Heavy is the head that wears the (Open) crown

2012 - Andy Murray
2011 - Novak Djokovic
2010 - Rafael Nadal
2009 - Juan Martin del Potro
2008 - Roger Federer
2007 - Roger Federer
2006 - Roger Federer
2005 - Roger Federer
2004 - Roger Federer
2003 - Andy Roddick
2002 - Pete Sampras
2001 - Lleyton Hewitt
2000 - Marat Safin

Since 2000, the winners of the US Open reads bit like a hall of fame honor roll, but more interestingly, is the fact that since 2008, no player has defended the Open. Going back to the turn of the millenia, only Roger Federer has defended this title. Is there a particular reason for this? Or is it just a statistical quirk? I must admit I find it fascinating given that with the exception of DelPo in 2010, every winner from 2008 made the final the next year and lost. Thoughts

So you mean to say its the turn of Andy Murray to lose to Rafa in the finals this time around  , boy oh boy you are breaking British hearts.

Roger on his imperial best was almost untouchable at the open in the 2nd week, barring a close 2007 USO finals.

Nice stats thou, but I see Andy playing awesome a level similar to his Wimbledon, it won't be easy to topple him out, Murray - Novak might be a cracker of a semi if it happens, but I see Murray to come out top, but the big challenge awaits in the QF.

Thoughts:

- Ferrer to beat Andy in this year's final

- Federer can play tennis

- I have not seen the final in years because I usually have to work Mondays

Wimbledon is pretty similar. A long period of Fed dominance and four different winners in the last 4 years.

As for the USO, I'd say it was a surface and speed that a lot of players can turn their hand to. Rafa is the master on clay. RL Arena is perfect for Novak's game, so he's managed 3 in a row. Now that Fed is in decline, the other two slams are a bit more open.

Mostly coincidence and a little bit because anyone can play a bit on hard court, less specialist.