NEW YORK — What an exhilarating time it has been!
For almost three weeks, the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center was filled with continuous excitement. From a revamped mixed doubles tournament to Amanda Anisimova avenging her Wimbledon defeat against Iga Swiatek, and Aryna Sabalenka successfully defending her US Open title, these weeks in New York brimmed with captivating moments.
Sabalenka’s recent victory served as yet another testament to her prominence, coinciding with a season characterized by the emergence of four different Grand Slam winners—highlighting the remarkable competitive balance on the Hologic WTA Tour.
This equilibrium has defined the era following Serena Williams. Since Williams clinched three majors in 2015, there have been seven instances of four different champions in a single season over the last nine years, with the pandemic limiting 2020 to only three majors. Notable exceptions include Swiatek and Sabalenka, who each secured two titles in 2022 and 2024, respectively.
Is Naomi Osaka truly back among the elite?
GG: Honestly, when Naomi nearly defeated Swiatek at last year’s French Open, I expected her to win the US Open. Her return to elite competition was slow, but after two full seasons post-motherhood, she’s truly back. You could see her determination when she bested No. 3 seed Coco Gauff and two-time semifinalist Karolina Muchova. With new coach Tomasz Wiktorowski, she’s a strong contender for Melbourne in four months.
BK: I agree, Greg. What struck me was her composure and enjoyment on the court. Her fresh outlook allowed her to appreciate the moment, particularly after defeating Muchova, as she expressed relief in returning to form post-childbirth. Osaka seems set for a significant 2025, which is excellent for tennis when she’s performing at her best.
Did Taylor Townsend just have her true breakout moment?
GG: Harsh remarks from Jelena Ostapenko placed Taylor Townsend in the spotlight, and she handled it with grace. After a mixed doubles second-round loss with Ben Shelton, she defeated Ostapenko and No. 5 seed Mirra Andreeva in singles before falling to Barbora Krejcikova. Partnering with Katerina Siniakova, they made it to the doubles final, significantly enhancing Townsend’s profile.
BK: Could Townsend be the tournament MVP? This was indeed her moment to shine. She became a fan favorite, showcasing her maturity during a viral incident, and rallied the crowd during her match with Krejcikova. Following her doubles final run, her talent and character were undeniable, and it’s exciting to witness her rise in popularity.
Are the Czechs still the deepest force in women’s tennis?
GG: The Czech Republic’s players continue to impress. Krejcikova, Marketa Vondrousova, and Muchova all reached the quarterfinals, despite battling injuries. Let’s not overlook Siniakova’s performance, reaching the doubles final alongside Townsend. Plus, sisters Jana and Alena Kovackova claimed the girls’ doubles title.
BK: Muchova consistently poses a threat at the US Open. Krejcikova’s resilience against Townsend, saving eight match points in a thrilling encounter, underscored her competitive spirit as a two-time Grand Slam champion. It’s unfortunate Vondrousova couldn’t face Sabalenka in the quarters, but she had an impressive week with victories over two Top 10 players.
Did the new mixed doubles format deliver?
GG: How do we encourage top singles players to compete in doubles? By moving the mixed doubles tournament to the week before singles, allowing players to choose partners, and offering a $1 million prize for winners. Exciting pairings emerged, like Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz, but the title ultimately went to seasoned doubles players.
BK: While the format might need adjustments, the revamped mixed doubles tournament was undeniably successful. It attracted a large crowd and featured impressive talent combinations, resembling a meaningful All-Star Game. The outcome was fitting, with doubles specialists showcasing their skills, marking a significant win for the Open.
How will Petra Kvitova and Caroline Garcia be remembered?
GG: I will truly miss Kvitova and Garcia, both of whom exited in the first round. Kvitova, a two-time Wimbledon champion, expressed the pressure of being in the top 100 and thoroughly enjoyed her journey as a Grand Slam champion.
BK: Losing exceptional talents like Kvitova and Garcia is always tough. They were not only great players but also fantastic ambassadors for tennis. Garcia’s podcast, Tennis Insider Club, and Kvitova’s continued involvement in the sport assure us their legacies will endure. Congratulations to them both on their illustrious careers, and best wishes in their next chapters.
