US Open win persuades Iga Swiatek the ‘sky is the limit’ for tennis career

Winning the US Open has persuaded Iga Swiatek that the “sky is the limit” for her tennis career.

The 21-year-old Pole has a huge lead in the world rankings but this was definitive proof that she is the best in the business on hard courts as well as clay.

After a 6-2 7-6 (5) victory over Ons Jabeur at Flushing Meadows that added a first US Open crown to her two French Open successes, Swiatek said: “At the beginning of the season I realised that maybe I can have some good results at WTA events. I also made it to the semi-finals of the Australian Open.

Welcome to the club, @iga_swiatek! pic.twitter.com/2Bflx9QN9Q

— US Open Tennis (@usopen) September 10, 2022

“But I wasn’t sure if I was on the level yet to win actually a grand slam, especially at the US Open where the surface is so fast.

“It’s something that I wasn’t expecting for sure. It’s also a confirmation for me that the sky is the limit. I’m proud, also surprised a little bit, just happy that I was able to do that.”

Her second victory at Roland Garros in June was part of a 37-match unbeaten run and it is fitting that, in the tournament where Serena Williams bowed out, Swiatek has become the first woman since the American in 2014 to claim seven titles in a season.

The Pole is a very different character to Williams and has an understated presence on court but possesses an inner belief that has now carried her to straight-set victories in her last 10 finals.

Swiatek was very vocal ahead of the tournament about her dislike for the US Open balls, and she had struggled for form since lifting the trophy in Paris.

She twice had to come from a set down on her way to the final and, after appearing in total control for a set and a half against Jabeur, really had to scrap to make