Looking back at the 2024 US Open: A new era for world tennis

The 2024 US Open will be remembered. Not only for the powerful rallies or the twists and turns typical of the last Grand Slam tournament of the year, but especially for what it represents in the history of tennis. Imagine: for the first time since 2002, no member of the Big Three – Djokovic, Nadal or Federer – wins a major tournament. A page is turning.

When we talk about the US Open, it is impossible not to mention Arthur Ashe Stadium. This legendary court, where more than 23,000 people vibrate to the rhythm of the racket strokes, has seen the greatest moments of tennis. Built in 1997 and named in tribute to Arthur Ashe, the first African-American to win a Grand Slam, this place is a modern arena of sport, a cathedral where each year, new legends are written. But this time, the legend took another turn.

Novak Djokovic, icon of a generation, was beaten in the 3rd round by Australian Alexei Popyrin. It was a shock, for him, for the fans, and especially for the history of tennis. Since 2002, we had become accustomed to seeing one of the three giants – Federer, Nadal or Djokovic – triumph at each Grand Slam. But now, 2024 is the year when this dynamic has ended. For some, it is a heartbreak; for others, it is the sign that tennis is entering a new era. Perhaps this is an opportunity for the young guns to assert themselves?

Besides, the US Open is not just about numbers and records, it is above all about emotions. Every match, every point, every minute on these Laykold courts (yes, that is the name of this surface that makes the game even faster and more intense), is a moment of pure passion. It is also a tournament where surprises are never lacking. But beyond the victories and defeats, what stands out from this 144th edition is the symbolism. The end of an era dominated by three titans. One could almost say that it is the end of a certain “comfort” for tennis fans who knew that they would see one of these three in the final, or at least in the semi-final.

So what does this mean for world tennis? Sure, there are still some incredible talents, but we can feel that the tide is turning. Young players no longer have this psychological barrier imposed by the Big Three. They know that the place is free, that a new chapter is being written and that they have the pen in hand.

But back to this 2024 edition. There is a certain irony in the fact that history has chosen this US Open to signify this transition. A tournament that, since its inception in 1881, has always been at the forefront of modern tennis, could not have hoped for a better time to make history, once again. And what better place than New York, the city that never sleeps, to witness this upheaval?

Ultimately, whether you're nostalgic for the Big Three or excited about what the future holds, one thing is for sure: the US Open remains true to itself. An unpredictable, thrilling tournament, and most importantly, the setting for great stories. So, see you next year, to see who will write the sequel.