The 2024 US Open Tennis: Champions, Upsets, and Historic Moments

Introduction

The US Open 2024 proved to be one of the most thrilling and unpredictable tennis tournaments in recent history. From breathtaking rallies and shocking upsets to the rise of new champions, the event captured the imagination of tennis fans worldwide. Played at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City between August 26 and September 8, 2024, the tournament closed the Grand Slam season with drama, excitement, and history-making performances.

With $75 million in total prize money, the stakes were higher than ever, and the players delivered performances worthy of the sport’s grandest stage. This blog takes you deep into the highlights, winners, upsets, financials, and key storylines of the 2024 US Open Tennis Championships.

Men’s Singles: Jannik Sinner Claims His Crown

The men’s singles final was a battle of power, precision, and nerves, as Italy’s Jannik Sinner defeated America’s Taylor Fritz in straight sets, 6–3, 6–4, 7–5.

Why This Win Matters

• It was Sinner’s second Grand Slam title, confirming his place among tennis’s elite.
• He became the first Italian man to lift the US Open trophy.
• Sinner showed incredible composure, especially against an American crowd largely rooting for Fritz.

The Road to the Final

• Quarterfinals: Sinner defeated Carlos Alcaraz in a blockbuster match that many dubbed the “unofficial final.”
• Semifinals: He handled Daniil Medvedev’s relentless baseline game with maturity, proving his versatility.

Taylor Fritz’s Breakthrough

For Taylor Fritz, reaching the final was historic. He became the first American man since Andy Roddick in 2006 to play in a US Open final. Although he fell short, Fritz proved he belongs among the top-tier players. His aggressive serving and fearless hitting throughout the tournament made him a fan favorite.

Women’s Singles: Aryna Sabalenka Shines Bright

In the women’s singles, Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus defeated Jessica Pegula of the United States in straight sets, 7–5, 7–5.

Why This Title Is Special

• It was Sabalenka’s first US Open singles title.
• She now holds three Grand Slam titles overall, further solidifying her dominance.
• Sabalenka became one of the few women in history to win both the Australian Open and US Open in the same year.

The Final Showdown

Jessica Pegula, playing in her first Grand Slam final, pushed Sabalenka in both sets. However, Sabalenka’s raw power and ability to raise her game in crucial moments made the difference. Her clutch serving under pressure sealed her victory in straight sets.

Major Upsets and Shocking Exits

The 2024 US Open was defined not just by the winners but also by the stunning early exits of big names.

Novak Djokovic’s Early Exit

The biggest shock came when Novak Djokovic, the defending champion, lost in the third round to Alexei Popyrin. Djokovic struggled with rhythm, while Popyrin played fearless tennis, unleashing huge forehands and serving big. This defeat marked one of Djokovic’s earliest exits in a Grand Slam in years.

Coco Gauff’s Disappointment

Defending women’s champion Coco Gauff was ousted in the fourth round by fellow American Emma Navarro. Gauff, who won the 2023 US Open, couldn’t replicate her magic as Navarro played with aggression and consistency, stunning both the crowd and commentators.

Other Notable Surprises

• Iga Świątek, world No. 1, was defeated in the quarterfinals by Jessica Pegula in a thrilling match.
• Rising star Holger Rune lost early despite being tipped as a dark horse.
• Veterans like Stan Wawrinka and Andy Murray bowed out in the early rounds, possibly marking the twilight of their US Open journeys.

Prize Money: Record-Breaking Numbers

The 2024 US Open offered a record $75 million in prize money, the largest purse in the history of tennis.

• Men’s Singles Champion (Jannik Sinner): $3.6 million
• Women’s Singles Champion (Aryna Sabalenka): $3.6 million
• Finalists (Fritz & Pegula): $1.8 million each
• First-Round Losers: $100,000

This prize pool highlighted the US Open’s commitment to financial growth and equal pay for men and women.

Memorable Matches and Highlights

Sinner vs. Alcaraz: The Clash of the Future

The quarterfinal between Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz was widely regarded as the match of the tournament. Featuring breathtaking rallies, momentum shifts, and youthful energy, the battle lasted over four hours, with Sinner finally prevailing.

Pegula vs. Świątek: Breaking the Barrier

Jessica Pegula’s victory over Iga Świątek in the quarterfinals was a defining moment in her career. Pegula, often called the “hardest worker” on the tour, finally broke through to her first Grand Slam final by beating the world No. 1 in straight sets.

Emma Navarro’s Rise

Emma Navarro’s victory over Coco Gauff was not just an upset it was a statement. Navarro announced herself as a future contender, blending consistency with fearless shot-making.

The Changing of the Guard in Men’s Tennis

The 2024 US Open was historic because it confirmed the end of the Big Three era at Flushing Meadows. For the first time in years:

• Federer has retired.
• Nadal didn’t play due to injury.
• Djokovic exited before the second week.

This left the spotlight to the next generation: Sinner, Alcaraz, Fritz, Medvedev, and others. Tennis fans are witnessing a new golden age, with fresh rivalries emerging.

The American Dream: Fritz and Pegula

While neither American finalist lifted the trophy, their runs ignited excitement in US tennis:

• Taylor Fritz gave American men’s tennis its biggest moment in nearly two decades. His powerful game and emotional connection with the home crowd made him the story of the men’s draw.
• Jessica Pegula finally broke past the quarterfinal barrier. At 30, her journey is a testament to perseverance, proving that hard work pays off even later in a career.

Their success signals that American tennis may be heading for a resurgence.

Off-Court Moments and Atmosphere

The US Open is as much about the vibe as the tennis. Celebrities filled the stands: from Hollywood actors and singers to NBA and NFL stars. The buzzing energy of Arthur Ashe Stadium was unmatched, especially during night sessions.

The tournament also embraced technology, with advanced AI-driven line calls, faster replay systems, and immersive fan experiences through augmented reality.

Food stalls, fashion statements, and live music made the event a cultural festival as much as a sports competition.

What This Means for the Future of Tennis

For Jannik Sinner

His US Open victory cements him as a Grand Slam threat on all surfaces. With his cool temperament and all-court game, Sinner could dominate the sport in the coming years.

For Aryna Sabalenka

Her victory shows that she is no longer just a hard-hitter but also a tactical, mentally tough player. She is now a serious contender for every Slam she enters.

For American Tennis

The strong runs by Fritz, Pegula, and Navarro prove that the US has a new generation capable of competing with the world’s best.

For the Big Picture

The 2024 US Open highlighted the global nature of tennis. Champions came from Italy and Belarus, finalists from the United States, and stars from Spain, Poland, and Australia made headlines. Tennis has truly become a worldwide sport with no single nation dominating.

Conclusion

The 2024 US Open Tennis Championships will be remembered as a tournament of change, drama, and inspiration. With Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka lifting the trophies, new chapters in tennis history were written. The shocking exits of legends like Djokovic and Gauff reminded fans that the sport is constantly evolving, while the breakthroughs of Fritz, Pegula, and Navarro gave hope for the future.

From historic wins to unforgettable matches, the 2024 US Open showed why it remains one of the most exciting events in world sports. The torch has officially been passed to a new generation, and tennis fans worldwide can’t wait to see what comes next.