As the 2017 edition of the U.S. Open tennis tournament kicks off today with all eyes on Maria Sharapova and Rafael Nadal, we provide some lesser known and interesting facts on this tournament
Rafael Nadal, Venus Williams
Venus Williams poses with world number one tennis player Rafael Nadal following their match in the Lotte New York Palace. Pic/ AFP
As the 2017 edition of the U.S. Open tennis tournament kicks off today with all eyes on Maria Sharapova and Rafael Nadal, we provide some lesser known and interesting facts on this tournament over the years.
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Defending champions Stanislas Wawrinka and world number 2 Andy Murray will not be participating in the US Open. Serena Williams, who is also pregnant, will miss this years event.
Serena Williams. Pic/ AFP
>> During World War I in 1917, the US Open was known as the Patriotic tournament
>> Vincent Richards was the youngest player ever to win a US Open match in 1918 at age 15 years, 5 months and 8 days
>> Women's final had a five-setter during 1887 to 1901
>> The oldest US Open champion was Bill Larned. He was 38 years, 8 months and 3 days when he won his last single title.
>> The tournament used to be played on clay courts from 1975-1977
>> The youngest women's singles champ was Tracy Austin at 16 years, 8 months and 28 days in 1979
>> The youngest men's singles champ was Pete Sampras at 19 years and 28 days in 1990
>> The longest match in US Open history was played between Stefan Edberg and Michael Chang during the 1992 semi-final. The match went on for 5 hours and 26 minutes
>> Bill Larned, Richard Sears and Bill Tilden jointly hold the most titles in men's singles with 7 each
>> Molla Bjurstedt Mallory holds the most women's singles titles with 8 to her name
>> Stanislas Wawrinka and Angelique Kerber are the defending champions
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