2010 US Open: The Top 25 Matches of the Last 25 Years

With the final Grand Slam of the year about to get under way, let's take a look back at some of the best matches ever played at the US Open over the past 25 years.

Through the years, New York has provided the stage for spectacular and compelling tennis. Night matches are known for delivering entertainment and drama, giving the National Tennis Center an electric atmosphere.

Year after year, tennis fans are treated to spectacular and unforgettable late-night come-from-behind wins. The US Open is also home to many "firsts" and history-making moments.

Here are some of the best.

2002 Final: Sampras vs. Agassi

Sampras def Agassi 6-3, 6-4, 5-7, 6-4

Hands down one of the best matches ever played at the US Open. It was a perfect ending to the great American rivalry between Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi, as Sampras defeated Agassi in four sets to capture his 14th and final Grand Slam title.

The 31-year-old Sampras battled the 32-year-old Agassi to become the oldest US Open champion since Ken Rosewall won in 1970.

This would be the last match Sampras was to play as a professional. He officially announced his retirement prior the start of the 2003 US Open.

2003 Semifinal: Capriati vs. Henin-Hardenne

Henin-Hardenne def. Capriati 4-6, 7-5, 7-6 (4)

Jennifer Capriati and Justine Henin-Hardenne were undoubtedly two of the fiercest competitors in the history of women's tennis. Their three-hour US Open semifinal marathon match is widely recognized as one of the greatest battles ever.

American tennis prodigy Capriati had 11—count them, 11—opportunities to win the match, just two points away, but all were squandered.

Henin-Hardenne outlasted Capriati, reeled off five straight games, and advanced to the final, where she defeated Kim Clijsters to capture the first of two US Open titles (2003, 2007). It was yet another disappointment in the troubled life of Jennifer Capriati.

1991 Quarterfinal: Connors vs. Krickstein

Connors def Krickstein 3-6, 7-6 (8), 1-6, 6-3, 7-6 (4)

Jimmy Connors is a tennis legend and US Open icon. In the twilight of his career, the ever-popular showman celebrated his 39th birthday in dramatic style, coming from a 2-5 deficit in the fifth set to overcome his 24-year-old opponent Aaron Krickstein in four hours and 41 minutes.

Just as spectacular was his first round win over Patrick McEnroe, also coming from behind and also winning in five thrilling sets.

The improbable 1991 US Open run of Jimmy Connors ended at the hands of Jim Courier in the semifinals, but Jimbo will forever be a champion in our hearts.

2009 Final: Clijsters vs. S. Williams

Clijsters def S. Williams 6-4, 7-5

Kim Clijsters met Serena Williams in the 2009 US Open semifinal, where the winner would be highly favored to win the tournament, so it really was more like a final.

Certainly nobody expected Clijsters to win, not even Clijsters herself, having just come back from a two-year hiatus during which time she got married and had a baby girl.

The high-quality match was tainted by a bizarre ending that gave Clijsters the victory as Williams went into an angry tirade, drawing a point penalty on match point.

Clijsters went on to handily beat Caroline Wozniacki in the final, winning the US Open in just her third tournament back—a great accomplishment for any mom!

1996 Quarterfinal: Sampras vs. Corretja

Sampras def Corretja 7-6 (5), 5-7, 5-7, 6-4, 7-6 (7)

Pete Sampras gave us brilliance nearly every time he stepped onto the court. His 1996 semifinal win over Alex Corretja was not spectacular tennis, but it was an outstanding demonstration of courage and determination.

An inspired Corretja found himself leading the favored Sampras by two sets to one with the win seemingly in hand when Sampras started to play inspired tennis, coming back to send the match into a fifth set, ultimately decided by a tiebreak.

Physically and mentally exhausted. Sampras could barely walk, let alone serve and volley. At 1-1 in the tiebreak, he was so sick he literally vomited on court. Both players soldiered on, with Sampras prevailing on a Corretja double fault. It's the one that got away for Corretja. Sampras won purely on heart.

2001 FInal: V. Williams vs. S. Williams

V. Williams def S. Williams 6-2, 6-4

The highly anticipated 2001 US Open all-Williams final produced yet another uninspired display of tennis, as was often the case between these two in the early years.

What the match lacked in drama was more than made up for by the many "firsts" that it gave us. This was the first women's final televised at night in prime time. It was the first Grand Slam singles final between sisters and betwen black players.

Venus prevailed on this night to win her second US Open singles title.

2009 FInal: Federer vs. Del Potro

Del Potro def Federer 3–6, 7–6 (5), 4–6, 7–6 (4), 6–2

Anyone who defeats Roger Federer in the final of a Grand Slam event has to have played a spectacular match, and in this US Open, Federer was also the five-time defending champion.

Juan Martin Del Potro embraced the opportunity, remained calm, and just played his game, which by the way is mostly aces and winners. The odds really were against Del Potro, playing in his first Grand Slam final, having never won against Federer, and down a set and a break.

Surprisingly, there hadn't been a five-set final at the US Open in 10 yeras. This one went just over four hours.

2001 Quarterfinal: Sampras vs. Agassi

Sampras def Agassi 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2), 7-6 (2), 7-6 (5)

This was as good as it gets. Classic tennis. No breaks of serve. The best against the best in four tiebreak sets. It was a spectacular effort from both players in one of the greatest night matches in US Open history.

There were only a couple of points separating Pete Sampras and Andre Agassi in the 2001 quarterfinal, and if you had to pick one difference, those few key points likely were won on the strength of the Sampras serve.

2009 Third Round: Roddick vs. Isner

Isner def Roddick 7-6 (3), 6-3, 3-6, 5-7, 7-6 (5)

Towering American hopeful John Isner announced his arrival to the tennis world by upsetting No. 5 Andy Roddick in a thrilling third round match. It was the first time that he had ever advanced to the fourth round of a Grand Slam. It was his first-ever win over Roddick, and first-ever win in five sets.

Isner went on to lose in the next round against Fernando Verdasco, putting an end to Isner's US Open hopes for 2009, but it was just the boost that Isner needed to jump-start his career.

Isner has since gone on to create the ultimate tennis history, winning the epic 11-hour marathon match at Wimbledon earlier this year.

2006 Third Round: Agassi vs. Becker

Benjamin Becker def Agassi 7-5, 6-7 (4), 6-4, 7-5

Andre Agassi played the game he loved until his body couldn't take any more. He said his goodbyes to the US Open crowd after putting up a valiant fight against Benjamin Becker in the 2006 third round match. Agassi was a trooper through severe back pain that had been hampering him for some time.

Agassi is in good company with Rod Laver and Roger Federer as the only men to complete a career Grand Slam, and adding a gold medal at the 1996 Olympics, Agassi stands alone as the only man to hold a career Golden Slam.

1998 FInal: Graf vs. Sabatini

Graf def Sabatini 6-3, 3-6, 6-1

Steffi Graf had everything riding on this match, just needing one more win to make history and capture a calendar-year Grand Slam. Gabriela Sabatini was a formidable opponent and was actually leading the head-to-head match record.

The momentum shifted several times throughout the match, but Graf got a lead in the third and never looked back. That same year, Graf also captured Olympic Gold, again defeating Sabatina, turning the Grand Slam golden. That's a record that will likely never be broken.

2003 Semifinal: Roddick vs. Nalbandian

Roddick def Nalbandian 6-7 (4), 3-6, 7-6 (9), 6-1, 6-3

Down two sets and match point, Andy Roddick was nearly out the door and on his way home. It was hardly the demonstration a Grand Slam champion would be expected to display. All credit to David Nalbandian, who played spectacular tennis for two hours.

Roddick hit a good serve to save match point, cleaned up his errors, and won the last two sets in about an hour. He went on to defeat Juan Carlos Ferrero in the final to capture his first, and only, Grand Slam title.

1991 Second Round: McEnroe vs. Chang

Chang def McEnroe 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (1)

No tennis conversation with "best" and "US Open" would be complete without John McEnroe. Talented and controversial, McEnroe was an all-American kid who thrived on the energy of New York.

At the end of his career, McEnroe gave one last memorable performance with another electrifying night match that lasted well after midnight. On this night, it was Michael Chang with the magic touch on match point, lifting a lob over McEnroe's head for a winner and the upset

McEnroe would retire the following year with seven Grand Slam singles titles and nine Grand Slam doubles titles.

2006 Final: Navratilova/B. Bryan vs. Damm/Peschke

Navratilova/B. Bryan def Damm/Peschke 6-2, 6-3

Martinia Navratilova created one history-making moment after another during her illustrious tennis career. There isn't much that she hasn't accomplished, given 18 Grand Slam singles titles, 31 Grand Slam women's doubles titles, and 10 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles.

So what is a  woman to do at age 49 and 11 months? Navratilova hand-picked Bob Bryan, a decent doubles player in his own right, and they went out to capture Navratilova's 41st Grand Slam title. This time we're pretty sure she's retired for good.

2007 Semifinal: Henin vs. V. Williams

Henin def V. Williams 7-6 (2) 6-4

Justine Henin played a superb match in defeating Venus Williams in the 2007 US Open semifinal, just as she had the round before against little sister Serena, both matches in straight sets.

During the height of the Williams sisters domination, it was nearly impossible to beat one of the sisters in a tournament, let alone two. Martina Hingis had done it before, and now Henin had as well, earning a spot in the final.

In an almost anti-climatic match, Henin defeated Svetlana Kuznetsova fairly easily to claim her second US Open title.

2000 Final: Sampras vs. Safin

Safin def Sampras 6-4, 6-3, 6-3

Pete Sampras met his match in the 2000 final against Marat Safin, a younger and fresher version of Sampras. Safin brought blistering groundstrokes and massive serves to overpower Sampras in what would be considered a lopsided victory given the opponent.

With the win, Safin became the youngest US Open winner since Sampras won at age 19. He was also the first and only Russian man to win the title.

The promise that Safin showed was derailed by injuries in coming years, though he did win one more Grand Slam in 2005 at the Australian Open.

2004 Quarterfinal: Capriati vs. S. Williams

Capriati def S. Williams 2-6, 6-4, 6-4

Jennifer Capriati won this hard-fought match over Serena Williams in three tough sets. As in most of their previous meetings, play was intense and emotions were high.

Williams got a blatantly bad call at the start of the third set, as confirmed by replays afterwards, and though she had chances, she never really got back on track. Capriati played great defense, making Williams hit one extra ball.

The match was clouded by controversy, yes, but both players had chances, and Capriati hung in till the end.

1996 Final: Graf vs. Seles

Graf def Seles 7-5, 6-4

In te final curtain call for two great champions, Steffi Graf defeated Monica Seles in the 1996 US Open final, just as she had done the year before.

Their rivalry would have been unparalleled had it not been for a crazy Graf fan who freely ran onto the court during a match in Hamburg and stabbed Seles in the back. She was never the same again.

How appropriate, then, that these two legends would play their last US Open finals against each other.

2007 Third Round: Hingis vs. Azarenka

Azarenka def Hingis 3-6, 6-1, 6-0

Victoria Azarenka was ready to make a mark on women's tennis after winning both the Australian Open and US Open junior titles in 2005.

Two years later, Azarenka defeated former No. 1 Martina Hingis and advanced to her first Grand Slam quarterfinal, where she lost to Svetlana Kuznetsova.

That same year, Azarenka teamed with fellow Belarussian Max Myrni to win the US Open mixed doubles title. She has risen to a career-high No. 6 in the world and won a second mixed doubles title at the 2008 French Open with Bob Bryan.

2008 Quarterfinal: S. Williams vs. V. Williams

S. Williams def V. Williams 7-6 (6), 7-6 (7)

Matches between the Williams sisters were always a little uncomfortable, and often not very competitive. It was even suggested that father Richard pre-determined the winner.

This quarterfinal was one of their most compelling, with Venus controlling the points. She outplaying younger sister Serena for most of the match, ahead in both sets and ahead in both of the tiebreakers.

In those tough moments, Serena stepped up and Venus went away, squandering a total of 10 set points, more than enough to have made the difference.

1992 Semifinal: Chang vs. Edberg

Edberg def Chang 6-7 (3), 7-5, 7-6 (3), 5-7, 6-4

A great match for a number of reason, not so much for the quality of tennis, but rather for the quantity of tennis. This five-set battle lasted five hours and 30 minutes, becoming the longest US Open match ever, a record that still stands today.

Both players had chances, with Chang leading in the fifth set 3-0 and 4-2. Edberg displayed his serve and volley prowess, coming to net 250-plus times. He went on to defeat Pete Sampras in the final to capture his second straight US Open trophy.

1985 Quarterfinal: Graf vs. Shriver

Graf def Shriver 7-6 (4), 6-7 (4), 7-6 (4)

The German teenager shocked No. 4-seeded American Pam Shriver in three tiebreak sets, each with a score of 7-4. It was the first time a match had gone to three tiebreakers since they were first instituted in 1970.

Graf met Martina Navratilova in the 1985 semifinal, who handed her a fairly routine straight-set loss 6-2, 6-3. It was three more years before this newcomer would capture her first US Open tittle.

2000 Final: Kournikova/Mirnyi vs. Sanchez Vicario/Palmer

Sanchez Vicario/Palmer def Kournikova/Mirnyi 6-4, 6-3

Anna Kournikova never did get the respect she deserved for her tennis abililty. She was the No. 1-ranked doubles player in the world and reached a career-high ranking of No. 8 in singles.

Kournikova's best-ever showing at the US Open was the 2000 mixed doubles final, where she and partner Max Mirnyi lost to Arantxa Sanchez Vicario and Jared Palmer.

Kournikova was best known on the court for her foot speed, but away from the court she was known as a glamour girl and is one of the most searched athletes on the Internet.

1995 Semifinal: Sampras vs. Courier

Sampras def Courier 7-5, 4-6, 6-4, 7-5

Pete Sampras seemed to be destined for another US Open final showdown with rival Andre Agassi. Fellow American Jim Courier did his best to spoil the party, extending Sampras to four tough sets in the semifinal.

Courier played his trademark grind-it-out baseline style and seemed to have an answer to everything Sampras could bring.

Just as Courier thought about taking control of the match, Sampras switched gears with a slow kick serve, won a few points, got the momentum back on his side, and turned the match around.

1997 Final: Hingis vs. V. Williams

Hingis def V. Williams 6-0, 6-4

It was a battle of teenagers in the 1997 US Open women's final, where world No. 1 Martina Hingis defeated unseeded Venus Williams in a quick and lopsided victory. Hingis brought her usually calm and steady game to the court, which effectively diffused Williams' power.

With all the accolates and success that Hingis earned over her multi-part career, this was the only US Open singles title that she would win.