The Unfinished Business: The 3 Tennis Legends Who Reached Multiple US Open Finals But Never Claimed the Crown
The US Open, one of the most prestigious tournaments in the world of tennis, has seen countless legends etch their names into history. However, even some of the sport’s greatest icons have found themselves repeatedly on the cusp of glory, only to fall short of lifting the coveted trophy. Among these figures are three men whose careers are marked by their extraordinary achievements—yet they share the bittersweet distinction of reaching multiple US Open finals without ever winning the title.
1. Bjorn Borg: The Iceman’s Unfinished Symphony
Bjorn Borg, known as “The Iceman” for his calm demeanor and steely resolve, dominated the tennis world in the late 1970s and early 1980s. With his unparalleled success at Wimbledon and the French Open, Borg became a household name. However, despite his five Wimbledon titles and six French Open titles, the US Open eluded him.
Borg reached the US Open final four times—1976, 1978, 1980, and 1981—each time falling agonizingly short. His first final in 1976 saw him outplayed by Jimmy Connors, while his subsequent losses in 1978 and 1980 were also at the hands of Connors. Borg’s final attempt in 1981 ended in defeat to John McEnroe, marking the end of his US Open journey without the trophy. The New York crowd never saw Borg lift the title, a void in an otherwise glittering career.
2. Ivan Lendl: The Nearly Man of the US Open
Ivan Lendl’s name is synonymous with consistency and dominance in the 1980s, and while he did eventually win three US Open titles, his early career was marked by near-misses. Lendl reached the US Open final eight times consecutively from 1982 to 1989—a remarkable achievement. However, in his first three attempts (1982-1984), Lendl failed to seal the deal.
In 1982, Lendl lost to Jimmy Connors in a closely contested final. The following year, he was again thwarted by Connors, and in 1984, John McEnroe denied him the title. Though Lendl finally broke his US Open curse in 1985, winning his first of three titles, his early years of repeated heartbreak at Flushing Meadows remain a significant chapter in his career.
3. Andy Murray: The Scotsman’s Heartbreak at Flushing Meadows
Before Andy Murray finally broke through to win his first Grand Slam title at the US Open in 2012, he had already experienced the pain of defeat on the same stage. The Scotsman reached the final in 2008, where he faced Roger Federer, who was in the midst of his prime. Murray was overpowered in straight sets, delaying his Grand Slam breakthrough.
Murray returned to the US Open final four years later in 2012, determined to change his fortunes. In a dramatic five-set battle against Novak Djokovic, Murray finally triumphed, ending Britain’s long wait for a male Grand Slam champion. Although he eventually lifted the US Open trophy, the memory of his earlier near-miss in 2008 serves as a reminder of how elusive Grand Slam titles can be, even for the most talented players.
The Fine Line Between Triumph and Heartbreak
The US Open has been a stage for both triumph and heartbreak, and these three men—Bjorn Borg, Ivan Lendl, and Andy Murray—have experienced both. While Borg and Lendl endured repeated finals heartbreaks before finally tasting victory (or in Borg’s case, never tasting it at all), their legacies remain untarnished. The stories of these players serve as a testament to the unpredictable and often cruel nature of sports, where even the greatest talents can find themselves just short of glory.
