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A Look At The Favourites For the 2024 Grand Slams

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The US Open provided plenty of drama across the last few weeks, culminating in a new Grand Slam record for Novak Djokovic and an exciting new dawn for the women’s game, as Coco Gauff secured her first major honour, opening up what could be a brilliant 2024 in tennis.

While there’s still plenty of tennis to play across the ATP and WTA, with the dust settling on the Grand Slams, we thought it provided the perfect opportunity to take a look at the odds for the coming year, starting with the Australian Open in January…

The Australian Open: No. 25 for Novak, Swiatek to claim her first in Melbourne?

Novak is hotly tipped to pick up a second straight Grand Slam and 11th Australian Open, priced at 13/10 with most bookmakers. The stars of this year follow behind him, with Carlos Alcaraz priced at 2/1 and Daniil Medvedev, 4/1. A win for Alcaraz would perhaps mark the beginning of a new dynasty after lifing the Wimbledon title this year, and a changing of the guard for 2024.

In the women’s game it’s really hotting up. There are a host of players that could win the Aussie Open, and continuing the gambling theme it’s almost like you could spin the reels of something like the 777 slots and get just as a determined answer than any pundit.

The oddsmakers are suggesting the title may sway towards Iga Swiatek, who reached the semi-finals in 2022. She’s at 3/1, but Elena Rybakina and Aryna Sabalenka aren’t far behind at 5/1. Ons Jabeur is priced at 8/1 while Coco Gauff, Jessica Pegula and Naomi Osaka are at 10/1, all of whom are realistic contenders. You’ve then got Carolina Garcia as a potential winner too. It could set up an incredibly exciting year in the Women’s Singles.

French Open: Alcaraz and Swiatek to prove solid opposition

Iga Swiatek is proving to be the female equivalent of Rafa Nadal of late on the clay, having lifted the last two French Open titles. She’s a heavy favourite again at 10/11 with most bookies, and is certainly the player to beat.

Aryna Sabalenka comes closest with the bookmakers at 13/2, but it’s seemingly the 22-year-old Polish star’s to lose at present.

Alcaraz takes the favourite tag in the French Open at 11/8, and it’s no surprise to see Djokovic and Nadal just behind him in the stakes. However, the Spaniard is great on clay and he’ll be tough to get past after reaching the Semi Finals this year. Win the Aussie Open, and this one would complete the set.

Wimbledon: Alcaraz and Swiatek to take clay form onto grass?

It’s going to be a similar story at Wimbledon according to the bookies, with Alcaraz and Swiatek both favourites for the title. Alcaraz beat Djokovic in a real classic this year and he’s just ahead of the Serbian at 6/4 compared to 7/4.

Medvedev is priced at 12/1, with Rafa at 10/1, and it’s a little difficult to look any further than that in the Men’s Singles.

In the women’s the current World Number Two is once again favourite at 5/1. She’s never won the Wimbledon title, reaching the quarter finals in her best year. Sabalenka, who reached the semi finals in 2023 is just behind her at 9/2, but would you write of Coco Gauff at 10/1 after getting a taste of Grand Slam success just a few weeks ago? It’s wide open.

US Open: A year on, Novak to do it again

It could be a difficult year for the Serbian superstar, with Alcaraz likely to prove a difficult opponent, but the hard court is his domain and he’s tipped to come back and be successful in New York once again in 2024.

Djokovic is priced at 5/4 with many bookies to win the title, with Carlos just behind him at 6/4. Medvedev and Jannik Sinner are the names most likely to break that duo duel, but all eyes will be on this year’s Wimbledon finalists right across the year.

Gauff is 8/1 to retain her US Open crown, with Swiatek the favourite across all four Grand Slams. She’s priced just ahead of Aryna Sabalenka at 3/1 and 4/1 respectively, while Elena Rybakina, who reached the third round this year, is third favourite.

Carlos Alcaraz (Photo by Justin Cohen Photography)

Novak Djokovic Ties Margaret Court’s Record With U.S. Open Win

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by Randy Walker

@TennisPublisher

Novak Djokovic won his 24th major singles enduring past Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-6 (5), 6-3 to equal Margaret Court for the all-time lead in tennis history for most major singles titles won in a career. At age 36, Djokovic also became the oldest U.S. Open men’s singles champion, eclipsing Ken Rosewal, who won the 1970 U.S. singles title at age 35. Remarkably, Djokovic has now won titles at exactly one third of the majors he’s played in (24 titles in 72 major appearances).

The final against Medvedev was a rematch of their 2021 U.S. Open final when Medvedev upset Djokovic and ruined his bid to win for a Grand Slam sweep of all four majors in a single year, a feat only achieved by five players in tennis history. However, in 2023, Medvedev was not able to prevent Djokovic from making tennis history.

The match was ultimately decided in an incredible 1 hour, 44-minute second set, where Djokovic saved a set point and showcased some clutch serve and volley tactics when appeared to be in physical distress.

The fourth championship for Djokovic in New York also provided some poetic justice for the Serbian as he was unable to play the event in 2022 due to the United States government’s policy against admitting non-citizens who were not vaccinated. Djokovic also endured disappointment when he was disqualified from the 2020 U.S. Open when he mistakenly hit a ball in anger that hit a linesperson.

Latine Tennis History To Be Celebrated At 2023 U.S. Open Highlighted By Ceremony On September 5

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During the 2023 US Open, the tournament will celebrate the impact of Latine culture on society, including recognizing the significant contributions of Hispanic and Latine players to the sport of tennis.

The newly formed Latin American Tennis Foundation (LATF) will take part in this celebration, which aims to honor the past, present and future of Latine representation in tennis and beyond. The centerpiece of the celebration will be the US Open Equity Talk: Latine Influence on American Pop Culture & Sports, a networking event and panel discussion taking place September 5th at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center, the home of the US Open. The event will bring together influential Latine leaders across sports, business, and entertainment to engage in a dialogue about the community’s challenges, achievements, and aspirations. As part of the event, and in conjunction with the 2023 US Open’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of equal prize money, Rosie Casals will be recognized for her role in advocating for pay equality in 1973.

This year’s tournament will also bring to life a message of equity and inclusion for all US Open attendees through the US Open Equity Experience. This immersive display aims to educate, inspire and celebrate the continued evolution of tennis to become a more inclusive and equitable sport.

Through videos, images and inspiring examples of progress, the US Open Equity Experience features key milestones in US Open history, alongside profiles and quotes of tennis players who have been instrumental in driving change throughout the years. With the support of the LATF, the Equity Experience will feature the achievements made by legendary figures such as Pancho Gonzales, Pancho Segura, Rafael Osuna, Alex Olmedo, Gabriela Sabatini, Mary Joe Fernandez, Gigi Fernandez and others, ensuring that their legacies continue to inspire future generations.

Other events celebrating Latine culture during the tournament will include a performance by New York dance group Ballet Hispanico on the opening day of Fan Week on August 22, as well as Hispanic and Latine tennis legends and influencers participating in pre-match coin toss ceremonies on September 5th.

The LATF strives to be the leading voice for Hispanic and Latine tennis in the U.S. and Latin America, with the goal of bringing awareness to current players, honoring past legends, and igniting a movement of participation and access.

LATF founders include Rosie Casals, an icon of women’s professional tennis, and Dan and Greg Gonzales, descendants of the legendary Richard “Pancho” Gonzalez. The Honorary and Advisory Board Members of LATF comprise Billie Jean King, a former World No. 1 tennis player and advocate for gender and LGBTQ+ equality; WTA President Mickey Lawler, Dr. Alfredo Quiñones-Hinojosa, a renowned neurosurgeon; Dolores Huerta, a civil rights and labor leader; and Raul Humberto Yzaguirre, a civil rights activist and former president of the National Council of La Raza.

The US Open will also commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) and honor Rosie Casals for her pivotal role in its formation. As a member of “The Original Nine,” she played an important part in establishing the Virginia Slims circuit and advocating for pay equality.

“The LATF remains steadfast in its commitment to celebrating Latino icons within the game, with a special focus this year on Rafael Osuna and the 60th Anniversary of his historic 1963 US Open title victory. We are dedicated to driving meaningful change, promoting participation, access and inclusivity, while inspiring generations to come,” said Rosie Casals, co-founder of LATF.

For more information about the Latin American Tennis Foundation and its programs, please visit their
website at www.latinamericantennisfoundation.org.
Contact:
Name: Greg Gonzales
Phone: (623) 414- 1012
Email:info@latinamericantennisfoundation.org

Pancho Segura

Maestro Dobel Becomes U.S. Open’s “Official Tequila”

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The USTA announced that it has partnered with Maestro Dobel® Tequila to make the world’s first Cristalino the first “Official Tequila” of the US Open, beginning with the 2023 event.

Maestro Dobel Tequila’s partnership with the US Open further cements its position as a supporter of professional tennis in the United States, as Dobel also serves as the “Official Tequila” across key tournaments including the Miami Open, BNP Paribas Open and Western & Southern Open.

A champion of maestros in their respective crafts, Maestro Dobel has also partnered with players Taylor Fritz, Aryna Sabalenka and Dana Mathewson, the highest-ranked American wheelchair tennis player, to support the brand’s US Open debut.

“The US Open has a storied and rich history driven by passion for the sport of tennis and a commitment to excellence,” said Deanne Pownall, USTA Managing Director, Corporate Partnerships. “These attributes are shared with Maestro Dobel Tequila and we are excited to introduce this legacy brand to our fans on-site, and showcase the partnership to fans around the world.”

A cornerstone of the partnership is the placement of “Dobel Tequila” branding in on-court signage that will be visible to fans on-site and around the world. Fans attending the US Open will have the opportunity to experience the portfolio of Maestro Dobel’s smooth tequilas that will be available at concession stands, restaurants and private hospitality spaces.


“As an 11th generation tequila maker, I take great pride in the mastery and precision with which we craft our award-winning Maestro Dobel tequilas. Each year, we see that same passion and dedication on display in the competition at the US Open, so we are incredibly proud to announce Maestro Dobel – creator of the world’s first Cristalino – as the first ‘Official Tequila’ of this iconic tournament,” said Juan Dobel, Founder of Maestro Dobel Tequila. “As the number one ultra-premium tequila in Mexico and one of the fastest-growing globally, we are excited to share our range of extraordinary tequilas with tennis fans in New York, and continue the acceleration of the tequila category with an international audience.”

Maestro Dobel will be featured at a branded, full-service bar inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, and branded, mobile carts across the tournament grounds, which will offer smooth and refreshing tequila cocktails, including the Maestro Dobel Ace Paloma, poured in a co-branded souvenir cup. 

Maestro Dobel will also participate in the “Flavors of the Open” ticketed food and beverage event on the evening of Thursday, August 24, and is supporting the annual USTA Foundation Gala on Monday, August 28.

# # #

The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level — from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, one of the highest-attended annual sporting events in the world, and launched the US Open Series, linking summer WTA and ATP World Tour tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns approximately 120 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S. and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA’s philanthropic entity, the USTA Foundation, provides grants and scholarships in addition to supporting tennis and education programs nationwide to benefit under-resourced youth through the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network. For more information about the USTA, go to USTA.com or follow the official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

About Maestro Dobel Tequila

Maestro Dobel® Tequila was born from 11 generations of tequila mastery in Jalisco, Mexico in 2003 and introduced to the American market in 2009. With deep respect for legacy, founded by 11th generation tequila maker Juan Dobel, Maestro Dobel is a modern expression of tequila, with a heritage and refined craft that spans over 250 years. Maestro Dobel is an innovator in the category – having introduced to the global market the first Cristalino tequila with Dobel Diamante, the first Smoked Tequila with Humito and the first Pechuga Tequila with Pavito – and has produced some of the finest and smoothest range of tequilas.

For more information, please visit www.maestrodobel.com or follow on Instagram and Facebook at @dobeltequila.

USTA, Tiffany & Co. To Continue US Open Partnership

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The USTA announced that it has signed a multi-year partnership renewal with Tiffany & Co. to continue to serve as the Official Trophy Partner of the US Open.

As it has for the past 37 years, Tiffany & Co. will craft trophies featured throughout the US Open, including the keepsake trophies for the men’s and women’s singles champions. The keepsake trophies are equal-sized replicas crafted for each champion to take home as a personal, permanent commemoration of their victories.

For the first time ever, Tiffany & Co. will oversee on-site, immediate hand-engraving of both the men’s and women’s singles keepsake trophies. Each singles champion will now be able to leave the US Open with their engraved, keepsake trophy in hand.

With the US Open celebrating its 50th anniversary of awarding equal prize money to men and women this year, Tiffany & Co. will further showcase its support of equality by crafting the special Lifetime Achievement and Leadership Awards to be presented to two pioneering women at the inaugural Champions of Equality Event on September 7, the night of the women’s semifinals.

Also, for the first time, Tiffany & Co. will host an immersive booth on the South Plaza throughout the duration of the US Open, highlighting its rich legacy in tennis and the shared history of Tiffany & Co. and the USTA. The activation will include wall displays of Tiffany Blue® tennis balls, as well as a Snap AR Mirror featuring two innovative AR Lens experiences for guests to interact with. The USTA men’s and women’s singles championship replica trophies will be on display. The US Open trophies are handcrafted each year at the Tiffany hollowware workshop in Cumberland, Rhode Island, and are a sophisticated tribute to the tournament and an illustrious symbol of Tiffany’s world-renowned craftsmanship

USTA Announces Record U.S. Open Prize Money – Also With New Player Perks!

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The USTA announced that the 2023 US Open will award $65 million in total player compensation for the first time. This amount tops the $60 million number of 2022, an increase of more than 8%. Player compensation takes on even greater significance this year, with 2023 marking the 50th Anniversary of Equal Prize Money at the US Open. Fifty years ago, in 1973, the US Open became the first sporting event in history to offer equal prize money to both men and women competitors, with each competing for total purses of $100,000, including a $25,000 payout to both the men’s and women’s singles champion.

Ensuring significant payouts for players in all rounds was a priority in the creation of the prize money structure. Players eliminated from Main Draw Singles in the Round of 128 will receive $81,500 – this represents a 44% increase since 2019 ($58,000). At the same time, Main Draw Singles Champions will receive $3 million in prize money, up from $2.6 million in 2022, a 15% increase. In addition, US Open Qualifying players will be awarded $22,000 for first round, $34,500 for second round, and $45,000 for final round, representing increases of 100%, 92% and 41% since 2019, respectively.

In addition, an effort was made to provide greater assistance to all competitors from all events, regardless of finishing position, with the implementation of further player expense assistance. The 2023 US Open will see a significant increase in player per diem for all competitors, with the introduction of travel vouchers of $1,000 for the first time, as well as an additional hotel room for all players (or a doubling of player hotel allotment from $300 to $600 per day if the player chooses to lodge at another accommodation). In addition, players will see an increase in meal allowance as well as racquet stringing for all players. This includes both Main Draw and Qualifying competitors in Men’s and Women’s Singles and Doubles events; Mixed Doubles players; and Men’s, Women’s and Quad Division Wheelchair competitors.

# # #

The USTA is the national governing body for the sport of tennis in the U.S. and the leader in promoting and developing the growth of tennis at every level — from local communities to the highest level of the professional game. A not-for-profit organization, it invests 100% of its proceeds in growing the game. It owns and operates the US Open, one of the highest-attended annual sporting events in the world, and launched the US Open Series, linking sevensummer WTA and ATP World Tour tournaments to the US Open. In addition, it owns approximately 120 Pro Circuit events throughout the U.S. and selects the teams for the Davis Cup, Billie Jean King Cup, Olympic and Paralympic Games. The USTA’s philanthropic entity, the USTA Foundation, provides grants and scholarships in addition to supporting tennis and education programs nationwide to benefit under-resourced youth through the National Junior Tennis & Learning (NJTL) network. For more information about the USTA, go to USTA.com or follow the official accounts on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and TikTok.

USTA To Celebrate 50 Years of U.S. Open Equal Prize Money

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The USTA announced that the celebration of the 50th anniversary of equal prize money at the US Open will be the central theme of the 2023 US Open, and will be bolstered by a number of significant events and a multi-media campaign that will cross linear, digital, and social media channels.  The nine-month celebration beginning today on National Equal Pay Day will include extensions leading up to and through the 2023 US Open, and will continue for the duration of the year. Fifty years ago, in 1973, the US Open became the first sporting event in history to offer equal prize money to both men and women competitors, with each competing for total purses of $100,000, including a $25,000 payout to both the men’s and women’s singles champion.

The great Billie Jean King became the pioneer for equal prize money when she won the women’s singles title at the 1972 US Open and unequivocally demanded that the following year’s US Open pay men’s and women’s players equally. King’s ultimatum set the tone for a momentous year ahead, which first saw the formation of the Women’s Tennis Association. After the 1973 US Open milestone of equal pay, King then defeated Bobby Riggs in the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ match at Houston’s iconic Astrodome, a match that helped to propel the women’s movement in both sports and in society, and still remains the most-watched tennis match ever.

“The USTA is incredibly proud to celebrate the 50th anniversary of awarding equal prize money at this year’s US Open, and to honor Billie Jean King’s efforts to make this a reality,” said Brian Hainline, USTA Chairman of the Board and President.  “No individual has done more to secure equality for female athletes than Billie Jean King. Her impact goes far beyond the tennis court, and there is no better time to celebrate her legacy than on the anniversary of this historic milestone.”

“It’s not just about the money, it’s about the message,” said Billie Jean King. “Every generation does have to fight for equality and freedom.”

The USTA also is actively supporting the effort to have King’s myriad achievements recognized with a Congressional Gold Medal.  Though 11 individual athletes have received the Congressional Gold Medal, none of those recipients has been a woman athlete. The campaign to award the honor to King has begun, and efforts will be ongoing over the course of the year.

The USTA will be partnering with the Women’s Sports Foundation (WSF), founded in 1974 by King to enable all girls and women to reach their potential in sport and life, which will support the Congressional Gold Medal campaign in a number of ways, including with their expertise in advocacy and collective impact, as well as their significant reach with athletes, leaders, entities and fans.

“Billie has rightfully received numerous honors and accolades in her life,” said Stacey Allaster, Chief Executive, Professional Tennis, USTA and US Open Tournament Director.  “But the time has come for our nation to recognize her achievements with the Congressional Gold Medal for the wide-ranging positive impact these achievements have had on generations of women, men, girls, and boys of all backgrounds, making our country a better place.”

The 2023 US Open theme art also will be tied to the celebration of the 50th Anniversary of Equal Prize Money. The artwork, created by Brazilian artist Camila Pinheiro, is a bold and contemporary spin on an iconic image of Billie Jean King, while capturing the power and excitement of the US Open in a dramatic fashion. The US Open theme art is featured across all areas of promotion and activation, including on US Open broadcasts, through a robust merchandise offering, US Open advertising, and will be visible throughout the grounds of the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. The USTA is proud to support WSF with a donation from the proceeds of this theme art.

The USTA is planning a full slate of activities to support this historic anniversary. A multi-dimensional history of equal prize money, and the impact that equal prize money has had on sports will be launched online with additional promotion across the association’s social media channels. The series will include stories written by noted tennis journalists complemented with historic video footage which will roll out over the five months leading to the 2023 US Open. Finally, a “What Equality Means to Me” series of essays penned by notable women from all disciplines of life, will begin to roll out in April. The first of these essays will be authored by King.

Equal prize money will be themed throughout the 2023 US Open and equality will be the focus of the US Open’s ongoing “Be Open” campaign.  Now in its fourth year, the Be Open campaign emphasizes tennis’ commitment to diversity, inclusion and respect, and encourages all tennis fans to embrace these ideals.

Further information on the celebration of this historic milestone will be announced over the course of 2023. The US Open takes place annually at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, Queens.  This year’s tournament starts with US Open Fan Week on Tuesday, August 22, with the main draw of the tournament running from Monday August 28 through Sunday September 10.

Carlos Alcaraz Assumes No. 1 Pepperstone ATP Ranking

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Carlos Alcaraz today becomes the youngest World No. 1 in Pepperstone ATP Rankings history (since 1973) after winning his first Grand Slam title at the US Open Sunday.  

Alcaraz entered the 2021 US Open as the World No. 55. With his win against 23-year-old Casper Ruud in the championship clash in New York, the 19-year-old is the first teenage World No. 1 and the fourth man from Spain to achieve the feat, joining his coach Juan Carlos Ferrero, Carlos Moya, and Rafael Nadal.  

“It’s crazy for me. I’ve never thought that I was going to achieve something like that at 19 years old. So everything came so fast,” Alcaraz said. “For me it’s unbelievable. It’s something I dreamed since I was a kid, since I started playing tennis. Of course, lifting this trophy today is amazing for me.”
The Murcia-native arrived at Flushing Meadows as the No. 4 player in the Pepperstone ATP Rankings. His leap to World No. 1 is tied for the biggest in history. Three other players have surged from No. 4 to No. 1 between one Pepperstone ATP Rankings release: Moya (15 March 1999), Andre Agassi (5 July 1999) and Pete Sampras (11 September 2000).   Alcaraz has rewritten the record books en route to the pinnacle of men’s tennis. Earlier this year he became the second-youngest player to win two ATP Masters 1000 titles (Miami and Madrid), only behind Nadal, who did so in 2005. Alcaraz also became the youngest ATP 500 titlist in series history in Rio de Janeiro and claimed another crown at that level in Barcelona.  

The 19-year-old leads the ATP Tour with 51 wins this season, moving him five victories clear of second-placed Stefanos Tsitsipas (46). With his US Open triumph, Alcaraz also climbed to first place in the Pepperstone ATP Live Race To Turin, putting him in pole position to become the youngest year-end World No. 1 in history.  

Andrea Gaudenzi, ATP Chairman, said: ‘Carlos’ rise to the top of the sport has been nothing short of phenomenal. His game has reached incredible levels this year, capturing ATP Masters 1000 titles in Miami and Madrid, and now capped off with a first Grand Slam title and becoming the youngest ever No. 1. His fearless tennis, work ethic and sportsmanship make him an inspiration for many and has raised the bar for tennis’ next era. Like so many of our fans, I’m excited to watch his incredible journey continue.’  

Alcaraz became the first player to reach the top of men’s tennis’ mountain the Monday after the US Open since his coach, Ferrero, ascended to No. 1 after the 2003 tournament. Alcaraz’s final against Ruud was the first men’s singles championship match at a Grand Slam in which both players who had never been World No. 1 were competing for the top spot.  

Alcaraz is the 28th player to reach World No. 1, making him the sixth active player to climb to the top spot. The teen joins Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Nadal, Andy Murray and Daniil Medvedev, whom he replaced at the pinnacle.   Alcaraz (19) and Ruud (23) are the second-youngest Top 2 in the history of the Pepperstone ATP Rankings, only trailing World No. 1 Jimmy Connors (22) and World No. 22 Bjorn Borg (18) in 1975. This is the first year since 2003 there have been two new World No. 1s in the same season (Medvedev and Alcaraz).  

Carlos Alcaraz Persists To Win 2022 U.S. Open

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Carlos Alcaraz won his first major singles title beating Casper Ruud 6-4, 2-6, 7-6 (1), 6-3 in the final of the U.S. Open, becoming the event’s second youngest men’s singles champion and in the process becoming the youngest man to clinch the world No. 1 ranking.

Alcaraz, at age 19 years, 4 months and 6 days, is only three months older than Pete Sampras, when he won the U.S. men’s title in 1990 at the age of 19 years, 28 days. However, Alcaraz is well over a year younger than Lleyton Hewitt as the youngest world No. 1, Hewitt assuming the top ranking in 2001 at the age of 20 years and 268 days.

The young Spaniard persisted at the end of the tournament in what four-time U.S. Open champion John McEnroe called “one of the all-time great efforts you will ever see to win an event.” He won three straight matches in five sets, including two that finished after 2 am, to reach the final, a feat last achieved by Stefan Edberg in 1992, who famously came back from a service break in the fifth set in the fourth round, quarterfinals and semifinals. Alcaraz trailed by a service break in the firth set against 2014 U.S. Open champion Marin Cilic in the fourth round before winnign 6-4, 3-6, 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 in three hours and 54 minutes in a match that ended at 2:23 am. He then saved a match point in his quarterfinal epic win against Jannik Sinner, which he won 6-3, 6-7 (7), 6-7 (0), 7-5, 6-3 in five hours and 15 minutes, the second longest U.S. Open match of all time, that finished at 2:50 am, the latest finish in U.S. Open history. In the semifinals, he again persisted in his five-set 6-7(6), 6-3, 6-1, 7-6 (5), 6-3, fighting against a roaring U.S. crowd.

Alcaraz spent a total of 23 hours, 40 minutes on court in the tournament.

Carlos Alcaraz

Iga Swiatek Wins U.S. Open; Jabeur “Will Not Give Up”In Major Title Quest

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World No. 1 Iga Swiatek defeated Tunisian Ons Jabeur 6-2, 7-6(5) to win her first U.S. Open title and second major tournament victory of 2022 and third overall.

The 21-year-old Pole spent just one hour and 51 minutes to beat the No. 5 seed Jabeur, also the runner-up Wimbledon. Despite being the world No. 1, many did not believe Swiatek would be the last player standing in New York, due to the unpredictability in women’s tennis and the fact that Swiatek was only 2-2 on hard courts leading into the U.S. Open.

Swiatek was off to a 3-0 lead before Jabeur hit five clean winners to help pull back to 3-2. Swiatek kept her dominating style, breaking Jabeur twice more to win the first set. The second set opened much alike the first with Swiatek taking the first three games and Jabeur pulling two back before it was dragged into tiebreak where the Pole won on her first match point on Jabeur’s forehand unforced error.

“It’s part of tennis, winning or losing is part of it,” said Jabeur, who was looking to win her first major title and become the first Muslim player to win a major singles title. “I struggled to win my first WTA title. It took me time. So I believe this will take me time. The most important thing is accepting it, learning from the finals that I lost. I’m not someone that going to give up.”

Swiatek becomes the first Polish player to win the U.S. Championships, achieving what 1937 U.S. women’s runner-up Jadwiga Jedrzejowska was not able to do.
After winning the French Open as an unseeded player in 2020, Swiatek was immediately thrust into the top of women’s tennis upon the retirement of dominant No. 1 Ash Barty in March of this year. She won the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells in March which clinched the No. 2 ranking, but was placed at No. 1 after Barty asked to be taken off the WTA rankings after her retirement announcement. She had a 37-match win streak that included her second title at Roland Garros. She struggled a bit since winning in Paris, losing in the third round at Wimbledon at the top seed and then going only 2-2 in U.S. summer hard court events leading into the U.S. Open.