In a commanding performance, world number three Iga Swiatek secured her maiden Cincinnati Open title with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Italian seventh seed Jasmine Paolini.
The win, which came in straight sets, gives the 24-year-old Polish tennis star a significant confidence boost heading into the US Open, which is set to begin this Sunday.
Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, was in dominant form throughout the week in Ohio, not dropping a single set. She said she was “happy with the work we’ve been doing” and “I’m a good player. I can play on any surface.”
This victory marks her 11th title at the WTA 1000 level, putting her just two titles away from equaling Serena Williams’ record.
In a repeat of last year’s French Open final, Paolini initially took a 3-0 lead in the first set before Swiatek rallied to win five consecutive games.
The second set saw the two players trade breaks, but Swiatek secured the decisive break in the seventh game and served for the match two games later. Swiatek was particularly effective on serve, hitting nine aces to Paolini’s none, and she converted all six of her break point opportunities.
Swiatek, who won her first Wimbledon title last month, is looking to clinch her second US Open title. She is also scheduled to compete in the US Open’s revamped mixed doubles event alongside Norway’s Casper Ruud.
