When Arthur Ashe Stadium opened its gates in 1997, it simultaneously opened a new era for the US Open. The arena, named for one of tennis’ all-time champions and grandest ambassadors, quickly established itself as the game’s greatest stage; a spectacular centerpiece for an event whose global appeal had spurred its remarkable growth. With its 23,000-plus seats, Arthur Ashe Stadium allowed more fans the chance to witness first-hand the tournament’s singular sizzle, while simultaneously affording the game’s greatest talents a fitting floorboard upon which to showcase their incredible talents. Like its host city, Arthur Ashe Stadium is unapologetically large and loud; the electricity generated within its high walls creating a wave of energy that has come to define the US Open as an event unlike any other. It is as iconic as the man for whom it is named.
In the 25 years since Arthur Ashe Stadium opened, this grand arena has hosted countless memorable moments—many of them integral pieces in constructing the US Open’s global reputation as one of the world’s most spectacular sporting events. So many great matches; so much incomparable drama; so much unforgettable magic.
Throughout the summer leading up to the 2022 US Open, USOpen.org will recount 25 of the most memorable moments from these 25 years of Arthur Ashe Stadium. Some obvious; others, less so; every one of them helped establish this unequaled arena as our game’s greatest stage.
Up next, we're revisiting the semifinals of the 2015 US Open, where Serena Williams stood on the precipice of history. Then came Roberta Vinci.
At the start of the 2015 US Open, there was no argument that the biggest story of the tournament, of tennis, of sports, was Serena Williams. The world No. 1 was on a tear, amassing a 33-match win streak at the majors, that included trophies from Melbourne, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the prior year’s Open.
A title run in New York would have further augmented her place in the record books: singles major No. 22, two shy of Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24; a seventh US Open women’s singles title, surpassing Chris Evert; and winning the elusive Grand Slam, the first singles player to do so since Stefanie Graf in 1988.
Williams was five matches into history when she booked her semifinal against Italy’s Roberta Vinci. The 32-year-old Vinci had lost their four previous encounters, including a straight-set defeat one month earlier in Toronto.
“I know that I have a lot of experience, but when you play against Serena doesn't matter. You have to play better then better then better,” said Vinci, who was about to play in her first major semifinal.
“You have to try to return and try to put the ball on the court. It's not easy to do, but we will see. Maybe [in the semifinal] I can do it.”
And Vinci did. The tense three-setter saw the world No. 43 throw everything at Williams, employing her vintage arsenal of one-handed slice backhands and stinging drop shots to claim the 2-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory. After the match, Vinci addressed the packed stands in Arthur Ashe Stadium, many of whom had purchased a ticket to see Williams get one step closer to Grand Slam glory.
“It’s an incredible moment for me. It’s amazing. It’s like a dream. I’m in the final and I beat Serena. Sorry, guys,” said Vinci. “But for me it’s an amazing moment. I tried to stay focused and not think about the match. Serena’s an incredible player. I think it’s the best moment of my life.”
Vinci would go on to finish runner-up to Flavia Pennetta in the first all-Italian singles final in the Open Era.
“I think it's an incredible moment for all Italian people,” said Vinci. “Miracles can happen. Because I beat Serena, miracle. And then two Italian can reach the Grand Slam final, a miracle.”
What's in store for our grandest stage this summer? Join us and find out. The 2022 US Open main draw begins on Aug. 29 and runs through Sept. 11. Individual tickets and ticket plans are on sale now at Ticketmaster.
