Iga Swiatek clinched her first Cincinnati Open title beating Jasmine Paolini in straight sets 7-5, 6-4 on Monday (18 August).
The match took place for one hour 49 minutes before Swiatek became the first Polish player to win in singles at the American tournament. This was also the sixth time that Swiatek overcame the Italian in as many meetings.
Swiatek made a shaky opening, falling behind 0-3 after dropping serve. But the four-time Grand Slam champion quickly turned the match around, breaking back twice and holding steady to snatch the opening set 7-5.
Paolini, who had come into the final riding one of the best runs of her career, refused to fold-saving a set point. Yet Swiatek’s ability to perform under high-pressure proved decisive. She broke again to seal the first set and kept her composure during a topsy-turvy second, where service breaks flowed freely, before closing it out after just under two hours on court.
Swiatek won the trophy in style by not dropping a single set at Cincinnati Open.
“It’s always tricky here in Cincy,” Swiatek told Tennis Channel. “But this gives me confidence. My team pushed me to play a little differently, and I’m happy with how it all came together. Not everything was perfect, but mentally I stayed composed.”
“I was tight at times and so was Jasmine—that’s normal in a final,” Swiatek admitted. “But I managed the pressure well and trusted the mental work we’ve been doing.”
It was Swiatek’s 24th career title on the tour, her 11th at the 1000 level. This was also her second title of the season having won the Wimbledon.
The victory not only secured her 11th WTA 1000 Title but also positioned her ahead of Coco Gauff in the race for year-end No.1. Pundits now eye her as the favorite for the US Open.
Also Read: Tennis Players With Cincinnati Open Titles
Race to Year-End No. 1 and WTA No.1
With the Cincinnati title, the six-time grand slam champion has overtaken WTA world number two Coco Gauff in the year-end No.1 race, moving ahead in points and momentum.
She has also inched closer to Aryna Sabalenka’s No.1 ranking, reducing the gap to just 500 points ahead of the US Open.
Now within striking distance of Serena Williams’ record 13 WTA 1000 title.
What’s next for Iga Swiatek?
Fresh off Cincinnati title win , Swiatek turns her focus to the US Open, where she will not only chase a fifth career Slam in singles. Before that, she will test new waters in mixed doubles, where he parternes Norway’s Casper Ruud under the event’s revamped format starting Tuesday.
“The courts in New York are always changing,” Swiatek said. “But tennis is about adapting. I’m comfortable on any surface.”
