The US Open is one of the most prestigious tennis tournaments, attracting the best players from around the world. Since 2000, several tennis legends have claimed victory in this hard-fought competition, with a few names standing out for their multiple wins. This article takes a look at the players who have dominated the US Open in the 21st century.
Roger Federer: Five Wins
Roger Federer, regarded by many as one of the greatest tennis players in history, has secured five US Open titles in the 21st century, all in succession. His first victory came in 2004 when he defeated Lleyton Hewitt in straight sets. Federer continued his dominance with wins in 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008, cementing his legacy as one of the tournament’s most successful players. His unique style, characterized by elegance and precision, allowed him to excel on the hard courts of the US Open. He is the only player in the Open era to win the event five straight times. Although he hasn’t added another title since 2008, Federer’s five wins in the 21st century place him among the greats.
Rafael Nadal: Four Wins
Rafael Nadal, famous for his prowess on clay, has also made his mark on the hard courts of the US Open. Nadal’s first US Open victory came in 2010, defeating Novak Djokovic in the final. His incredible physicality and relentless style of play have served him well at Flushing Meadows, leading to further victories in 2013, 2017, and 2019. Nadal’s adaptability to different surfaces has been a key factor in his success, and his four titles in the 21st century are a testament to his versatility and endurance.
Novak Djokovic: Four Wins
Novak Djokovic has been a dominant force in tennis for over a decade, and his success at the US Open is a reflection of his consistency at the highest level. Djokovic won his first US Open in 2011, defeating Rafael Nadal. He followed this with victories in 2015, 2018, and 2023.
Known for his incredible defensive skills and mental toughness, Djokovic has solidified his place among the all-time greats, and many consider him the greatest to ever play the game. His 24 Grand Slam titles are the most in history, and when combined with the Australian Open, Djokovic has a record 14 major championship titles on the hard court. His dominance in the 21st century has made him a popular pick in tennis player futures markets, as fans and analysts alike recognize his potential to continue winning major titles.
With four US Open titles, Djokovic continues to chase records, and he remains one of the standout players of the modern era.
Andy Murray: One Win
Although Andy Murray has only one US Open title, his victory in 2012 was a significant moment in his career. Murray, known for his incredible work ethic and tactical intelligence, faced Novak Djokovic in the final, winning an epic five-set match. This victory marked his first Grand Slam title, solidifying his place among the tennis elite. Murray’s resilience and determination on the court have made him a fan favorite, even if he hasn’t added another US Open title since that breakthrough victory.
Pete Sampras: One Win (in the 21st Century)
Pete Sampras, a tennis legend from the 1990s, claimed his last Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2002, marking his fifth overall win at the tournament. Although Sampras’ dominance primarily occurred in the 1990s, his 2002 victory over Andre Agassi in four sets was a fitting end to an illustrious career. While Sampras only has one US Open title in the 21st century, his legacy as one of the all-time greats remains intact.
Daniil Medvedev: One Win
Daniil Medvedev won his first US Open in 2021, defeating Novak Djokovic in straight sets. Medvedev’s powerful baseline game and exceptional ability to control the pace of rallies have made him a rising star in the tennis world. His victory prevented Djokovic from achieving a calendar-year Grand Slam, adding even more significance to his win. Medvedev’s steady rise to the top of the sport suggests he may continue to be a contender at future US Opens.
Carlos Alcaraz: One Win
Carlos Alcaraz won his first major championship at the U.S. Open in 2022, doing so at the age of just 19. Alcaraz defeated Casper Ruud in four sets to begin his Grand Slam journey which has since seen him add two Wimbledons and a French Open. Alcaraz, along with world No. 1 and potential future champion Jannik Sinner, represent the new age of tennis, and many fans expect the 2022 championship to be just the first of many for Alcaraz in New York.
Others With One Win
While the names above represent the biggest names in the sport, several others have added a win at the U.S. Open. Marat Safin defeated Pete Sampras for his lone title in 2000; Leyton Hewitt also knocked off Sampras for his first U.S. Open in 2001; Andy Roddick represents the last American to win the U.S. Open in 2003; Juan Martin del Potro prevented Federer from winning a sixth consecutive U.S. Open in 2009; Marin Cilic defeated Kei Nishikori on a Monday finish in 2015; Stan Wawrinka won his only U.S. Open in 2016 over Novak Djokovic; and Dominic Thiem knocked off Alexander Zverev in a five-set thriller in 2020.
Conclusion
The 21st century has seen a mix of established legends and rising stars claim victory at the US Open. While Roger Federer leads the pack with five wins, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic are not far behind with four titles each. Only time will tell if they can hold off future legends like Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner, who are poised to win more Grand Slam titles in the future.
