2022, the year of a revival for American women's tennis?
The brand new WTA 1000 in Guadalajara was won on Sunday by Jessica Pegula. A significant moment, as it was the first American success at this level of competition since Madison Keys' win in 2019 in Cincinnati. As an added bonus, Pegula is now No. 3 in the world, just one spot ahead of Coco Gauff. While a No. 1 ranking is out of reach for now, it shows that the current American momentum is extremely promising.
Pegula as a powerhouse
Still no Grand Slam title since Sofia Kenin's unexpected triumph at the 2020 Australian Open. But two finals after were the same, and two logical defeats. For Danielle Colins, unexpected in Australia and logically beaten by an untouchable Ashleigh Barty. The same thing for Coco Gauff at Roland-Garros, with a hoped-for progression this time, but in front of her, an Iga Swiatek above the lot.
Not to mention Jessica Pegula, who has become a model of consistency over the last two seasons. Three Grand Slam quarter-finals for the American this season, a performance only accomplished by Iga Swiatek. She didn't make it, but those three losses were to - guess who - Barty and Swiatek.
The Australian left by surprise at the beginning of the year, the Pole now has Ons Jabeur as a new rival. But Pegula is clearly a top contender, with a final at the WTA 1000 in Madrid, and a huge amount of consistency at the highest level.
Indeed, she has 37 WTA 1000 wins since the beginning of 2021. That's more than any other player on the circuit. Moreover, with 42 wins in the 2022 season on the WTA Tour, only Iga Swiatek and Ons Jabeur are better. It is therefore not surprising to see these three players on the world podium.
Coco Gauff, finally taking off
Ever since she burst onto the scene at Wimbledon in 2019, we have been waiting for a real confirmation of Coco Gauff's talent. And this confirmation was not seen on hard court, as expected, even though she reached the quarter-finals of the US Open for the first time.
No, it was at Roland Garros that we saw the extent of the new star. A flawless run where she took the pressure perfectly. A perfect run to the final, where she logically lost to an untouchable Iga Swiatek. But the beginnings of a future Grand Slam title.
Of course, she has not won any titles this season. And this Paris final is her only one in 2022. But like Pegula, she has been a consistent performer, with numerous quarter-finals and many prestigious wins. Thus, her fourth place in the world is anything but usurped. And with this new status, we will put a coin on a first title in the WTA 1000 or above in 2022.
Pegula - Gauff, that also works in doubles
Success breeds success, so Jessica Pegula and Coco Gauff have also teamed up in doubles. And with success, as the second named player briefly occupied the world number one position. The result of a final - again - at the French Open, and three titles, including two WTA 1000.
A complementary pair on paper and on the court. Gauff's power works wonders, and Pegula's skill on the volley. Moreover, the experience of the high level was very useful, and caused some beautiful moments of emotion. This pair is beautiful to watch, and will undoubtedly be the main rivals of the Barbora Krejcikova / Katerina Siniakova duo, winners of three Grand Slams this season.
The others in tune
It is not only this duo that symbolises the American revival. We saw the return of Madison Keys, on the doorstep of the top 10 with her first title since Cincinnati in January in Adelaide, just before a semi-final at the Australian Open.
Amanda Anisimova had a strong first half of the season, winning in Melbourne, but has struggled to make any headway since her revelation in Paris in 2019. The return of Sloane Stephens, who won her first tournament for four years in Guadalajara in February. An incredible performance by Bernarda Pera, who won two tournaments in a row in July.
A high density that allows you to see far ahead. In addition to these results, these players are also capable of great achievements. Madison Keys' victory over Iga Swiatek in Cincinnati is proof of this - Danielle Collins also did it at the Australian Open - and took out Ons Jabeur in Miami, as did former junior prodigy Claire Liu on the Tunisian's home soil in Monastir.
These young players are therefore capable of beating the two best players of the season - without question. There is still some consistency to be acquired, as we saw with Danielle Collins, a Grand Slam finalist, but too injured and too inconsistent to hope to remain in the top 10.
We know that Iga Swiatek is not unbeatable. We know that Ons Jabeur has moments of doubt in a season. In the year of Serena Williams' retirement, a battalion of promise was hatched for good. If American tennis has relied on the Queen for years - successfully - the page has been turned for good, it seems. See you at the next WTA Finals to see if Pegula and Gauff can win the first title since... Serena Williams.
