Amidst a year of challenges, the resumption of tennis seemed a daunting task.
The cavalry that goes with organising tournaments makes tennis a challenging sport to buckle down to one country.
Yet, the US Open played host to some exhilarating tennis over the last two weeks.
It was fourth-time lucky for a resurgent Dominic Thiem who fought back from two sets down to claim his maiden Grand Slam title. Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka was successful in claiming her second US Open crown.
Let’s recap the events of the last two or three weeks.
A tale of comebacks
The women’s final featured a repeat of the preceding Western & Southern Open, won by Victoria Azarenka after Osaka withdrew with an injury.
It was all about resilience this time round as Osaka overcame Azarenka’s power-hitting strokes.
The Belarusian’s extra punch in her shots pushed her to a commanding first set lead (6-1).
However, a mature Osaka clawed her way back to seal the remaining two sets 6-3, 6-3, and secure her third Grand Slam in two years.
You already know I had to bring out the headwrap for this one 😉 pic.twitter.com/YAlLk01hwm
— NaomiOsaka大坂なおみ (@naomiosaka) September 13, 2020
On the men’s side, Thiem became the first man in 71 years to win the decider after dropping the opening two sets.
An on-song Zverev dominated the early exchanges with strong serves and chunky forehands.
Thiem and Zverev combined for 120 unforced errors to only 95 winners throughout the match.
In a curious parallel, Zverev balanced his 15 aces with 15 double faults, and Thiem recorded eight in each category.
In a titanic finish, the Austrian fought his way back to a 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6 (6) victory for his first Grand Slam title.
It had to be like this - my career was always like the match today - many ups and downs and I love the way it turned out. pic.twitter.com/ksFDgIfws8
— Dominic Thiem (@ThiemDomi) September 14, 2020
An un-eventful end
With an emphatic unbeaten recorded this year, if there was anyone to defeat Novak Djokovic, it had to be himself.
Entering the US Open as the overwhelming favourite, the Serbian was defaulted for striking a line judge – albeit unintentionally – as per the rules.
Debating the outcome proved futile and brought an end to his unbeaten run, assuring a new player aside from the Big 3 would be crowned a Grand Slam champion.
The 33-year-old, a 17-time Grand Slam winner, now turns his attention to the French Open which gets underway next weekend.
The wait for 24 Slams continues
Serena Williams’s quest to equal Margaret Court’s record of 24 Grand Slam titles was brought to a halt at the semi-final stage.
The American has had several chances to claim a Slam since her return, reaching four finals but has lost all four.
The record has eluded her since she returned to action two years, several months after giving birth to daughter Olympia.
Having triumphed at Flushing Meadows on six occasions, it would have been the perfect destination to clinch her slice of history.
The US Open 2020: Mums on tour
With the women’s game being unpredictable and exciting, six of the world’s top 10 decided against travelling to New York for the tournament.
World number one Ashleigh Barty, world number two Simona Halep, defending champion Bianca Andreescu, world number five Elina Svitolina, as well as Belinda Bencic and Kiki Bertens, all opted against travelling to the Big Apple.
The tournament did have its fair share of heartwarming stories and mother-of-one Tsvetana Pironkova reaching the quarterfinal is right up there.
Having player her first tournament in over three years, the Bulgarian defeated two-time Grand Slam winner Garbiñe Muguruza in straight sets 7-5, 6-3.
Nine other players who are also mothers, entered the singles draw, one reached the final (Victoria Azarenka), and one lifted the doubles title (Vera Zvonareva).
The two most powerful words in any language: 'Thank you!' pic.twitter.com/j0WUtGrEsN
— victoria azarenka (@vika7) September 13, 2020
