Iga Swiatek claimed her first Cincinnati Open title on Monday, defeating Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 6-4. The Polish third seed sent a strong message ahead of the US Open with a commanding performance.
The six-time Grand Slam winner did not drop a set throughout the tournament and was clinical in the final, converting all six of her break points to secure her 11th WTA 1000 crown, and her first since last year’s Italian Open.
Swiatek is now the second all-time winner in the WTA 1000 format, behind only Serena Williams, who has 23 titles. “I want to thank my team. I don’t know why I won tournaments that were like the last ones in terms of where I thought I would be playing well,” Swiatek said. “Thank you for forcing me to become a better player and learning how to play on these faster surfaces. I’m shocked and super happy.”
Paolini started brightly, racing to a 3-0 lead and nearly securing a double break. However, Swiatek responded with a five-game run and, after missing her first chance to serve out the opening set, closed it on her second attempt.
Swiatek carried that momentum into the second set, saving two break points at 4-3 before holding serve to move within one game of the title. She sealed the victory at the first opportunity with a big serve, extending her perfect record against Paolini to 6–0.
The win will see Wimbledon champion Swiatek rise back to world number two, securing the second seed for the final Grand Slam of the year at Flushing Meadows, where singles action begins on Sunday.