In a riveting showdown between undoubtedly the two most exciting players on the women’s tour, Iga Swiatek stormed to victory against Ons Jabeur at tonight’s U.S. Open final 6-2, 7-6 (5), following a twisty second set that culminated in a nail-biting tiebreak. In doing so, the 21-year-old Swiatek has become the first Polish woman in history to become a U.S. Open champion, while also adding a third Grand Slam title to her rapidly-growing resume, having won the French Open both in 2020 and earlier this year.
Following a period in which the women’s game felt wide open for a dominant new force to emerge—with several prominent players curtailed by everything from early retirements to injuries—Swiatek is shaping up to be the next generation’s most promising star. (Indeed, with her victories at both Roland Garros and the U.S. Open, she has become the first female player since Angelique Kerber in 2016 to win two Grand Slams in the same year.) This year’s U.S. Open will enter the history books as the last hurrah of the all-time great Serena Williams, but there is every chance it could also be remembered for minting Swiatek as a serious contender well beyond her comfort zone of clay.
The first set saw Swiatek in full command, playing with a relentless ferocity from all corners of the court. While the Polish player has had a streaky, not-always-consistent summer on tour, she essentially became a human backboard in the first set, returning virtually everything Jabeur hit in her direction. Even when Jabeur began to pick up steam, as she did during a thrilling return game while down 3-0, Swiatek pushed back with force, eventually taking the first set in 30 minutes.
Jabeur celebrates a point against Swiatek.Photo: Getty Images
For all the latest fasion News Click Here
