Iga Swiatek Wins Cincinnati Open, Rises to WTA No. 2

Iga Swiatek claimed her first Cincinnati Open title by defeating Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 6-4 without dropping a set, marking her 11th WTA 1000 crown and 24th title overall at age 24. This victory follows her recent Wimbledon win and elevates her to world number two, ahead of the US Open. Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion, overcame a challenging match with multiple breaks of serve, demonstrating improved adaptability to faster surfaces, a key factor in her recent success beyond clay courts. Her 52 wins against top-10 opponents place her among the all-time greats, and her performance in Cincinnati solidifies her status as a dominant force on the WTA Tour. Paolini, despite the loss, pushed Swiatek to her limits and rose to world number eight, indicating a promising rivalry ahead. Swiatek expressed gratitude to her team for helping her develop her game across different surfaces, reflecting a season of growth and resilience.