2014 US Open Tennis

Smash hits in U.S. Open history

U.S. Open, 1932 Carolyn Babcock (on left) and Joan Ridley coming down the steps into the main stadium at Forest Hills-1932. Photo: New York Daily News

U.S. Open, 1939 Bobby Riggs (c.) accepts the men's national tennis championship cup after winning the tournament against Welby Van Horn (l.) at Forest Hills. Riggs would win the championship again in 1941. After largely being forgotten he became famous again in 1973 when he challenged Billie Jean King - the top women's player at the time - to a winner take all $100,000 "Battle of the Sexes" match. He lost.. Photo: Seymour Wally/New York Daily News

U.S. Open, 1958 Althea Gibson (r.), who won her second straight U.S. National Singles title, poses with vanquished foe, Darlene Hard at West Side Tennis Club in Forest Hills, Queens. Photo: Charles Payne/New York Daily News

U.S. Open, 1939 Before the Open era, it was called the National Singles Championships and held at the West Side Tennis Club. Photo: John Hemmer/New York Daily News

U.S. Open, 1968 Arthur Ashe holds his trophy after defeating Tom Okker (l.), of the Netherlands, to win the U.S. Open at Forest Hills. The first African-American to play on the U.S. Davis Cup team and the first black male to win the U.S. Open and Wimbledon, Ashe was voted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame in 1985. Photo: Walter Kelleher/New York Daily News

U.S. Open, 1969 Rod Laver, a triple crown winner in tennis in the '60s, tips his lucky straw boater hat. Laver wore that hat after winning all three championships. Photo: Seymour Wally/New York Daily News

U.S. Open, 1971 Billie Jean King (r.) shakes hands with a worthy opponent, a young Chris Evert, after beating her in a semi-final match. Photo: Frank Hurley/New York Daily News

U.S. Open, 1975 For the first time in the history of the U. S. Open, tennis is played under the stars at Forest Hills, Queens. Photo: Gene Kappock/New York Daily News

U.S. Open, 1977 Dr. Renee Richards returns a ball against Virginia Wade at the U.S. Open in 1977. Born Richard Raskind, she was barred from playing in 1976 after undergoing a sex change and becoming a woman. She sued the USTA and in a landmark decision in favor of transsexual rights won the right to play as a woman in 1977. Photo: Dan Farrell/New York Daily News

U.S. Open, 1978 Jimmy Connors looks up at his U.S. Open Championship trophy after he beat Swedish player Bjorn Borg at the National Tennis Center in Forest Hills, N.Y on Sept. 10, 1978. Photo: Anthony Casale/New York Daily News

U.S. Open, 1980 John McEnroe celebrates a win at the 1980 U.S. Open finals. Photo: Anthony Casale/New York Daily News

U.S. Open, 1982 Chris Evert-Lloyd holds the women's singles trophy after defeating Hana Mandlikova in the finals at the U.S. Open at the National Tennis Center in Flushing, Queens, New York on Sept. 11, 1982. The phenomenal tennis player holds 157 career titles. Photo: Adam Stoltman/AP Photo.

U.S. Open, 1983 In 1983 the U.S. Open finals packed the National Tennis Center on the same day Shea Stadium was packed with New York Jet fans for a home game. Photo: Mike Lipack/New York Daily News.

U.S. Open, 1988 Rolling Stones' Keith Richards takes in the action at the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows. Photo: Richard Corkery/New York Daily News

U.S. Open, 1989 Andre Agassi obliges his fans after disposing of Robbie Weiss in straight sets at the U.S. Open. Photo: Dan Cronin/New York Daily News

U.S. Open, 2000 Pete Sampras rejoices after winning his U.S. Open finals match against Andre Agassi at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Photo: Howard Simmons/New York Daily News

U.S. Open, 2001 Venus Williams holds the U.S. Open womens' championship trophy high after defeating her younger sister, Serena, in their final match at Arthur Ashe Stadium in Flushing Meadows. Photo: Howard Simmons/New York Daily News

U.S. Open, 2003 Andy Roddick of the U.S. drops to his knees crying after defeating Juan Carlos Ferrero of Spain in the U.S. Open men's final at Flushing Meadows-Corona Park. Roddick beat Ferrero, to win his first and only Grand Slam tournament. Roddick announced that he will retire after the 2012 U.S. Open tournament.. Photo: Howard Simmons/New York Daily News

U.S. Open, 2006 Arthur Ashe Stadium looks radiant during the fourth-round 2006 U.S. Open match between Serena Williams and Amelie Mauresmo. Photo: Corey Sipkin/New York Daily News.

U.S. Open, 2006 Maria Sharapova smiles as she holds the championship trophy after winning the 2006 U.S. Open women's final against Justine Henin-Hardenne. Photo: Corey Sipkin/New York Daily News

U.S. Open, 2007 Roger Federer of Switzerland kisses the championship trophy in front of a sea of photographers after winning his 2007 U.S. Open men's final match against Novak Djokovic of Serbia, in Arthur Ashe Stadium at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Photo: Howard Simmons/New York Daily News

U.S. Open, 2013 Defending champion, Serena Williams smiles as she poses with her trophy after winning the women's singles final match against Victoria Azarenka of Belarus Sept. 8, 2013 at the 2013 US Open in New York City. Photo: Chris Trotman/AP Photo.

US Open 2014 Women's Final: Williams vs. Wozniacki

Serena Williams of the United States celebrates with the trophy after defeating Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark to win their women's singles final match on Day fourteen of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 7, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Williams defeated Wozniacki in two sets by a score of 6-3, 6-3. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Serena Williams of the United States celebrates with the trophy after defeating Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark to win their women's singles final match on Day fourteen of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 7, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Williams defeated Wozniacki in two sets by a score of 6-3, 6-3. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Serena Williams of the United States celebrates with the trophy after defeating Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark to win their women's singles final match on Day fourteen of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 7, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Williams defeated Wozniacki in two sets by a score of 6-3, 6-3. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark holds her runner up trophy and shares a laugh with Serena Williams of the U.S. after Williams won their women's singles finals match at the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, September 7, 2014. Reuters /Eduardo Munoz

Serena Williams of the United States listens as Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark speaks afte their women's singles final match on Day fourteen of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 7, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Williams defeated Wozniacki in two sets by a score of 6-3, 6-3. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Serena Williams of the United States hugs Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark after their women's singles final match on Day fourteen of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 7, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Williams defeated Wozniacki in two sets by a score of 6-3, 6-3. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

A capacity crowd watched the final match between Williams and Wozniacki in Arthur Ashe Stadium. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Despite their lopsided on-court history, Wozniacki said she considered Williams a close friend who had been an important source of support since the golfer Rory McIlroy broke off his engagement to Wozniacki in May. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Wozniacki lost to Williams three times previously this season. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Caroline Wozniacki was playing in only her second Grand Slam final. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Serena Williams, the top seed, was the only player among the top nine seeds in the women’s draw to reach the quarterfinals. Michelle V. Agins/The New York Times

Williams did not lose more than three games in any set during this year’s Open. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Wozniacki, 24, held the world No. 1 ranking for 67 weeks in 2010 and 2011. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Wozniacki has been resurgent this summer, with a 25-6 record since losing in the first round at the French Open. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Williams, 32, won her first United States Open at 17. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Serena Williams, reacts after a shot against Caroline Wozniacki, of Denmark, during the championship match of the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014, in New York. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Serena Williams of the United States reacts after defeating Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark to win their women's singles final match on Day fourteen of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 7, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Williams defeated Wozniacki in two sets by a score of 6-3, 6-3. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Serena Williams of the United States reacts after defeating Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark to win their women's singles final match on Day fourteen of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 7, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Williams defeated Wozniacki in two sets by a score of 6-3, 6-3. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Serena Williams of the United States reacts after defeating Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark to win their women's singles final match on Day fourteen of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 7, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Serena Williams prepares for a serve from Caroline Wozniacki, of Denmark, during the championship match of the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014, in New York. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark reacts during the women's singles finals match against Serena Williams of the U.S. at the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York, September 7, 2014. Reuters /Mike Segar 

Serena Williams, reacts after a shot against Caroline Wozniacki, of Denmark, during the championship match of the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament, Sunday, Sept. 7, 2014, in New York. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Sep 7, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Serena Williams (USA) changes ends during her match against Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) in the women's singles final of the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. (Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports)

Sep 7, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Serena Williams (USA) returns a shot to Caroline Wozniacki (DEN) in the women's singles final of the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. (Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports)

Serena Williams of the United States celebrates with the trophy after defeating Caroline Wozniacki of Denmark to win their women's singles final match on Day fourteen of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 7, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. Williams defeated Wozniacki in two sets by a score of 6-3, 6-3. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

photo Michelle V. Agins/The New York Times

US Open 2014 Men's Final: Cilic vs Nishikori

This ceremony after what was quite likely the last Monday final at the U.S. Open. The men’s final is scheduled to move back to its traditional Sunday slot next year, and Arthur Ashe Stadium is on pace to be equipped with a retractable roof in 2016. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Marin Cilic after winning the United States Open final, 6-3, 6-3, 6-3, for his first Grand Slam title. Barton Silverman/The New York Times

Cilic after his victory. He entered the Open as the 14th seed after missing last year’s while suspended. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Cilic serving to Nishikori during the final. He finished with 17 aces including four in one game in the second set. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Nishikori’s returns on Monday did not seem quite as precise as earlier in the tournament. Barton Silverman/The New York Times

Cilic’s victory lasted only 1 hour 54 minutes. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

Marin Cilic of Croatia serves to Kei Nishikori of Japan during their US Open 2014 men's singles finals match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Center September 8, 2014 in New York (AFP Photo/Timothy A. Clary )

Nishikori was, like Cilic, playing in his first Grand Slam final. Barton Silverman/The New York Times

Kei Nishikori, of Japan, returns a shot against Marin Cilic, of Croatia, during the championship match of the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in New York. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

“I think the stars crossed,” Cilic said of his victory in a postmatch interview with CBS. Barton Silverman/The New York Times

Kei Nishikori, of Japan, reacts after a shot against Marin Cilic, of Croatia, during the championship match of the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in New York. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Bruce Willis and his wife Emma Heming-Willis watch the match between Marin Cilic of Croatia and Kei Nishikori of Japan during the US Open 2014 men's singles finals match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Center September 8, 2014 in New York. Timothy A. Clary /AFP/Getty Images

Anna Kournikova (C) watches as Marin Cilic of Croatia plays against Kei Nishikori of Japan during the men's singles final match on Day fifteen of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Marin Cilic, of Croatia, returns a shot against Kei Nishikori, of Japan, during the championship match of the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in New York. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

Kei Nishikori, of Japan, follows through on a shot during a practice session before the championship match against Marin Cilic, of Croatia, at the 2014 U.S. Open tennis tournament, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014, in New York. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)

Marin Cilic of Croatia reacts after point in the third set against Kei Nishikori of Japan during the men's singles final match on Day fifteen of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

Marin Cilic of Croatia and Kei Nishikori of Japan hold their awards after their US Open 2014 men's singles finals match at the USTA Billie Jean King National Center September 8, 2014 in New York. STAN HONDA/AFP/Getty Images

The media photograph Marin Cilic of Croatia as he celebrates with the trophy after defeating Kei Nishikori of Japan to win the men's singles final match on Day Fifteen of the 2014 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 8, 2014 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Mike Stobe/Getty Images for USTA)

endThe final on Monday ended before darkness could envelop the U.S.T.A. Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Chang W. Lee/The New York Times

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