5 things we learned as the US Open crowns two young champions in New York
Iga Swiatek, 21, and 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz were triumphant at Flushing Meadows.
The US Open crowned two young champions in 21-year-old Iga Swiatek and 19-year-old Carlos Alcaraz.
The final grand slam of the year also almost certainly marked the end of Serena Williams’ great career and was packed full of memorable matches.
Here, the PA news agency picks out five things we learned in New York.
Tennis is alive
While tennis revelled in the glory years of Williams, Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic, there was a black cloud looming on the horizon regarding what came next? In the rise of Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Swiatek, Coco Gauff and others, it is clear fans have much excitement to enjoy and to look forward to. Alcaraz is a one-man highlight reel and has the on-court charisma to draw in fans from outside the sport. There still remain question marks around how tennis moves forward, particularly commercially, but the forecast is certainly a lot rosier.
Kyrgios can win a slam
All aboard the Jack Draper train
One of the biggest disappointments of the tournament was Draper’s enforced retirement in the third round with a thigh injury. The 20-year-old from Surrey had knocked out Felix Auger-Aliassime and was leading eventual semi-finalist Khachanov when the problem struck. But Draper showed more than enough to demonstrate again what a huge talent he is, with his powerful game backed up by much-improved movement and a strong competitive desire. He has broken into the top 50 and expect him to continue his rapid climb.
Nocturnal tennis needs to change
The US Open was quick to trumpet its latest-ever finish when Alcaraz defeated Sinner at 2.50am but is that really something to celebrate? Tennis is the only sport that insists on pushing on into the small hours of the morning even though the schedules could easily accommodate matches at more sensible times. Commercially it obviously makes sense to have two sessions each day and to allow people to come and watch after work and on TV. But by playing on beyond midnight, most spectators are unable to stay and only hardcore fans would contemplate watching on TV. There must be a better solution.
Swiatek can dominate
