World No. 2 Iga Swiatek added another milestone to her career on Monday after defeating Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 6-4 to win the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open for the first time.
The two-hour final featured 16 break-point chances, with Swiatek converting six of 10, while Paolini struggled to capitalize on her own opportunities.
With the win, Swiatek claimed her 11th career WTA 1000 title and moved closer to the all-time record of 13 held by Serena Williams. Remarkably, the Polish star did not drop a single set throughout the tournament.
“It’s always tough in Cincy. This gives me a boost of confidence,” Swiatek told the Tennis Channel after her maiden victory in Cincinnati.
“The team had to convince me to play in a different way, and I’m happy with that process. It all feels even better after the match. I’m glad I finished in straight sets.”
Fresh off her breakthrough Wimbledon title, the 24-year-old has now secured her 24th career trophy and heads into the US Open with momentum on her side.
Swiatek also revealed she will team up with Norway’s Casper Ruud in the newly revamped US Open mixed doubles event, which begins on Tuesday.
“I’m a good player. I can play on any surface. Tennis is all about adjusting,” she said when asked about preparing for the slower courts of Flushing Meadows.
With this victory, Swiatek has closed the gap to within 500 points of current WTA No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka. Their battle for the top spot is now set to be one of the biggest storylines when the US Open begins on Sunday.
Notably, Swiatek had stalled at the semi-final stage in the last two editions of the Cincinnati Open, making this year’s breakthrough especially significant. The only WTA 1000 tournament where she has yet to reach the final remains the Canadian Open.
