10 biggest moments of 2015, plus five questions ahead of 2016 season

A recap of the 2015 tennis season including the top ten best moments of the year, plus a look ahead to the 2016 ATP and WTA seasons.

Author:
SI.com Staff
Publish date:
Dec 30, 2015

The 2015 ATP and WTA seasons concluded at the year-end championships in London and Singapore and 2015 will soon come to a close as well. But as the players gear up for the first major of the 2016 season in Melbourne, Australia, let's take one last look back at an unforgettable 2015 tennis season with the 10 biggest moments of the year, including record-breaking wins, major upsets, renewed rivalries and much more. Based on the 2015 season, we also look ahead with five burning questions ahead of the 2016 season.

Top 10 moments of 2015

Serena Williams beats Maria Sharapova for the 16th straight time

Serena topped Sharapova in the final in Melbourne in January to win her sixth Australian Open title and 19th major overall. She captured the title with an ace—twice. Serena fired what appeared to be an ace, but the umpire claimed to have heard a let. Serena stepped to the line, fired the same serve—this time without a let—to seal the win.

Serena Williams returns to Indian Wells

Serena Williams announced her return to Indian Wells to end her 14-year boycott of the tournament. She toldSports Illustrated's S.L. Price that returning to Indian Wells this year was the best moment of her tennis career.

Novak Djokovic completes the triple-double

By winning Indian Wells (d. Federer) and Miami (d. Murray), Djokovic became the first man to complete the double three times in the Open Era.

Stan Wawrinka stuns Novak Djokovic in the French Open final

No. 8 Wawrinka defeated top-seed Djokovic 4–6, 6–4, 6–3, 6–4 to win his first title at Roland Garros and second major overall. The Swiss upended Djokovic's quest for his first French Open title, the only major that has eluded him in his career.

Novak Djokovic beats Roger Federer in Wimbledon final

Djokovic defeated Federer 7-6 (1), 6-7 (10), 6–4, 6–3 in an epic Wimbledon final to win his third title at the All England Club and ninth major title overall. In a rematch of last year's final, Djokovic outclassed Federer with his consistent all-court game to become the first man to defend a Wimbledon title since Federer in 2007.

Roberta Vinci stuns Serena Williams

Italian journeywoman Roberta Vinci shocks Serena Williams in the U.S. Open semifinals, ending her quest for the calendar year Grand Slam with a 2–6, 6–4, 6–4 win over the World No. 1.

Fabio Fognini becomes the first to defeat Rafael Nadal from two sets to love down in a Grand Slam

Nadal had won 151-straight matches when leading two sets to love in a major match, but Fognini rallied in the third round of the U.S. Open to upset Nadal and end his run.

Flavia Pennetta claims U.S. Open title and makes surprise announcement

After the first all-Italian U.S. Open women’s final between Roberta Vinci and Flavia Pennetta, Pennetta capped off her win and first major title of her career by announcing that she will retire at the conclusion of the 2015 season during the trophy ceremony on Arthur Ashe.

Agnieszka Radwanska wins WTA Finals championship

After a 1–2 record in the round robin matches, Radwanska beat Petra Kvitova in the final to win the biggest title of her career in Singapore.

Andy Murray leads Great Britain to first Davis Cup title in 79 years

Murray defeated Goffin in straight sets in the decisive rubber to lift Great Britain over Belgium and win the title.

Five questions ahead of the 2016 season

How will Serena fare in 2016 after her U.S. Open loss to Vinci?

All eyes will once again be on the World No. 1 once she returns to the Tour in 2016 for her first WTA match since her loss at the U.S. Open. Can she bounce back after her disappointing result in New York? Many believe that she won’t be capable of matching her spectacular 2015 season, but Serena seems as motivated as ever heading into Australia. Her health will play a big role in her success this season.