Cincinnati (USA), Aug 19 (AP) – Iga Swiatek, currently ranked third in the world, has won the Cincinnati Open title for the first time. She triumphed over seventh-seeded Jasmine Paolini, with a scoreline of 7-5, 6-4. Swiatek had previously never advanced beyond the semifinals in her six prior attempts at the tournament. In both 2023 and 2024, she reached the semis, only to be defeated by the eventual champions, Coco Gauff in 2023 and Aryna Sabalenka in 2024.
“This victory means a lot to me,” Swiatek remarked. “This year, I was particularly determined to win, and I'm incredibly happy. It's satisfying to check another tournament off the list. I have friends here, and it's a lovely, relaxed setting before New York." Swiatek's dominance over the Italian opponent continues, as she has won all six of their encounters, conceding just one set in those matches.
In the first set, Paolini started strong, building a 3-0 lead. However, Swiatek made an impressive comeback, taking a 5-3 lead. Despite Paolini breaking back to level at 5-5, Swiatek secured the first set after 56 minutes. Swiatek then capitalized on her eighth ace of the match to lead 5-3 in the second set. Although Paolini broke serve twice in the second, narrowing the margin to 5-4, Swiatek managed to close out the match, clinching her 24th career singles title.
“This season hasn't been easy,” Swiatek conceded. “There have been areas needing improvement, and winning tournaments becomes challenging when there are high expectations.” In the final, Swiatek committed seven double faults compared to Paolini’s two, but she compensated with nine aces while Paolini did not manage any.
Paolini reflected, citing, “During the rallies, I felt good on the court. However, the serves made the difference. Swiatek consistently hit aces when she needed them.” Notably, Paolini is the first Italian woman to advance to the finals at Cincinnati. Since her qualifier appearance at the Cincinnati Open in 2023, she has reached two Grand Slam singles finals, captured a Grand Slam doubles crown, and won an Olympic gold medal.
Paolini declared, “It's certainly been a positive tournament for me, although not the result I wanted. There are areas for improvement.” The Cincinnati Open serves as a warm-up event for the forthcoming U.S. Open in New York, starting this Sunday. Interestingly, the last two years have seen both men's and women's champions from Cincinnati claim victories at the year’s final Grand Slam tournament.
In the men's final earlier this Monday, Carlos Alcaraz emerged victorious when Jannik Sinner retired during the first set due to illness.
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