Who had the tougher draw to win his first US Open title, Sinner (2024) or Djokovic (2011)?

[Megafanoftennis100]

When we just look at the name and the reputation of the opponents beaten en route to the title, then Djokovic would be my pick, because he beat the legendary Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal back-to-back.
But when we look at the actual performance / level of play of the opponents match-by-match, then Sinner would be my pick, because in 2011 USO, Federer played one of the worst matches of his career, and Nadal was just mentally blocked against Djokovic at that point, so he too played far below his usual level. On the other hand, in last year's US Open, Draper and Fritz actually played some really great tennis - dare I say, I think they really overperformed. Also, keep in mind that tennis has been evolving significantly ever since the start of 2024 (until 2023, it was completely stagnant), so 2024 Draper and Fritz > 2011 Federer and Nadal.

 

[Megafanoftennis100]

Tennis does evolve over time, meaning that players nowadays are getting faster, stronger, and have access to more advanced technology that enables them to perform to the best of their abilities. Hence, even Joao Fonseca of 2025 is better than 2006 Federer.
But of course, objectively and truthfully speaking, this ONLY applies to the time AFTER 2023, and NOT before or during 2023. I am definitely not cherry-picking. I am just calling out facts.

 

[StrongRule]

Tennis evolves all the time. Djokovic himself played in USO 2024 better than in USO 2011, but unfortunately, the field got too strong for him.

 

[Megafanoftennis100]

Tennis evolves all the time. Djokovic himself played in USO 2024 better than in USO 2011, but unfortunately, the field got too strong for him.

Well, I will make an exception that one time, because Djokovic did make FOURTEEN double faults (quite unheard of for any ATG player) throughout his match against Popyrin, and was visibly very exhausted after the Olympics. I mean, within just 24 hours, all the Olympic medalists went out of the US Open. So I would still say Djokovic USO 2011 > Djokovic USO 2024, although just by a bit, because other than the serve and stamina issue, 2024 Djokovic's groundstrokes and net games were just fine.

 

[dking68]

lol. This question has such an obvious answer

 

[zakopinjo]

Sinner for sure.

 

[chjtennis]

Tien beating Meddy convinced me that evolution in tennis is over-exaggerated. That match made me think Ivan Lendl of 1987 can play today and win a slam. Tennis is not just about heavier spin, harder and faster pace, and running faster around the court. It's very much a mental and strategic game. Djokovic beating Federer(from the brink of defeat, that was a lot worse match for Federer than 2019 Wimbledon when he was old and was not expected to win, same goes with USO 2010, carbon copy situation) and Nadal back-to-back is easily the better achievement.