be the finest of their 34 ATP Tour encounters, as they went the distance.
After five grueling sets, McEnroe came out on top, winning, 6-4, 4-6, 7-5, 4-6, 6-3, in a match that finished at 11:14 PM.
‘Super Saturday’ had come to a close, a day that has since become known as the ‘Greatest in Tennis history’ by many.
What can fans expect to see at the 2025 US Open?
Fans will be hard-pushed to see a greater day of tennis action than what some witnessed back in 1984, but there is plenty to look forward to in New York later this year.
Sinner and Sabalenka will likely be favorites to defend their titles, although they will face some stiff opposition from their greatest rivals.
Alcaraz and Iga Swiatek were champions at the US Open in 2022, but have struggled at the event in recent years.
| Name | 2024 US Open | 2023 US Open | 2022 US Open |
| Iga Swiatek | Lost in QF | Lost in 4R | Winner |
| Carlos Alcaraz | Lost in 2R | Lost in SF | Winner |
The duo have caused real issues for the world number ones in recent years, however, as they lead their head-to-heads with Sinner and Sabalenka.
- Carlos Alcaraz 6-4 Jannik Sinner
- Iga Swiatek 8-4 Aryna Sabalenka
Only time will tell if they can win at Flushing Meadows once more in 2025, as the tournament gets underway on Sunday, August 24.
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