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.
Revisit one of the most memorable championship runs in moment No. 21: In 2009, Juan Martin del Potro and his thunderous forehand announced themselves to the world.
The 2009 US Open men’s final was supposed to be a coronation for Roger Federer. With an expected victory over Grand Slam final debutant Juan Martin del Potro, the then-world No. 1 would become the first man in the Open Era with six US Open singles titles, matching Chris Evert for the most in the Open Era of any player, and become the first man to win six consecutive crowns since Bill Tilden won six U.S. Championships from 1920-25.
But del Potro and his thunderstroke of a forehand had other plans.
The towering Argentine, who had blitzed Rafael Nadal in the semifinals, overcame a wobbly start and was never again cowed by the occasion or his opponent. And most shockingly, in the match’s most important moments, it was del Potro who shined brightest on the Arthur Ashe Stadium stage.
Del Potro rallied from down a set and a break to claim the second stanza in a tiebreak to level the match, and he won another breaker in the fourth to send the title tilt to a decider. There, the expectation was that Federer’s experience and verve would prevail, but the set was never close. Del Potro raced out to a 3-0 lead and cruised to the finish line, breaking the all-time great to secure a 3-6, 7-6(5), 4-6, 7-6(4), 6-2 victory.
The upset was one of the finals stunners of the Open Era, without question, and has resonated long after. Federer would return to the Flushing finale only once more—unthinkable at the time—falling to Novak Djokovic in the 2015 championship match. Del Potro, in the meantime, grew into a New York City folk hero, his victory over Federer igniting a love affair among player, city and fans that has few parallels in tennis' modern times.
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.
