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Stunning Upsets in Previous US Open Tournaments

Unforeseen defeats have been common amongst top-tier competitors during the 2025 US Open, which started on August 24.

Stunning Upsets at Previous US Open Tournaments
Stunning Upsets at Previous US Open Tournaments

Stunning Upsets in Previous US Open Tournaments

In the grandeur of the US Open, some moments stand out as truly remarkable. Among these, the 2021 tournament saw the rise of two extraordinary players - Emma Raducanu and Leylah Fernandez.

Raducanu, a qualifier, made history by becoming the first qualifier to win the US Open title, a testament to her resilience and talent. Meanwhile, Fernandez, a 19-year-old Canadian, stunned tennis fans with her victory over Naomi Osaka in the third round, a result that ranks among the most shocking in tennis history.

Their paths crossed in the final, where Fernandez faced Raducanu. The match was a culmination of the underdog spirit that permeated the tournament.

Looking back at the 2015 US Open, Roberta Vinci made headlines by defeating Serena Williams in the semi-finals, reaching her first Grand Slam final. Despite losing to Flavia Pennetta in the final, Vinci's victory over Williams was a significant milestone. Pennetta, who turned 30 during the tournament, went on to make history by becoming the first woman to win her first major title at that age.

Marin Cilic, another player with a memorable US Open history, clinched his only Grand Slam title in 2014. His victory was marked by a classic performance in the semi-finals, where he defeated Roger Federer, a feat he had not achieved in their previous five encounters. Cilic then went on to defeat Kei Nishikori in the final.

Fast forward to 2024, Alexei Popyrin stunned the tennis world by defeating defending champion Novak Djokovic in the third round. Despite losing the third set 6-2, Popyrin claimed victory in the fourth set, marking his first victory over Djokovic in their career.

In the same tournament, Fernandez also overcame quality players like Aryna Sabalenka on her way to the final. The young Canadian's journey at the US Open, filled with unexpected victories and grit, is a testament to her promising tennis career.

The US Open continues to provide a platform for underdogs to shine and legends to create indelible moments in tennis history. As we look forward to future tournaments, we can expect more exciting stories to unfold.

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