Since 1974, with very few exceptions, the same names kept popping up as finalists at the US Open in men's singles. They didn't always win the final but like clockwork it was the same name or names at the final in four relatively distinct periods:
1974 - 1989
Connors, Borg, McEnroe, Lendl
1990 - 2002
Sampras, Agassi
2004 - 2013
Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray
Other players might make "guest appearances" and even win on occasion and there were a couple of years in which none of the dominate players made the final. But those were the exceptions.
For the first time in 10 years this year's final does not include Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, or Murray. It's quite likely that in the next few years one or more of the current Big Four will make another US Open final but it's also quite likely that we're transitioning to a new era and away from the Big Four.
Looking out over the next 10 years are there ANY obvious picks for the next 2-4 players who might show up at final after final after final? What 2-4 names do you expect to see at final after final for the next several years?
1974 - 1989
Connors, Borg, McEnroe, Lendl
1990 - 2002
Sampras, Agassi
2004 - 2013
Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Murray
Other players might make "guest appearances" and even win on occasion and there were a couple of years in which none of the dominate players made the final. But those were the exceptions.
For the first time in 10 years this year's final does not include Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, or Murray. It's quite likely that in the next few years one or more of the current Big Four will make another US Open final but it's also quite likely that we're transitioning to a new era and away from the Big Four.
Looking out over the next 10 years are there ANY obvious picks for the next 2-4 players who might show up at final after final after final? What 2-4 names do you expect to see at final after final for the next several years?
