Iga Swiatek and Carlos Alcaraz have paid tribute to each other after both won their first US Open title this year. Swiatek defeated Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur to claim her second Grand Slam of the year and consolidate her status as the best women’s player on the planet. Meanwhile, Alcaraz came out on top in his first major final –– defeating Casper Ruud in four sets to become the youngest men’s number one since Lleyton Hewitt in 2001.Both were deserving victors in New York and took to social media to offer congratulations to one another. 

What did Swiatek and Alcaraz say?

After the men’s final, Swiatek shared a message on her Twitter account which read: “Congratulations @carlosalcaraz and to you @CasperRuud98 as well! What a ride!” 

In response, the Spanish star replied: “Happy to win my first US Open [in the] same year as you. Congrats Iga!” 

Elsewhere, there were plenty of other tennis stars, past and present, who congratulated Alcaraz and Swiatek. 

Nadal tweeted a message of support for his compatriot in Spanish, which translated as “Congratulations @carlosalcaraz for your first Grand Slam and for becoming number one, which is the culmination of your first great season. I am sure there will be many more!” 

Four-time US Open champion Martina Navratilova also tweeted praise for Swiatek as well as beaten finalist Jabeur. 

“What a treat to be sharing the stage with two champions- congrats @iga_swiatek and also to @ons_Jabeur,” she said. 

“Both great role models for aspiring girls and boys everywhere! Women’s tennis is in good hands!!!”

How did Alcaraz win the US Open?

Still only 19 years old, Alcaraz became the youngest men’s major winner since Nadal won the French Open in 2005. 

The Spaniard has enjoyed a stunning rise to the top of men’s tennis this season –– winning in Miami, Madrid and Barcelona, while also beating the likes of Nadal and Novak Djokovic. 

Carlos Alcaraz celebrates at US Open
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - SEPTEMBER 11: Carlos Alcaraz of Spain celebrates winning the third set tiebreak against Casper Ruud of Norway during their Men’s Singles Final match on Day Fourteen of the 2022 US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on September 11, 2022 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

At this year’s US Open, Alcaraz won three five-set matches in a row between the last 16 and the final and spent almost 24 hours on the court across his seven matches –– the most since Andy Murray triumphed back in 2012. 

Against Ruud, Alcaraz treated the crowd to some of his signature drop shots and thrilled the Arthur Ashe Stadium by winning multiple gruelling rallies. 

The teenager has now become the youngest ATP number one since the rankings began in 1973. 

What’s next for Swiatek? 

Since assuming the number one ranking from Ashleigh Barty earlier this year, Swiatek has dominated the WTA Tour. 

Swiatek with US Open trophy

The Pole has now won seven titles this year, including two majors and leads the Race to the Finals which will take place later this year. 

Victory at this event, which will be held in Fort Worth, Texas, would round off a memorable year for the 21-year-old.Â