Iga Swiatek downs Jasmine Paolini to clinch maiden Cincinnati Open Title

Time of India

4 hours ago

Iga Swiatek
added another milestone to her growing legacy by winning the
Cincinnati Open
for the first time, defeating Italy's
Jasmine Paolini
7-5, 6-4 in Monday's final.
The straight-set victory not only gave the 24-year-old her 11th career
WTA 1000
crown but also her 24th overall title, backing up her recent
Wimbledon
triumph.
— CincyTennis (@CincyTennis)
The contest, lasting just under two hours, was a test of momentum swings and break-point battles. Sixteen opportunities were created in total, with Swiatek converting six of 10 while Paolini capitalized on just two of six.
— CincyTennis (@CincyTennis)
Despite a sluggish start that saw her fall behind 0-3, the Pole immediately responded with two consecutive breaks, surging to a 5-3 lead. Paolini, however, dug deep, saving a set point and breaking back to level at 5-all. Swiatek quickly steadied, breaking once more and sealing the opener with a love game after 58 minutes.
Live Events
— CincyTennis (@CincyTennis)
The second set followed a similar pattern of exchanged breaks before Swiatek tightened her grip in the crucial stages. From 3-3, she fought off two break points, held firm, and then secured the decisive break to move ahead 5-3. Two games later, she calmly served out the championship.
— CincyTennis (@CincyTennis)
Swiatek's triumph in Cincinnati is particularly significant given her past struggles at the event, where she fell in the semifinals in 2022 and 2023.
The victory means the Canadian Open is now the only WTA 1000 where she has not reached a final. Importantly, the title lifts her within 500 points of world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, setting up a compelling race at the upcoming US Open. Winning in Cincinnati without dropping a set, Swiatek heads to New York brimming with confidence and momentum.