In this article, check out the top 5 greatest US open finals in history. Bjorg Borg vs John McEnroe in 1980 US open final is considered one of the greatest US open finals.
5. Roger Federer vs Juan Martin del Potro (2015)
Roger Federer stepped into this match while chasing his historic 6th straight US Open. Besides, he was looking to become the first man since Rod Laver to win a Grand Slam on all types of courts (clay, hard, and grass) within the same calendar year.
Yet, the 1-year-old Argentine Juan Martin Del Potro stood between him and his grand slam glory. While many expected Roger Federer to claim an easy win, the Argentinian player showed nerves of steel in this epic clash. Federer lost the match 3-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2 as Del Potro became the first Argentine to win a Grand Slam defeating a legend like Roger Federer.
4. Jimmy Connors vs Bjorn Borg (1976)
Jimmy Connors is a name that ruled Men’s Tennis during the 1970s. Coming to this US Open finals match against Bjorn Borg, he stood as the number one ranked player. Yet, he had not claimed a Grand Slam title since his one-sided victory over Ken Rosewall in the 1974 U.S. Open finals.
So, Bjorn Borg still has a big opportunity to prove a point to his senior rival. Both the stars claimed two sets apiece before entering into a dramatic fifth set that entered into a tiebreaker. After all the twists and turns, Connors finally scored a thrilling victory over Borg by 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (11-9), 6-4.
3. Steffi Graf vs Monica Seles (1995)
Steffi Graf and Monica Seles are two of the most celebrated names in women’s tennis history. That said, the 1995 US open final between these two certainly lived to the hype. For Seles, it was her second tournament after missing out on action for around 2 and a half years.
The match started on a dramatic note as Steffi took the first set home in a thrilling tie-breaker. Bringing her best on the highlighted event, Seles then grabbed the second set without losing a single game. But, as we all know about the resilience of Graf, she came up with something special to take the 3rd set and the finals home with a 7-6, 0-6, 6-3 victory over seles.
Check out here A look at some unbreakable records held by Steffi Graf
2. Martina Navratilova vs Chris Evert (1984)
On number two of our countdown we have one of the best matches ever played between two of the biggest tennis superstars of that era. They are Navratilova and Chris Evert. While the rivalry between Martina Navratilova and Evert turned on the heat during that match, the proceedings certainly matched up to the expectations.
Despite the odds, Evert came ‘all guns blazing’ while securing the first set 6-4. As she did that, the crowd came up with some big cheers and screams. Still, the best of Navratilova was yet to come and she convincingly took the second set home despite facing 2 breakpoints at a critical stage.
Evert did come up with an improved performance in the 3rd set but it wasn’t enough. Ultimately, it was Navratilova who held her nerves while winning the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-4.
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1. Bjorg Borg vs John McEnroe (1980)
Borg, being the top-seeded player in the tournament, entered into this match after winning the French Open and Wimbledon in the same year.
It didn’t go likewise for the Swede as he lost the first set in a tie-breaker. Carrying on with the momentum, Mcenroe even won the second set 6-1 in a convincing manner. Right when the American seemed like running away with the title, the Swede came ‘all guns blazing.
Borg vigorously won the 3rd set tiebreak and further oversaw McEnroe in the 4th set. Borg didn’t lose a 5-setter in his career and he came up as the favorite now to win the match. Yet, the fans witnessed something special from McEnroe who secured a 7-6, 6-1, 6-7, 5-7, 6-4 win while claiming the 5th set.
