US Open title: Iga Swiatek beats Ons Jabeur


NEW YORK –

Iga Swiatek defeated Ons Jabeur 6-2, 7-6 (5) in the US Open final on Saturday, claiming her first championship at Flushing Meadows and her third Grand Slam title overall.

No. 1 Swiatek cemented her status as the dominant figure in women’s tennis by triumphing in what looks set to be the last of Serena Williams’ career.

Swiatek’s victory over No. 5 Jabeur improved her record in tour-level matches to 55-7 with seven trophies in 2022. Both figures lead the WTA.

She also won the French Open in June and became the first woman to collect two major titles in one season since 2016.

On Saturday, Swiatek had her first match point while leading 6-5 in the second when Jabeur served. Just before the point started, Swiatek jogged to the touchline to switch sticks – an unusual choice at the moment.

Swiatek then missed a backhand, and Jabeur pushed things to the tie break and led 5-4. But Swiatek took the last three points and was soon back on his back, a great champion.

Jabeur, a 28-year-old Tunisian, is the first African and first Arab to reach a Grand Slam final and participated in her second consecutive. But she is now 0-2 at this stage and second at Wimbledon in July.