Five takeaways from the 2022 season

The 2022 tennis season is not quite over yet, but it is already possible to take stock. History was written this year thanks to surprises, departures and apprehensions which proved to be true.

Nicholas Richard
The Press

1– The future is now

Who would have thought, at the start of the season, that the two people at the top of the world ranking would be 19 and 21 years old? Carlos Alcaraz and Iga Świątek scored with a hot iron this season when the competition was tougher than ever. Even though they are barely out of their teens, the two athletes have proven that they did not inherit the throne by chance or by default. Alcaraz has won five titles, including the US Open. Świątek won six titles, including the Roland-Garros tournament. They rule the tennis world and their versatility and tenacity mean that they have the potential to dominate for a long time. They are the new face of tennis.

2– Félix Auger-Aliassime: well established

There is no longer any doubt: Félix Auger-Aliassime plays in the big leagues. He has potential, he is still far from having reached his ceiling, but he is already part of the elite of his sport. His comings and goings in the top 10 are no more than junk. He has the caliber to be there and stay there. He even reached the eighth rank in the world this season. The Quebecer finally got his hands on his first career title and he warmed up some of the best players in the world. He pushed Daniil Medvedev to the limit in Melbourne, Novak Djokovic in Rome and Rafael Nadal at Roland-Garros. He also defeated Alcaraz in the Davis Cup and Djokovic in the Laver Cup, great feats. Interest in the 21-year-old is growing around the world and his peers also consider him one of the finest projects. In his case, the question is no longer whether he has what it takes to reach world No. 1 and win a Grand Slam tournament, but rather when it will happen.

3– Breaking in late is possible

If young people are gaining more and more space, it is also true to say that this season will have been the scene of great revelations, especially from veteran players. Like what there is no age to break through. Ons Jabeur, 28, climbed to No. 2 in the world in addition to reaching his first two Grand Slam finals at Wimbledon and the US Open. Jessica Pegula has established herself as the best player in North America, also at 28 years old. Simona Halep has regained her former level and she has what it takes to stay in the top 10 for good at the age of 31. Then, the most beautiful surprise of the year, Caroline Garcia, finally broke through at the age of 28, going from unknown player to semi-finalist in the Grand Slam tournament.

4– The veterans resist

Most observers have been predicting the end of the Big Three for two or three years. Still, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic have won three of the four major tournaments. This feat was predictable, as they are two of the greatest players in history and they continue to work hard to stay at the top. On the other hand, Nadal is suffering from a recurring serious foot injury apart from sustaining an abdominal injury. Djokovic missed a lot of action due to the sanitary measures imposed by the tournaments. However, the two tenors still won the most important tournaments in addition to consolidating and maintaining their place in the top 10.

5- Nothing lasts forever

All good things come to an end, some would say. The 2022 season will have marked the end for some of the best players in the history of tennis and athletes who have marked their generation in their own way. In any case, five players said goodbye to the world of tennis to the dismay of fans. Roger Federer, Serena Williams, Ashleigh Barty, Jo-Wilfried Tsonga and Juan Martin Del Potro have all snagged their racquets over the past few months. Federer and Williams’ retirements were arguably the most emotional, but also the most anticipated. Both are 41 years old and almost everyone was anticipating their retirement. Their level of play diminished and their injuries pushed them little towards the exit door, but the way in which they withdrew will mark the spirits forever.