Home SPORTS Cincinnati Open: Iga Swiatek Defeats Jasmine Paolini for First Title

Cincinnati Open: Iga Swiatek Defeats Jasmine Paolini for First Title

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Iga Swiatek
Swiatek claims 24th career title with Cincinnati Open victory


Iga Swiatek wins the Cincinnati Open, defeating Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 6-4. This is her 24th career title and 11th WTA 1000 crown.


“I'm happy with the work we've been doing. (The team) had to convince me to play in a different way...”



Iga Swiatek finally filled a gap in her tennis resume by claiming her first Cincinnati Open title. She defeated Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 6-4 in the final, which lasted nearly two hours. This win marked Swiatek's 24th career singles title and 11th WTA 1000 crown, solidifying her position as the second-most successful player in the WTA 1000 format era.




Key Highlights of the Match:

  • Tough Start for Swiatek: Paolini surged to a 3-0 lead in the first set, but Swiatek responded with a five-game run to take control.
  • Crucial Breaks: Swiatek converted all six of her break-point opportunities, while Paolini struggled to capitalize on hers.
  • Ace-filled Performance: Swiatek hit nine aces during the match, a stark contrast to Paolini's zero.
  • Clinching the Win: Swiatek sealed the victory with a powerful serve, extending her perfect record against Paolini to 6-0.


With this victory, Swiatek will climb back to world No. 2, securing the second seed position for the US Open. She's now poised to chase a second US Open title after her 2022 win, and her recent form suggests she's a strong contender.






Iga Swiatek made history with her 11th WTA 1000 title win at the Cincinnati Open, defeating Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 6-4 in the final. This impressive victory not only marked her maiden win in Cincinnati but also propelled her within striking distance of Serena Williams' record of 13 WTA 1000 titles.


Key Highlights of Swiatek's Victory:

  • Dominant Performance: Swiatek won the title without dropping a set throughout the tournament, showcasing her exceptional skill and consistency.
  • Record-Breaking Potential: With 11 WTA 1000 titles under her belt, Swiatek is now poised to challenge Serena Williams' record of 13 titles.
  • Ranking Boost: This win will see Swiatek rise back to the world No. 2 spot, solidifying her position as a top contender in the tennis world.


In her post-match interview with the Tennis Channel, Swiatek expressed her satisfaction with the win, saying, “It's always tough in Cincy.” She also acknowledged the hard work and support of her team, stating, “Thank you for forcing me to become a better player and learning how to play on these faster surfaces.”

 



“This gives me a boost of confidence. 


“I'm happy with the work we've been doing. (The team) had to convince me to play in a different way. I'm now happy with that process; it all feels even better after the match. I'm glad I finished in straight sets.”


Iga Swiatek is riding high after claiming her first Cincinnati Open title, which adds to her impressive collection of 24 career singles titles, including her breakthrough Wimbledon trophy. This win has undoubtedly given her a significant confidence boost heading into the US Open. Swiatek will partner with Norway's Casper Ruud in the US Open's revamped mixed doubles event, which kicks off on Tuesday.


This pairing marks a new collaboration between Swiatek and Ruud, both of whom are better known for their singles credentials. Despite neither having extensive doubles experience, they're seeded third due to their combined singles rankings. Swiatek expressed her excitement about playing mixed doubles with Ruud, praising him as a great person and a true gentleman.


Iga Swiatek is confident about her chances on the US Open courts, saying, “I'm a good player. I can play on any surface.” She's aware that the courts at Flushing Meadows tend to slow down over the years, but she's not worried, adding, “They are slowing down the courts every year, kind of, so I'm not sure how it is now there. But tennis is all about adjusting.” This mindset will likely serve her well as she prepares for the tournament.

Current Rankings and Competition

Swiatek's recent win has also brought her closer to Aryna Sabalenka, the current WTA number one, with only 500 points separating them. The lead at the top of the table is likely to be in play when the US Open begins. If Swiatek wins the tournament, she'll not only claim her second US Open title but also potentially dethrone Sabalenka as the world's number one player.


Iga Swiatek reflected on her Cincinnati Open win, saying, “Today was tough, we were both tight, but that happens in a final.” Despite the challenges, she was able to stay focused and composed, adding, “I was glad to close it out in the end.” Swiatek acknowledged that not everything was perfect, but she credited her mental preparation for her success, stating, “Not everything was perfect, but mentally I was there to play my best tennis. We did a lot of mental work. I was really composed and consistent about how I thought about my game.”



Path to Success

Swiatek's victory in Cincinnati marked a significant milestone, as she continues to build momentum heading into the US Open. She had stalled at the semi-final stage in the last two editions of the US Open and now has the Canadian tournament as the only 1000 event where she hasn't reached the final. With her mental toughness and consistent play, Swiatek is poised to make a strong run at the US Open.


Iga Swiatek's first set against Jasmine Paolini was a rollercoaster. She started strong, but Paolini's early break put Swiatek down 0-3. However, Swiatek quickly turned the tables, responding with two breaks of her own to take a 5-3 lead. Paolini refused to give up, earning another break in the 10th game and saving a set point to tie it at 5-5.


The Turning Point

The set went to a tiebreaker, where Swiatek's experience and skill ultimately paid off. She won the tiebreaker 7-3, taking the first set 7-5. This momentum carried into the second set, where Swiatek's solid play and Paolini's unforced errors gave her the upper hand, ultimately winning the match 7-5, 6-4.


The first set between Iga Swiatek and Jasmine Paolini was a closely contested affair. Paolini dropped serve at 5-6, allowing Swiatek to seal the set with a love game and take the opener 7-5. This set lasted just under an hour, showcasing the competitive spirit of both players.


Second Set Thrills

The second set was a rollercoaster ride, with both players trading breaks of serve twice. Swiatek demonstrated her resilience by salvaging a pair of break points to take a 5-3 lead. She then served out the win two games later, ultimately claiming the match 7-5, 6-4. Swiatek's ability to hold her nerve in crucial moments proved decisive in her victory.





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