US Open Tennis: Ranking 5 Best Finals Since 2001

The US Open is always a tournament filled with excitement. Every year there are several matches that people talk about for years afterwards.

Unfortunately, the US Open finals have not been the greatest during this century. There has only been one five-setter on the men's side, and no women's final has gone to three sets yet.

However, there have been a few finals that really stood out. These matches were fun and showed how good this tournament can really be. 

5) 2008: Bryan Brothers vs. Lukas Dlouhy/Leander Paes

Now I know doubles tennis is not the most popular thing to watch, but the 2008 men's doubles final was a great match for anyone to watch.

American twins Bob and Mike Bryan defeated Lukas Dlouhy and his partner Leander Paes 7-6, 7-6 to win their sixth Grand Slam doubles title at the time. 

The Bryan brothers went down a break in the first set, but came back and took it to a tiebreak. After winning the first tiebreak, the twins won the second set in another tiebreak 12-10. 

It was a fun match to watch, especially for the American crowd. Doubles doesn't have the popularity as the singles tournaments do, but everyone can appreciate a well played match.

4) 2010: Rafael Nadal vs. Novak Djokovic

Rafael Nadal made history at the 2010 US Open. After defeating Novak Djokovic 6-4, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2, Nadal won his first US Open title, completing his quest for every Grand Slam title. 

Djokovic certainly showed some tenacity throughout the final, but Nadal was simply too much. The fourth set was basically all Nadal. 

Of course, these two may meet in this year's Open. If they do, I guarantee it will be a lot closer than this match was.

3) 2008: Roger Federer vs. Andy Murray

2008 was another historic year for the US Open. Roger Federer showed, once again, that he was one of the most dominant players of all time at Flushing Meadows.

He defeated Andy Murray 6-2, 7-5, 6-2 to win his fifth straight US Open, the longest streak in history. The match may have not been the best for those who were looking for a nail-biter, but it was a great moment in Federer's career.

Federer has a great following wherever he goes, and they were loving every minute of his 2008 final. It was a true display of greatness.

2) 2003: Andy Roddick vs. Juan Carlos Ferrero

This one ranks up at the top because of the man who took home the trophy. The 2003 US Open was the first and only Grand Slam title Andy Roddick ever won.

Roddick easily defeated Juan Carlos Ferrero 6-3, 7-6, 6-3. It wasn't the closest match to watch, but it was memorable because the crowd got what they wanted. 

Roddick is always a fan favorite at Flushing Meadows. New York loves to cheer on Andy, and they were out in full force for his only Grand Slam title.

1) 2009: Juan Martin Del Potro vs. Roger Federer

The 2009 US Open was not only the best final since 2001, but it was one of the greatest matches finals in US Open history.

Juan Martin del Potro won the five-set, four hour match 3-6, 7-6, 4-6, 7-6, 6-2. It was the first five-setter in a US Open final since 1999.

There were several controversies in the match, making it even more fun to watch. Federer was clearly upset in the third set when del Potro waited about 10 seconds before challenging a call. The chair umpire allowed del Potro's challege, and Federer was seen dropping a few expletives.

However, later in the match a fan yelled out after one of del Potro's serve, causing Federer to give up on the point thinking it was an official. Federer appealed and was allowed a challenge. The serve was actually out. The chair umpire decided to redo the point completely, leaving both players frustrated.

Each player seemed to trade blows throughout the entire match. I was on the edge of my seat for the majority of the four hours. If you didn't enjoy this match then you probably should give up watching tennis.