Iga Swiatek, Ozeki

Iga Swiatek

Iga Swiatek became the 43rd female Ozeki (=Champion) of the Open Era today by winning the 2022 French Open ladies' tournament. 

Swiatek qualified in two different ways for her new career rank: (i) by reaching the final of the French Open following her semifinal participation at the 2022 Australian Open, and (ii) by winning the second grand slam title of her career after victory at the 2020 French Open. Either achievement on its own would have sufficed to cross the 'great hurdle' (the literal meaning of 'Ozeki' in Japanese).

There are more career promotions: Swiatek's final opponent Cori Gauff earned a maiden Sekiwake (=Junior Champion I) promotion; repeat quarterfinalist Jessica Pegula  becomes a Komusubi (Junior Champion II for the first time in her career. In the men's game, finalist Casper Ruud will become a first-time Sekiwake (independent of whether he wins or loses the final tomorrow), repeat quarterfinalist Carlos Alcaraz will join the Sanyaku (=championship ranks) as a Komusubi. 

A full update will be published once the 2022 French Open have completed.