The 2022 US Open was an exciting last major of the season. In some ways, more so on the men’s side than on the women’s side. The number one seed and ranked WTA player won her third major title and really, although pushed, there was never any doubt Iga Swiatek would find a way to win.
Who Will Challenge Iga Swiatek?
This is a question everyone is wondering, because when push comes to shove, Swiatek is proving that she will adjust to the surface and the pressure nicely. Yet, there are many women who have the potential to step up and challenge the Polish player. It is not a lack of talent; rather it is that you have to believe and then execute, and no one has done that consistently yet.
Embed from Getty ImagesNo Member Of The Famed 4 In The US Open Final
In many ways, we are probably not surprised that Rafael Nadal did not make it to the final. He was coming back from an abdominal injury, which I don’t believe was properly healed. Add to that was the stress of worrying about the health of his wife and baby. I give him credit for showing up and actually performing well up to his match to Frances Tiafoe.
The Gradual Changing Of The Guards
It has been slowly happening and this US Open showcased what will become more frequent. Rafael Nadal is not going to be around much longer. Roger Federer may want to come back, but honestly, how well will he be able to compete against these much younger players, who are growing in confidence with each passing tournament. Novak Djokovic is still a threat, but with the stops and starts that has been affecting consistency in play, will he continue to be a realistic threat?
Embed from Getty ImagesUncertainty In Life Reflected In Tennis
It’s not surprising that we cannot predict or be sure about anything in tennis, it’s the same in life. The only things that are certain are taxes and death. Therefore, us tennis fans remain ever curious and excited about what will happen next.
ALL IMAGES COURTESY OF GETTY IMAGES
