By Erik Gudris | Thursday, December 4, 2014
2014 saw its share of unexpected and and stunning upsets including Stan Wawrinka's major run in Australia.
Photo Credit: AP
2014 had its share of stunning and unexpected upsets all over the world. While we can't highlight all of them, here's a look at those that were either career defining for the players who achieved them or had fans simply saying "Wow, I didn't see that coming."
The Top Ten Offbeat Moments of 2014
Nick Kyrgios d. Rafael Nadal, Wimbledon, Fourth Round
19year-old Nick Kyrgios of Australia proved he was ready to make a name for himself when he stepped out onto Centre Court against then World No. 1 Rafael Nadal. While Nadal was expected to pull off the come from behind win, Kyrgios had other ideas.
With a mixture of jaw-dropping shotmaking and grace under pressure, Kyrgios complete the stunning 7-6(5), 5-7, 7-6(5), 6-3 win. Not only is it considered by many the upset of the year, but also one of the biggest upsets in the sport's history.
Jana Cepelova d. Serena Williams, Charleston, Second Round
2014 was a year that saw World No. 1 Williams upset multiple times on the court. While losses to Ana Ivanovic (Melbourne), Garbine Muguruza (Roland Garros) and Alize Cornet (Dubai, Wimbledon) made more headlines, it was a less famous player who achieved the biggest surprise win over the 18-time Grand Slam champion this season.
Slovakia's Jana Cepelova was expected to be an easy opening round win for Williams when they met for the first time in Charleston. Yet it was Cepelova who found herself up 5-0 early instead of the event's defending champion.
Cepelova admitted later she thought "What?" after taking the first set. Though Williams looked poised to possibly pull off the comeback win, Cepelova used pace and touch to finish offer Williams 6-4, 6-4.
"I was thinking I cannot win but I want to win every game. I was a little bit nervous but then I take it," the then 78th ranked Cepelova said about her stunning result that ended Williams' 28 match win streak on clay.
To her credit, Cepelova didn't just stay satisfied with her biggest career win. Cepelova advanced all the way into her first WTA final that week.
Stan Wawrinka d. Novak Djokovic, Australian Open, Quarterfinals
While Wawrinka's win over Nadal in the final to win his first ever Grand Slam was massive, the Swiss star had to get there first.
That's why his remarkable five set win over defending champion Djokovic ranks as the biggest upset Wawrinka pulled off that fortnight down under.
Winning 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, 3-6, 9-7, Wawrinka ended a 14 match losing streak against the Serb while also ending three-time defending champion Djokovic's 25 consecutive match win streak at the tournament. In many ways, that win, after having lost a five set, five hour heartbreaker to Djokovic the year before, was truly the turning point of Wawrinka's season and career.
Jack Sock and Vasek Pospisil d. Bob and Mike Bryan, Wimbledon, Final
The first time doubles duo of Sock and Pospisil had a dream run into the Wimbledon final. But could they really beat the greatest doubles team of all time in the final on Centre Court?
The answer was yes in a thrilling and engaging five set victory over the top seeds that saw the young team, described as the "boys from nowhere" lift up the coveted trophy.
Mirjana Lucic-Baroni d. Simona Halep, US Open, Third Round
In a match of experience versus youth, the 32-year-old Lucic-Baroni earned the biggest win of her career in 15 years. Having booked a place into the main draw from qualifying, the 119th ranked Lucic-Baroni took on No. 2 seed Simona Halep.
With a 7-6(6), 6-2 win, Lucic-Baroni reached the fourth round of a major for the first time since 1999.
Caroline Wozniacki d. Maria Sharapova, US Open, Fourth Round
After having difficulties both on and off the court, "Sunshine" burned bright in New York this summer.
With inspired play that featured her trademark defense and new aggression, Wozniacki completed the 6-4, 2-6, 6-2 win over Sharapova to put her into the quarterfinals.
Wozniacki later reached the final, marking her first appearance in the last round of a major since she achieved the same stage in New York back in 2009.
Marin Cilic d. Roger Federer, US Open, Semifinals
Marin Cilic, after losing five times to Federer including a close loss recently in Toronto, finally put it all together against the Swiss legend.
With powerful serving and steely poise despite a crowd desperate for his opponent to win, Cilic defeated Federer for the first time 6-3, 6-4, 6-4.
That win set up Cilic to claim his first ever Grand Slam title in the final over Kei Nishikori and complete one of the more remarkable performances at a major in recent memory.