Iga Swiatek entered the U.S. Open uncertain of what to anticipate, despite her success this year.
She was never able to advance past the fourth round at Flushing Meadows, where women use somewhat lighter tennis balls than men. She was attempting to become accustomed to the loud and diversions, the activity, of New York City. And she arrived with a 4-4 record since July, when her 37-match winning streak halted.
Now, none of that matters. Saturday in Arthur Ashe Stadium, the No. 1-ranked Swiatek defeated No. 5 Ons Jabeur 6-2, 7-6 (5) to win her first championship at the U.S. Open and third Grand Slam title overall, cementing her position as the new dominant figure in her sport by winning what is expected to be the final tournament of Serena Williams’ career.
Iga Swiatek of Poland reacts after scoring a point against Ons Jabeur of Tunisia during the women’s singles final of the 2022 U.S. Open on September 10 in New York. Frank Franklin II / AP
Swiatek’s blowout victory raised her tour-level record to 55-7 and her 2022 trophy total to seven, both WTA-bests.
In June, the 21-year-old Polish lady won the French Open for a second time, becoming the first woman since Angelique Kerber in 2016 to win two major titles in a single season.
The 28-year-old Tunisian Jabeur is the first African and Arab woman to reach a Grand Slam final and was competing in her second consecutive tournament. However, she remains winless at that stage, having finished second at Wimbledon in July.
On this warm, 85-degree Fahrenheit (29.4 degrees Celsius) afternoon, Jabeur had to contend with Swiatek, whose all-around excellence is heightened when a trophy is at stake. Swiatek had won her previous ten championships, all in straight sets, and was outstanding on Saturday.
Jabeur did not face a single break point during her semifinal victory over Caroline Garcia on Thursday, but she was broken immediately by Swiatek’s cross-court backhand winner off a short ball after a 15-stroke exchange.
Swiatek had scored 12 of the game’s first 14 points for a 3-0 lead after eight minutes.
Swiatek controlled the tempo and trajectory of points with her strong topspin forehand from the baseline in the opening stages of the match. She ran her opponent in all directions, never allowing Jabeur to use the spins and variations she is accustomed to.
When Jabeur, who will ascend to No. 2 in the rankings on Monday, did display some of her abilities, Swiatek would frequently extend points. She utilized her strong court coverage, accompanied by a soundtrack of squeaky sneakers, as she ran everywhere, sometimes even sliding as she arrived a ball, as one would on her preferred surface, red clay.
Early in the second set, after Jabeur missed a slicing forehand, she threw her racket to express her disappointment. A few points later, while tumbling face-first and off-balance, she threw her racket. Swiatek’s dashing, down-the-line, backhand pass at the next point made the score 2-0 in the set. Swiatek clenched his fist and shouted, “Come on!”
Soon after, Jabeur momentarily added intrigue to the situation. However, briefly.
She reached 4-all and remained on her back, pumping her fists while laying on the ground after an off-balance backhand won a point in the following game.
In that game, Jabeur had three break opportunities, any of which would have allowed her to serve for the set. She was unable to capitalize, though, as she missed a groundstroke on each occasion.
Then, as Jabeur served at 6-5 in the set, Swiatek held her first championship point. Before the point began, Swiatek ran to the sidelines to switch rackets, which was a rare decision.
Swiatek then missed a backhand, which allowed Jabeur to force a tiebreaker and take a 5-4 lead. But Swiatek won the final three points and was soon on her back as a major champion once more.