By: Eileen Wang
As the emotional, exhilarating ride at the 2022 US Open finally drew to a close on Sunday, September 11th, it becomes clear that this year’s US Open will be engraved in the hearts of tennis fans for years to come.
For many, this year’s US Open is especially meaningful, as it marks the end of an incredible career for Serena Williams, the best women’s tennis player ever and winner of 23 Grand Slam singles titles. After advancing to the third round of the women’s singles championship, she was then defeated by Ajla Tomljanovic in what many consider to be her last match on September 2nd. Although fans are sad to see her go, they are also grateful for all the contributions she has made over the course of 27 years to the sport of tennis. The amazing memories and legacy that she left behind will continue to live on, stronger than ever.
The women’s singles final set was also a story of its own, as both Iga Swiatek, from Poland, and Ons Jabeur, from Tunisia, set new records in the history of tennis. Known for her creativity and powerful shots on the court, Jabeur, who made the Wimbledon finals two months ago, became the first African and Arab woman to reach the US Open finals. With her entertaining performances and unique skill set, Ons Jabeur proves herself to be a big fan favorite, as fans look forward to an eventual Grand Slam win for her. Additionally, world No. 1 Swiatek, who won the French Open Women’s Singles title in 2020 and 2022, also became the first Polish woman to make the US Open finals, as well as win the final after defeating Jabeur. Through her solid, consistent performances throughout the year, Swiatek has established herself as the new queen of tennis.
Carlos Alcarez, the 19-year-old player from Spain, made history through his US Open win against Casper Rudd on Sunday, September 11th. With high hopes for a thrilling final, Alcarez and Rudd fought hard not only to win the men’s singles title but also to claim the number one ranking in men’s tennis. Alcarez’s win on Sunday allowed him to obtain both and become the the youngest man to be ranked as the world No. 1. His stellar performances at the US Open have cemented him as one of the most promising young talents to watch.Tennis fans can’t wait to see what he’ll accomplish next in his tennis career.
Players from the men’s singles championship continue to make history, as Frances Tiafoe becomes the first American man in 16 years to reach the semifinal round of the US Open. In his outstanding run, he upsetted former US Open champion and world No.1 Rafael Nadal, Daniel Schwartman, and Andrey Rublev before his loss to the eventual champion, Carlos Alcarez. His remarkable and inspiring journey at the 2022 US Open has truly been a highlight of the tournament for many fans.
From Serena Williams’s sentimental farewell to tennis to the setting of all kinds of new records, the 2022 US Open will go down in history as one to remember.
