5 things that we learned from the 2016 US Open

It had been quite a happening US Open with lots of twists and surprises. Both the top seeds, who were the strong favourites for the title in pre-US Open predictions, failed in their bid. Instead, we witnessed two new champions and a host of other feel-good stories as well as shocks.

What did the final Slam of the year tell us? What can we expect from here on?

Here are five things that we learned:

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1. Novak Djokovic too falls victim to jittery nerves

Novak Djokovic too has nerves! It is baffling for any tennis aficionado to learn this after being dazzled by the Serb for many months now. The World No.1 began the year looking absolutely invincible and even won the long-coveted French Open title, thereby becoming the first man to hold all four Slams simultaneously since Rod Laver in 1969.

A staggering feat no doubt, it was impossible then to envisage any other man holding the next two Major trophies after Paris. But that is exactly what happened.

At the 2016 US Open, the 12-time Grand Slam champion breezed through to the final with three of his opponents either retiring or giving a walkover. The well-rested top seed even began the final against the third-seeded Stan Wawrinka in an impressive fashion by breaking the Swiss early and ultimately clinching the opening set in a tie-break.

But surprisingly, Djokovic faded away at the most crucial junctures from thereon, conceding the next three sets. It was partly because of Wawrinka’s undeniable brilliance and partly because the defending champion looked ill at ease under pressure, something we are unaccustomed to seeing.

“I lost my nerves in the important moments. He kept his cool. I think that’s what decided the match,” came the admission from the World No.1 after the final – a revelation that is startling to say the least.

2. Juan Martin del Potro is back for good

After losing a major chunk of the past two seasons due to two wrist surgeries, 2009 US Open winner Juan Martin del Potro is finally back for good. It had indeed been an extremely tough time for one of tennis’ most popular and affable players who is endowed with one of the best forehands of the game.

Doubts had crept into his mind as to whether he would ever be able to play top-level tennis again. But the towering Argentine smashed all those insecurities and how!

After clinching a silver medal at the Rio Olympics, Del Potro was back at the Flushing Meadows where it all began for him seven years ago. He made it to the quarter-finals, beating three top-25 players before succumbing to the eventual winner Stan Wawrinka in four sets in the last-eight.

In that match, Del Potro was understandably emotional as he started feeling the love from his fans, showing every bit how his passion for his sport is still burning bright inside him. We are all too happy to know that it will only give rise to more magic from our beloved Delpo in the coming months.

3. Karolina Pliskova is finally looking to do justice to her talent

Blessed with a thunderous first serve and an effortless game, the lanky Karolina Pliskova had so far been one of tennis’ most enigmatic players when it came to performing at the Slams. Her breakthrough in 2015 was one of the talking points of WTA Tennis where she made as many as six finals, winning one.

The consistency rewarded her with an entry into the top-10 rankings for the first time. Yet, for some strange reason, she was never able to translate that confidence on the biggest stage of the sport. In Slams, she never advanced past the third round in 17 attempts, losing to players whom she should have ideally dominated.

At the 2016 US Open, she changed all that. She not only won four more rounds at a Major for the first time in her career but the manner in which she did it speaks volumes of her improved movement and mentality.

Saving a match point en route to upsetting the World No. 6 Venus Williams in front of a partisan crowd in the fourth round, emboldened her. She carried on that confidence to the semi-finals where she toppled Serena Williams in straight sets which made her just the fourth woman to beat both the Williams sisters in the same Major. The 24-year-old Pliskova did not rest on her laurels.

In the final, she made her intentions quite clear – that she will not make it easy for her experienced opponent, Angelique Kerber. In the end, even though she squandered a one-break lead in the decider to lose, it only promises a brighter future for the Czech.

4. Age is catching up with Serena but she is still a force

A Wimbledon title, final appearances at two Slams and a semi-final at another – this would have been a dream performance for any other player. But by Serena Williams’ lofty standards, it is disappointing.

That shows once more how good the 22-time Grand Slam champion is.

The American, who is set to turn 35 this month, was hobbled by a knee injury which clearly hampered her movement during her semi-final against eventual runner-up Karolina Pliskova. And she started the tournament after recovering from an inflamed shoulder. Serena’s body has let her down multiple times this season which restricted her participation to just eight tournaments so far.

Going forward, it might be even tougher to maintain fitness for a full season considering her age. But, by no means, that indicates that the legend is a spent force. If anything, her quarter-final against a fired-up Simona Halep would be enough evidence to show how much she still wants it.

There is still no dearth to her willpower and desire. She might have lost her No. 1 ranking after an Open Era-record equalling reign of 186 consecutive weeks but if she manages to remain injury-free, she is still the biggest favourite to win any tournament.

5. Kerber and Wawrinka proving it is never too late to dream

Angelique Kerber and Stan Wawrinka are the perfect examples of why it is never too late to dream and are definitely the inspiration for all late-bloomers on the Tour. Both won their first Slam at the age of 28 and have showed it is possible to achieve one’s goals if one has abundant self-belief.

Kerber’s remarkable transformation this year has been awe-inspiring. Having finished the 2015 season ranked 10th, her wins at the Australian Open and the US Open have now helped her to become the first German woman to be ranked No. 1 since Steffi Graf in 1997. The southpaw, who long had to deal with fragile nerves under pressure, has finally been able to conquer her inner demons.

Much like Wawrinka, who showed the world what he is capable of doing if he performs to his potential. The Swiss’ signature index finger-pointing to his temple earned a cult status throughout the fortnight and true to his style, he battled through, keeping his game and mind together.

The initial rounds were quite a struggle for the champion who even had to save a match point against then-ranked World No. 64 Daniel Evans.

But when he reached the final, there was no stopping him. As Wawrinka soared higher, the defending champion and World No. 1 Novak Djokovic fumbled and faltered that awarded the win to the 31-year-old, leaving him just a Wimbledon title short of completing a Career Slam.