Some tennis matches in the open era of US Open are still recalled for offering the best possible sports entertainment. Speaking of which, 2011 US Open semifinal between Roger Federer and Djokovic has been a recent addition to a list of some of the finest tennis matches.
We have come up with a list of most memorable tennis match of US Open. The rankings given to these matches have been based on the star power, drama of the match and the significance of the contest.
- Andre Agassi v Pete Sampras, 2001
This quarterfinal of 2001 US Open featured everything a tennis fan could want. Two greatest American tennis players who already owned 21 Grand Slam singles titles between them met for the 32nd time.
The contest was extremely close throughout the match. There was not a single service break in this fantastic match. Sampras finished off his 6-7(7-9), 7-6(7-2), 7-6(7-2), 7-6(7-5) victory at 12:14am. Best part was that a crowd of 23,033 at Arthur Ashe Stadium remained in attendance till the end.
2. Chris Evert v Martina Navratilova, 1984
Navratilova’s 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 in this match has to be the most compelling win in her career. In 1983, Navratlova had beaten Evert 6-3, 6-1 in the US Open finals and had continued her 12 straight times win against Evert. This match was the 61st meeting between these two rivals. Although Evert used a lot of variety in her game style but she somehow managed to fall again.
3. Steffi Graf v Monica Seles, 1995
It was the most dramatic match between Monica Seles and Steffi Graf where Steffi was victorious 7-6, 0-6, 6-3. Steffi was facing immense pressure due to her personal life issues. Also, Graf had to spend time in a hospital before this match for MRI that was performed on her aching foot.
In a tie-break of first set, Graf won the set but Seles dominated the second set very convincingly and won the set in just 27 minutes. However Graf responded with her best tennis in the third set to claim the match.
4. Jimmy Connors v John McEnroe, 1980
Connors and McEnroe, the greatest American tennis players, never really liked each other and had their own attitudes. McEnroe was leading 6-4, 5-4 when Connors took control of the match and won 11 straight games eventually leading two sets to one and 2-0 in the 4th set of this match.
McEnroe was about to win on the match point in fourth set but Connors responded with big strokes to tie the match. In the fifth set, McEnroe at one point lost control of his racket and was fined $250. This set went to tie-breaker and eventually McEnroe won the match.
5. Roger Federer v Nova Djokovic, 2011
It has to be the most memorable match and easily recalled too. Djokovic played his greatest clutch shots to beat Roger Federer 6-7, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2, 7-5 in the 2011 US Open semifinals.
