US Open Tennis 2013: Preview and Viewing Guide for Men's and Women's Finals

The 2013 U.S. Open has reached a thrilling conclusion, with the top two seeds on both the men and women’s side set to meet in the singles finals.

Serena Williams absolutely dominated the tournament and never dropped a set on her way to a rematch of last year’s championship against Victoria Azarenka, while Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal both clawed their way through a tough field to get here.

You aren’t going to want to miss a single minute of either of these must-see matches, so keep reading to find out when to watch them, where to catch the action and more.

 

Women’s Final: (1) Serena Williams vs. (2) Victoria Azarenka

When: Sunday, Sept. 8 at 4:30 p.m. ET

Where: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York City

Watch: CBS

Stream: USOpen.org

Preview

As mentioned, this exact matchup took place at the end of the 2012 U.S. Open, with Williams winning her fourth title at Arthur Ashe. Many expect the result to be much of the same this year, but Azarenka isn’t going to go down without a fight.

Even though Serena is 66-4 on the season and won eight titles, the 31-year-old did falter in the Western & Southern Open finals.

Vika overcame in an epic match, as the 24-year-old used her ability to control the tempo and cover the court to outlast Williams.

It’s going to take an even more brilliant performance for the Belarusian to steal another victory, especially with a Grand Slam on the line.

Azarenka will need to pester Williams with smart play and unwavering will. The younger star will also have to badger her American opponent into getting upset and possibly angry. That could quickly translate into foolish errors that cost Williams a victory.

Don’t count on it, but there is a small chance that Azarenka pulls off the impossible and bests Serena in this showdown.

 

Men’s Final: (1) Novak Djokovic vs. (2) Rafael Nadal

When: Monday, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. ET

Where: USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, Arthur Ashe Stadium, New York City

Watch: CBS

Stream: USOpen.org

Preview

Nadal and Djokovic have seen about enough of one another at this point, but they have at least one more high stakes battle to wage in 2013—this time with the U.S. Open championship on the line.

Monday’s matchup will be the 37th matchup between these two longtime rivals and the third time they have met in the finals of this particular Grand Slam. They have each captured one title apiece thus far and will finally break that tie this week.

Nole is coming off an epic semifinals matchup against Stanislas Wawrinka, in which the Serbian star was lucky to escape in a five-set battle.

Nadal cruised past Richard Gasquet in straight sets for his 21st hard court victory in a row—an impressive feat for a man known as the “King of Clay.”

Expect the final to be another grueling affair, with at least four sets needed to determine a winner in this one.

Rafa and Nole are two of the best the sport has ever seen and it will be an absolute delight to watch them go head-to-head yet another time.