US Open: Swiatek or Jabeur - who is the favorite?
Iga Swiatek is playing against Ons Jabeur today (from 10 p.m. live on ServusTV, Eurosport and in our ticker) for the title at the US Open 2022. The four matches played by the two against each other so far have brought a balanced balance.
by Jens Huiber
last edit: Sep 10, 2022, 07:18 am
Iga Swiatek, that may not be such a far-fetched assumption, will look almost relieved to the final of the US Open against Ons Jabeur. Because in contrast to the power players Juel Niemeier and Aryna Sabalenka, against whom Swiatek had big problems, the Tunisian is more about finesse. Jabeur's slice is poisonous - but not nearly as dangerous as Niemeier's driving shots, which gave the world number one on the fast court hardly any time to finish her forehand movement.
In addition: While Swiatek is already the Grand Slam winner with her two titles in Roland Garros 2020 and this year, Jabeur is still missing success in this category. At Wimbledon, all signs pointed to tournament victory before Elena Rybakina showed what was probably the best performance of her career in the final.
There was only one direct comparison between Swiatek and Jabeur this season: in the final in Rome. The fact that Swiatek won this game 6-2 and 6-2 doesn't have to mean much. Jabeur had succeeded in Madrid the previous week, while Swiatek had arrived at the Foro Italico well rested. The Pole then classified her smooth victory as one that did not correspond to the tight course of the game.
Jabeur doesn't allow a break chance
Swiatek and Jabeur have played two games on hard court, the Pole won the first in Washington in 2019, the second went to Jabeur in Cincinnati in 2021. She also won the Wimbledon match that same year.
In Thursday's semifinals, Jabeur made the better impression by beating Caroline Garcia. Because Garcia had come to New York with the recommendation of her tournament victory in Cincinnati and had extended her winning streak there to 13 matches. And couldn't create a single break chance against Jabeur.
It cannot be assumed that it will be just as easy against Swiatek. Especially since Ons Jabeur rightly noted in the preview of the final that Iga does not lose any final matches. And indeed: In the current season, the industry leader has served six times on the last day of the tournament. And all six titles also fetched.
Here is the women's individual tableau
nycmap