Iga Swiatek added another milestone to her career on Monday, claiming the Cincinnati Open for the first time with a 7-5, 6-4 victory over Italy’s Jasmine Paolini.
The two-hour final saw 16 break-point chances, with the Polish star converting six of 10 while Paolini struggled to capitalize. Swiatek’s triumph marked her 11th WTA 1000 title and 24th career trophy — leaving her just two short of Serena Williams’ all-time record of 13 wins at this level. Remarkably, she secured the title without dropping a set.
“It’s always tough in Cincy,” the 24-year-old said in a post-match interview. “This gives me a boost of confidence. I’m happy with the work we’ve been doing, and my team had to convince me to play differently. It feels even better after winning in straight sets.”
Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam singles champion, backed up her recent Wimbledon success with the Midwest title and now heads into the US Open with momentum. She is also set to partner Norway’s Casper Ruud in the revamped mixed doubles event at Flushing Meadows.
“I’m a good player. I can play on any surface,” she said. “Tennis is all about adjusting, and mentally I was there to play my best tennis. We did a lot of mental work, and I was really composed.”
With the win, Swiatek closed to within 500 points of world number one Aryna Sabalenka, setting up a potential battle for the top ranking at the US Open, which begins on Sunday.
The match itself was a test of resilience. Swiatek trailed 0-3 early before breaking back twice to seize the opening set 7-5. The second set featured a flurry of exchanged breaks, but the Pole steadied late on, closing the match by serving out at 5-4.
The victory leaves Canada as the only WTA 1000 tournament where Swiatek has yet to reach a final.
