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.
In the tenth installment, we're revisiting the classic 2003 women's semifinal between Jennifer Capriati and Justine Henin: one that had it all, and lingered from late night into early morning.
The ups and downs, the twists and turns, the stomach drops experienced in the 2003 US Open semifinal between Justine Henin and Jennifer Capriati would put even the most gravity-defying of Coney Island coasters to shame.
The three-hour, three-minute showdown, which lingered until 12:27 a.m. local time and remains the latest semifinal finish in US Open history, was chock-full of momentum shifts. The No. 2-seeded Henin appeared to be in control early, sprinting out to a 4-1 advantage in the opener, only to have the Big Apple-born Capriati reel off five straight games to steal the set. Capriati would serve for the match at 5-3 in the second, and led 5-2 in the decider only to fall short of victory, 4-6, 7-5, 7-6(4), her heart-on-sleeve emotion swings on display for all to see.
“I just felt like the whole world was coming down on me. You know, just my heart was being ripped out,” said Capriati afterward. “[But] that’s the risk you’re taking. I mean, that’s what being an athlete is. You could get such joy in winning, but there’s the other side of it. A true champion, a true player, it’s how they can handle it and come through that kind of defeat.”
The Belgian Henin was two points from defeat on no less than 11 occasions. When it was all said and done, Friday night having rolled into the early-morning hours of Saturday, Henin dropped to her knees, clasping her head in disbelief. She was soon carted off to the hospital in need of an emergency IV drip.
“When I got off the court, I didn’t know what to expect because I was feeling so bad,” said the future Hall of Famer, who miraculously returned less than five hours later to beat top-seeded countrywoman Kim Clijsters, 7-5, 6-1, in the title match. “I think I went to sleep at 3:45. Then I was awake at 8:30. I tried to sleep a little bit more until 11:30, but it was very hard because the match was still in my mind.”
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.
