MY ACCOUNT
Iga Swiatek reflected on a “mindblowing” Flushing Meadows experience after clinching her first US Open title with yet another straight-sets final win.
Swiatek defeated Ons Jabeur 6-2 7-6 in New York on Saturday to win her third major – all of them in straight sets.
The world No1 is only the second WTA player to win her first six Grand Slam final sets in the Open Era, after Lindsay Davenport.
In fact, Swiatek has now won her past 10 finals in two sets, becoming the first woman to do so in the 21st century.
Seven of those have come in 2022 – Serena Williams, in 2014, was the last player to win as many Tour-level finals in a season – as Swiatek has dominated.
However, the Pole explained after beating Jabeur how “challenging” it was to win a second slam in the same season, having already taken the title at the French Open.
Angelique Kerber was the last WTA player to win multiple majors in a single year back in 2016, while Williams, in 2013, was the last to double up at Roland Garros and Flushing Meadows.
Asked how she rose to the occasion once again, Swiatek replied: “I don’t know, honestly.
“I’m just not expecting a lot. Especially before this tournament, it was such a challenging time. Coming back after wining a grand slam is always tricky, even if Roland Garros was the second one.
“I really needed to stay composed and focused on the goals.
“For sure this tournament was really challenging also, because it’s New York, it’s so hard, it’s so crazy. There were so many temptations in the city, so many people I’ve met who were so inspiring.
“It’s really mindblowing for me. I’m so proud I could handle it mentally.”
This was Swiatek’s fifth match against Jabeur, and victory gave her a 3-2 lead in their head-to-head.
“Ons, such an amazing tournament, such an amazing season,” the top seed added. “I know this is already a pretty nice rivalry.
“I know we’re going to have many more, and I’m pretty sure you’re going to win some of them, so don’t worry.”
Swiatek is the first Polish female player to win the US Open in the Open Era and she was asked how her latest success would be received.
“I don’t know. I’ve got to go back home and check,” she answered. “I’m pretty sure it’s a lot; I can even hear what’s going on right now in the stadium.
“Right now, we’ve got to stay united and really support ourselves and stay together. I’m pretty happy I could unite people with our sport, and I’m proud tennis is getting more and more popular at home.”
