U.S. Open: The Youth Takeover

09/12/2022

By: Jeff Yoder

Carlos Alcaraz (19) & Iga Swiatek (21) Capture 1st U.S. Open Titles

A new era of tennis stars has officially arrived! It was the Serena Williams sendoff this year at the U.S. Open, but the end of one era means the beginning of another. The year of Iga Swiatek continued after the Polish 21-year-old claimed her second major of the year and her first U.S. Open crown on Saturday. On Sunday, 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz completed his first major title with a four-set win over Casper Ruud.

 

M: #3 C. Alcaraz def. #5 C. Ruud (6-4, 2-6, 7-6, 6-3)

Make way for history! At 19 years old, Spanish star Carlos Alcaraz has burst onto the scene. After four consecutive matches where he needed a fifth set to advance, Alcaraz handled Casper Ruud in Sunday’s finale at the U.S. Open. At 19 years, 4 months and 6 days old, he becomes the youngest World No. 1 in men’s tennis history.

 

W: #1 I. Swiatek def. #5 O. Jabeur (6-2, 7-6)

The 2022 women’s slate has been a near Swiatek rout. After capturing the French Open and reeling off 36 consecutive match wins in the spring, Swiatek dominated three top-10 opponents in the quarters, semis and finals while dropping just one set. She made quick work of Ons Jabeur in the finale.

 

Additional Storylines

Reuters: The Future Is Now: Alcaraz Wins U.S. open & Becomes World Number One

Yahoo! Sports: Alcaraz & Swiatek Lead US Open Changing of the Guard

 

Photo: Anadolu Agency / Getty Images