Iga Swiatek has praised
Coco Gauff and
Aryna Sabalenka for their
US Open final, calling it an "Amazing time for women's tennis."
Four-time Grand Slam champion Swiatek had a rough time at the last major of the year in New York. The 22-year-old was attempting to defend her title, which she won last year after defeating Ons Jabeur in the final.
However, Swiatek was ousted in the fourth round at Flushing Meadows this year by twentieth seed Jelena Ostapenko. As a result, she not only lost the title but also her place as World No. 1 in the WTA Ranking, a position that she had held for 75 weeks.
Swiatek congratulates rivals
Nevertheless, the Polish player took to social media to congratulate the two women to whom she lost her title and top ranking status. Coming into the Slam, Swiatek knew that she had to stay ahead of World No. 2 Sabalenka in order to retain her top spot in the rankings. If she was eliminated before or at the same stage as the Belarusian, she would be dethroned.
Indeed, this is what ended up happening after Swiatek's surprisingly early exit, as Sabalenka progressed to the final. She will officially become World No. 1 for the first time in her career when the WTA Ranking is updated tomorrow, Monday, September 11.
Meanwhile, it was sixth seed Gauff who emerged victorious in the US Open final, winning her first Grand Slam title 2-6, 6-3, 6-2.
Swiatek posted her congratulations to Gauff for winning the title and to Sabalenka for becoming No. 1 in the same post.
"Congrats to you both! @CocoGauff on your 1st GS [Grand Slam] title, so special on your home soil and to @SabalenkaA on becoming new no 1. Amazing night and time for women's tennis!" wrote Swiatek on X, formerly known as Twitter, following it up with applause and trophy emojis.
This comes after some fans had been criticizing Swiatek for not publicly congratulating Sabalenka for claiming the top spot in the days after it happened. Now though, it seems clear that she was waiting for the end of the tournament to do so.
Gauff has replied to the post thanking Swiatek for her kind words.