The 1979 US Open stands out as a significant moment in the world of tennis, marking the 99th edition of this prestigious tournament. Held on outdoor hard courts at the USTA National Tennis Center in New York City, this event was the third Grand Slam tennis competition of the year. From August 28 to September 9, 1979, the tournament captivated audiences with its intense matches and memorable victories. It was a year that saw new champions emerge and a historic
first for sports broadcasting, cementing its place in the annals of tennis history.
Champions Crowned in Singles and Doubles
The tournament culminated in thrilling finals, with John McEnroe and Tracy Austin claiming the coveted singles titles. John McEnroe, representing the United States, not only won the men's singles championship but also secured the men's doubles title alongside his partner, Peter Fleming, also from the United States. This dual victory underscored McEnroe's dominance in the sport during this period. His men's singles final against fellow American Vitas Gerulaitis was a decisive win, with scores of 7–5, 6–3, 6–3, marking his first major singles title.
On the women's side, Tracy Austin, another American talent, triumphed in the women's singles. Her victory was a testament to her skill and rising prominence in women's tennis. The doubles categories also saw international success, with Betty Stöve of the Netherlands and Wendy Turnbull of Australia winning the women's doubles title. In mixed doubles, the South African duo of Greer Stevens and Bob Hewitt emerged as champions, showcasing the global reach and competitive spirit of the US Open.
Unforgettable Moments and Broadcast Milestones
Beyond the championship titles, the 1979 US Open was notable for several memorable moments. One particularly historic event occurred during the women's singles semifinals: Chris Evert's victory over Billie Jean King. This match holds the distinction of being the first sporting event result ever reported on ESPN, a significant milestone in the history of sports broadcasting. This moment highlighted the growing media attention on tennis and the expanding landscape of sports coverage.
Another dramatic incident unfolded during the men's singles tournament involving Ilie Năstase and John McEnroe. In their second-round match, Năstase was defaulted by the umpire after being docked a point and then a game for arguing and stalling. This decision sparked a near riot among the crowd, who expressed their disagreement by throwing beer cans and cups onto the court. The match was eventually restarted with a new umpire, and McEnroe ultimately won. This controversial match, along with McEnroe's subsequent walkover in the third round and an opponent's retirement in the quarterfinals, contributed to a unique path to the final for the eventual champion. The men's singles final itself was also historic, being the first all-American men's singles final in the open era of tennis.
