Going into the final Grand Slam of the year, there was uncertainty for some people whether a US Open shorn of several of the sport's biggest names would attract as much attention as usual.
It provided a treat of stunning tennis, seismic shocks, entertaining storylines and the birth of several new stars.
Long-held concerns about how the sport would cope without its main attractions - with Roger Federer just turned 40 and Serena Williams less than a fortnight from reaching the same landmark - were answered as the US Open offered reassurance it will continue to thrive.