By Richard Kent, Staff Reporter

FLUSHING, NY — A star was born, or shall we say re-born at the US Open this year. It happens all the time, but perhaps not with the panache and cache of one charismatic Caroline Garcia of France.

We all knew her in 2017 when she won the China Open. And we knew about her doubles’ prowess, with 2 Grand Slam doubles crowns at the French Open already under her belt. But man, her singles game has been both powerful and elegant at the same time.

She has a huge forehand and a skilled net game along with a 77% winning streak on her first serve heading into her semi-finals match.

Offense, defense and athleticism is a weighty trio for this 28-year-old who is currently ranked No. 17 in the world, but her showing at this year’s Open will move her well into the top 10.

Garcia burst onto the scene more as a result of a loss than a win in 2011. In the Australian Open and as a 17-year-old she was up 6-3, 4-1 before losing to high flying Maria Sharapova.

Garcia fell to Wimbledon finalist Ons Jabeur Thursday night 6-1, 6-3 in the US Open semi-finals and the loss stopped a 13-match winning streak for the French star. It included a win in the just concluded Western and Southern Open in Cincinnati over Petra Kvitova.

In the first set against Jabeur, Garcia lost consecutive games for the first time in this Open and also faced break point on her serve for the first time at this Open.

Jabeur held a 2-0 overall lead against Garcia heading into the match. The 2 are close friends and had competed against each other for years as teens.

Look for Garcia to shake off the Jabeur loss and close 2022 firmly ensconced in the WTA Top 10.