Swiatek, who had struggled at the start of the American hardcourt season, said: “I was not expecting a lot, especially before this tournament. Coming back after winning a Grand Slam is always tricky. This tournament was really challenging – it is New York. It is so loud and crazy. So many temptations in the city. It is really mind-blowing for me and I am so proud I could handle it mentally. It is such an amazing tournament and an amazing season.”
Jabeur said: “I really tried but Iga didn’t make it easy for me today. She deserved to win. I don’t like her very much right now but it is OK! I will keep working hard and get that title soon.”
Jabeur began strongly against Elena Rybakina in the Wimbledon final before fading.
This time she made slow, nervous start. Swiatek won 12 of the first 14 points to take a 3-0 lead after only eight minutes.
Urged on by the capacity crowd in the Arthur Ashe Stadium, including Matthew Perry from Friends, Jabeur hit three winners in the next game to break back. But she was to win only one more game in the 30-minute set as she was broken a further two times. Serving at 2-5 down to stay in the set, the Tunisian hit a horrible smash into the net before slapping a backhand into the net on the first set point.
Jabeur said: “I really tried but Iga didn’t make it easy for me today. She deserved to win. I don’t like her very much right now but it is OK! I will keep working hard and get that title soon.”
