Every year, the US Open plays host to some of the most unforgettable moments in women’s tennis. Held in late summer at New York’s Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, this Grand Slam draws the best athletes in the world to battle under the lights in front of roaring crowds.

What separates a good performance from a legendary one isn’t just a trophy, but how players dominate, adapt, or transform the game while doing it.

From Serena’s power to Raducanu’s poise, the event has been a launchpad for greatness. Fans, analysts, and former champions all look to this tournament to gauge who truly belongs among the elite.

In a sport where surfaces shift and conditions vary, the US Open remains the most electric hard-court test on the calendar. It’s also the site of some of the boldest, most complete performances ever recorded in the women’s game.

Defining Greatness in Women’s Tennis

At the US Open, greatness reveals itself in layers. The best runs combine flawless execution with defining moments that elevate a player beyond the trophy. Some dominate every match, others survive chaos. A few change how tennis is played.

Dominance on paper is the starting point. Players who sweep the field in straight sets, drop under 20 games all tournament, or convert break points above 50% make their case with numbers alone. Elite metrics in hold percentage and return pressure tell a clear story - some performances are simply a cut above.

Turning points mid-tournament carry equal weight. Saving match points, outlasting seeded veterans, or flipping a deciding set all signal resilience. When a run includes beating four top-20 players, or turning defense into wins on big points, it becomes unforgettable.

What lingers is the impact. A new shot pattern, a changed serve stance, a moment where the crowd sees something new - that’s when performance becomes legacy. At the US Open, these shifts often ripple outward, influencing coaching, strategy, and how future contenders prepare for New York.\

Trailblazing US Open Champions

Althea Gibson’s 1957 US Nationals title opened the doors. Her athleticism set new standards, and she became the first Black woman to win in New York. Billie Jean King followed with six titles, blending aggressive net play with unmatched court IQ. Her legacy isn’t just tournament wins, but leadership.

Chris Evert built her dominance around unshakable consistency. With six US Open crowns, she played in 34 straight Grand Slams and regularly turned defense into offense with precision and consistency.

Steffi Graf’s 1988 run, part of her Golden Slam, showcased brutal efficiency. She dropped just 12 games en route to the final and revolutionized the open-stance forehand.

Serena Williams reshaped expectations. Her title runs in 2002, 2008, 2012, and 2014 featured power baseline play with elite mental strength. Serena’s late-stage dominance, even after injuries and childbirth, redefined longevity in women’s tennis.

Naomi Osaka entered the spotlight with a poised 2018 performance, then confirmed it with another title in 2020. Her backhand precision and serve reliability under pressure marked her as a player built for big matches.

Iconic US Open Finals That Changed Eras

Finals often mirror transitions in women’s tennis. When Serena won in 1999 as a teenager, she toppled top-seeded Hingis and set off a new era. The match blended fearless hitting with fearless belief.

In 2018, Naomi Osaka defeated Serena in straight sets. Despite external drama, her level-headed execution made headlines. She controlled tempo and took the ball early, defusing Serena’s power.

Bianca Andreescu’s 2019 win over Serena stunned the crowd. Her varied pace, slices, and bold angles disrupted rhythm and marked the rise of a new Canadian force.

Emma Raducanu’s run in 2021 defied logic. As a qualifier, she didn’t drop a set, winning 20 consecutive sets across all rounds. Her calm demeanor, paired with an aggressive return game, made it one of the most unexpected triumphs in Slam history.

In 2023, Coco Gauff delivered a gritty performance to beat Aryna Sabalenka. Despite losing the first set, her court coverage and clutch shot-making turned the tide. Her win capped a summer of momentum, dominating headlines across major outlets and driving a surge of latest tennis news coverage worldwide.

Women To Watch at the 2025 US Open

Aryna Sabalenka enters as the world number one. Her first-strike tennis, especially off the return, makes her dangerous on any fast court. Her opening win was clean and ruthless, reinforcing her place at the top of most 2025 US Open odds lists.

Iga Świątek, the number two seed, started with a 6-1, 6-2 win that showcased her ability to change pace mid-rally. Her use of angle and spin disrupts rhythm, a skill tailor-made for late-round success.

Coco Gauff began with a tight first-round win but showed elite defense, turning into offense. With the crowd behind her and hard-court success from 2023, she remains a top contender.

Jessica Pegula, seeded fourth, brings clean baselining and low-error rates. Though not as flashy, her plus-one patterns and deep returns make her a fixture in late rounds.

Naomi Osaka’s return was a story on its own. With a strong first-round win and sharper movement, she’s reminding the field that experience matters in New York.

Elena Rybakina’s serve and flat forehand drive play well on this surface. If she controls her error count, her ball-striking alone can take her far.

The Lasting Impact of Iconic US Open Performances

The best US Open performances do more than fill highlight reels. They shift how players train, how coaches prepare, and how the public views resilience on court. Many of today’s fitness baselines, scheduling habits, and even gear innovations reflect what players needed to survive in New York.

The energy in Arthur Ashe Stadium, especially during night matches, forces mental and physical stamina. Dealing with swirling winds, humidity, and the late-August calendar all adds layers not found at other Slams. It’s no coincidence that players who thrive here tend to enjoy career-defining seasons.

Whether measured in raw dominance or poetic grit, women’s tennis at the US Open continues to deliver performances that stay etched in memory and shape the future of the game.

*Content reflects information available as of 27/08/2025; subject to change.