US Open Classics: Matches That Made History

The US Open, one of tennis’s four Grand Slam tournaments, has long been the stage for high-octane drama, emotional comebacks, and career-defining moments. Played in the electric atmosphere of New York City under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, the tournament has a unique energy that pushes players to their limits.

Over the decades, the US Open has delivered countless unforgettable matches — epic five-set marathons, fierce rivalries, shocking upsets, and historic victories that etched players' names into tennis folklore. Here, we take a trip down memory lane and revisit some of the greatest US Open matches of all time — true classics that shaped the legacy of the game.

1. Björn Borg vs. John McEnroe – Final, 1980

While their legendary Wimbledon battle is often remembered first, the 1980 US Open final was a showcase of pure rivalry.

• Score: McEnroe def. Borg 7–6, 6–1, 6–7, 5–7, 6–4

The contrast of styles between McEnroe’s flair and Borg’s cool precision kept fans on the edge of their seats. This five-set thriller cemented the McEnroe-Borg rivalry as one of the sport’s most iconic and intense.

2. Serena Williams vs. Venus Williams – Final, 2001

This match wasn’t just about tennis — it was a cultural moment. Two African-American sisters, trained on public courts, were facing each other in a Grand Slam final under the lights in New York.

• Score: Venus def. Serena 6–2, 6–4

This match drew nearly 23 million viewers, making it one of the most-watched tennis broadcasts in history. While the match was one-sided, its impact went far beyond the scoreboard. It marked a turning point for diversity in the sport.

3. Pete Sampras vs. Andre Agassi – Quarterfinal, 2001

Two American legends. Four tiebreak sets. No breaks of serve. Pure tennis perfection.

• Score: Sampras def. Agassi 6–7(7), 7–6(2), 7–6(2), 7–6(5)

This match was about precision, mental toughness, and old-school tennis excellence. Played under the night lights of Arthur Ashe, it’s widely considered one of the most technically brilliant matches in US Open history.

4. Andy Murray vs. Novak Djokovic – Final, 2012

After years of near-misses and emotional breakdowns, Andy Murray finally claimed his first Grand Slam title — and he had to go through Novak Djokovic to get it.

• Score: Murray def. Djokovic 7–6(10), 7–5, 2–6, 3–6, 6–2

This physical and mental battle lasted nearly five hours and saw Murray become the first British man to win a Grand Slam since 1936. It was the breakthrough moment that changed the course of his career.

5. Jennifer Capriati vs. Monica Seles – Quarterfinal, 2002

This match was a throwback to the 90s and showcased two former teen phenoms battling well into their careers.

• Score: Capriati def. Seles 5–7, 6–4, 6–3

Capriati and Seles put on a show of shot-making and grit, showing that even as the younger generation rose, legends still had fire left in them. It was one of the most emotionally charged women's matches of the era.

6. Novak Djokovic vs. Roger Federer – Semifinal, 2011

This match is best remembered for Djokovic’s iconic cross-court forehand return winner on match point — a shot that stunned even Federer.

• Score: Djokovic def. Federer 6–7, 4–6, 6–3, 6–2, 7–5

Down two sets and two match points, Djokovic pulled off one of the greatest comebacks in US Open history. The roar from the crowd after that return will live forever in tennis lore.

7. Martina Navratilova vs. Steffi Graf – Final, 1989

Two tennis titans collided in a match that symbolized the passing of the torch.

• Score: Graf def. Navratilova 3–6, 7–5, 6–1

Navratilova was chasing her fifth US Open title, while Graf was entering her dominant phase. The final was a thrilling clash of generations, with Graf ultimately overpowering her idol in the final set.

8. Rafael Nadal vs. Daniil Medvedev – Final, 2019

This match was a war. What looked like a comfortable win for Nadal turned into a full-blown epic as Medvedev launched a ferocious comeback.

• Score: Nadal def. Medvedev 7–5, 6–3, 5–7, 4–6, 6–4

Lasting 4 hours and 51 minutes, it was one of Nadal’s most dramatic victories. The raw emotion from both players afterward proved how much was left on the court that night.

9. Jimmy Connors vs. Aaron Krickstein – Fourth Round, 1991

At 39 years old, Jimmy Connors was already a legend. But on his birthday, he gave fans one more unforgettable moment.

• Score: Connors def. Krickstein 3–6, 7–6, 1–6, 6–3, 7–6

Trailing in the fifth, Connors clawed his way back in front of a raucous New York crowd. His screams of “This is what they came for!” summed up the magic of that evening.

10. Emma Raducanu vs. Leylah Fernandez – Final, 2021

An all-teen final. A qualifier winning a Grand Slam without dropping a set. Emma Raducanu’s fairy tale captivated the world.

• Score: Raducanu def. Fernandez 6–4, 6–3

At just 18, Raducanu became the first qualifier in history to win a Grand Slam. Her poise, precision, and historic run at the 2021 US Open made headlines around the globe.

Watch US Open Classics & Live Matches on TotalSportek

If you want to relive these unforgettable US Open moments, or catch today’s stars write their own chapters, TotalSportek is your go-to destination for free, high-quality Tennis Streams. Whether you're revisiting a Federer masterclass or watching the next Carlos Alcaraz vs. Jannik Sinner showdown, TotalSportek brings it all directly to your screen.

From classic replays to live Grand Slam coverage, TotalSportek lets you enjoy tennis the way it should be — fast, accessible, and crystal clear.

The Legacy of the US Open

What sets the US Open apart is its raw energy. The late-night matches. The passionate New York crowd. The electric atmosphere under the lights. More than just a tournament, the US Open is a celebration of tennis in its most dramatic form.

It’s where champions are crowned, rivalries are born, and dreams — sometimes from qualifying rounds — come true. The classics listed above represent the spirit of the game: unpredictable, emotional, and unforgettable.

Conclusion

The US Open has gifted tennis fans with some of the sport’s most iconic moments. From five-set battles to history-making performances, the tournament continues to be a showcase of resilience, brilliance, and heart.

For fans who want to watch these moments again or catch every point of the current action, Tennis Streams on TotalSportek make it easy. Tune in for history in the making — because the next classic match could be just a rally away.