The US Open is once again upon us and looks set to welcome back fans amid a year of uncertainty caused by the coronavirus pandemic. New York invites an abundance of individual talent from all corners of the globe to compete in one of the most sought-after events on the tennis calendar, with fans set to flood Flushing Meadows for two weeks of singles action.
Unfortunately, last year’s showpiece was overshadowed by the pandemic but now tennis’ elite have the opportunity to demonstrate why they should be leading ranks in US Open 2021 betting. Winning the competition is no easy feat but read on as we review the last five winners in ascending order.
2016 – Stan Wawrinka
Stan Wawrinka’s scintillating display to earn his first US Open title caused major waves in the tennis game, causing a massive upset to overturn a slight deficit to defeat world number one Novak Djokovic.
Wawrinka boasts three grand slam titles to date and became the oldest winner of a US Open, then aged 31, for over 40 years. The Swiss was ranked as high as world number three after victory in New York, hitting 46 winners and demonstrating the courage to overcome the odds in spite of being written off before the final had even begun.
2017 – Rafael Nadal
Not the first time the Spaniard will appear on this list, this was Rafael Nadal’s third US Open victory and one may argue his most impressive final performance – strolling past Kevin Anderson having only lost 15 points on serve and never facing break point.
The Spaniard won 6-3,6-4,6-4 to solidify his dominance as the world number one at the time. The match was over in just under two and a half hours on the way to a 16th grand slam title.
2018 – Novak Djokovic
It surely comes as a surprise that Novak Djokovic hasn’t already featured at some point, especially in the conversation regarding some of the singles’ superstars.
Following defeat to Wawrinka two years prior, Djokovic entered the tournament with the intention of putting things right and this made him a favourite amongst the US Open betting tips despite the rest of the big four at the time — Nadal, Roger Federer and Andy Murray — all being present.
The Serb defeated Spaniard Juan Martin del Potro to add a 14th Grand Slam title to his honours haul on top of Wimbledon a couple of months prior.
2019 – Rafael Nadal
As mentioned before, this period was where Nadal was most prolific in the US Open. He beat Daniil Medvedev in a five-set final to capture his second title in three years, however it wasn’t as routine as a few years previously.
A late resurgence in form from Medvedev after Nadal raced into a fast start, leading by two sets and a break, nearly sparked a historic comeback. However, Nadal quashed all hopes of an underdog story in an eventful final.
2020 – Dominic Thiem
Dominic Thiem is the current holder of the US Open title after he most recently edged past Alexander Zverev in a match that took place behind closed doors.
Despite being less experienced, Zverev put together a noteworthy display but succumbed to defeat 2-6, 4-6, 6-4, 6-3, 7-6. “It was tough to stay there and to still believe, but I did,” Thiem said in his post-match press conference. “It’s a Slam final…the belief was always there.”