Swiatek wins Cincinnati title

Iga Swiatek defeats Jasmine Paolini in the Cincinnati final to capture her first hard court title since March 2024 and boost her Us Open push.

Swiatek wins Cincinnati title to sharpen US Open bid

Iga Swiatek defeated Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 6-4 to win the Cincinnati Open, grabbing her 24th career title and moving back to No. 2 in the rankings. The final, played in steamy heat in Mason, Ohio, featured Paolini rallying after Swiatek served for the first set and breaking twice in the second, yet Swiatek answered with pressure defense and big serves to seal the victory.

The win shores up Swiatek’s position near the top of the game as she eyes the US Open, where she is again seen as a primary title challenger. She also will head to New York to play mixed doubles with Casper Ruud before focusing on the singles, underscoring a busy schedule ahead of the year’s last Grand Slam.

Swiatek’s latest surge is less about one flashy win and more about a renewed approach: steadier shot selection, sharper defense, and broader variety. That mix has reduced errors and allowed her to control long rallies, a contrast to parts of last season when she looked more vulnerable after Wimbledon. The result in Cincinnati reinforces her status as a serious threat in New York even as the field remains deep and unpredictable.

Beyond the scoreline, the story is momentum. A string of strong results since Wimbledon, including a grass title in London, has positioned Swiatek as a top candidate for the US Open, even as Aryna Sabalenka holds the top ranking. The doubles detour in New York adds a wrinkle, but it also illustrates how she is building a momentum-based campaign rather than relying on a single weapon.

Highlights

The road to New York is crowded with challengers, and every match adds to the growing narrative around Swiatek.