US Open Champions

Reuters

Samantha Stosur blitzed Serena Williams in straight sets to win her first major title on her second attempt. Didn't matter much that the living legend on an amazing comeback didn't quite show up for a Slam final for the first time since Wimbledon 2004. What mattered more was the Aussie's game plan, her execution, and her composure in the midst of chaos on Arthur Ashe stadium where she wasn't even allowed to play her semifinal. She may have lost the longest tiebreak in women's Slam history, but she won the big prize. Stosur has been flirting with breakthrough for years now and she finally delivered. It couldn't have happened to a classier player.


Getty

Novak Djokovic conquered Rafael Nadal for the 6th straight time to capture his first US Open title and third major of the year. It was compelling drama through three sets with some games lasting as long as 12 minutes. But just when you thought the match might be pushed to the limit, Nadal left the stadium. The fourth set was all Djokovic all the time, despite being treated for a sore back, and for a brief moment, it actually looked as though Nadal gave up.

One surprising result, one expected result, one frustrating US Open.