🎾🏆 Iga Swiatek has finally lifted the WTA Cincinnati Open trophy, defeating Italy's Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 6-4 to claim her first title in Cincinnati and 24th career singles crown.
Paolini jumped to a quick 3-0 lead in set one, but Swiatek roared back, winning five straight games to close it 7-5 in 56 minutes. In the second set, Swiatek's eighth ace gave her a 5-3 edge, and after Paolini fought back to 5-4, the world No.3 served out the match for a 6-4 finish. 💪
Before this breakthrough, Swiatek had fallen in the Cincinnati semifinals six times, losing to Coco Gauff in 2023 and Aryna Sabalenka in 2024. Now, she heads to New York's US Open with momentum on her side – recent Cincinnati champs have gone on to Grand Slam glory!
After the win, Swiatek thanked her coach Wim Fissette, her team and family, saying she felt 'shocked and super happy' with how she has played these past months and appreciative of the push to master faster surfaces.
On the other side, Paolini made history as the first Italian woman to reach the Cincinnati final. Since qualifying here in 2023, she's reached two Grand Slam finals, won a doubles major and secured Olympic gold. 🏅
With this title in hand and confidence sky-high, Swiatek is a player to watch at the US Open. Stay tuned! ✨
Reference(s):
Swiatek defeats Paolini to win her first title at WTA Cincinnati Open
cgtn.com
