Aryna Sabalenka booked her first-ever Cincinnati Open final appearance on Sunday, delivering a resounding 6-3, 6-3 victory over world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals. The Belarusian third-ranked player showcased her impressive form, exhibiting a swift and assertive game style that proved too much for Swiatek. Sabalenka attributed her success to her focus and composure on the court. “I wasn’t over-rushing things,” Sabalenka said, as quoted by Reuters. “I was trusting myself a lot, and I wasn’t trying to over-hit the ball. I was just trying to stay there, put as much pressure as I can on her, and I was really focused on my serve.”
Swiatek, despite a valiant effort to mount a late comeback, found it difficult to match Sabalenka’s pace and accuracy. Meanwhile, the other semifinal witnessed a more challenging encounter, with rain briefly disrupting the match. Jessica Pegula, the reigning Canada Open champion, emerged victorious against Spain’s Paula Badosa, winning 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. This win extends Pegula’s winning streak to an impressive nine matches. Her next goal is to achieve a feat last accomplished by Evonne Goolagong in 1973: winning both the Canada and Cincinnati titles in the same season.
The final on Monday promises an exciting clash between two top players. It will be Sabalenka’s ninth appearance in a WTA 1000 championship match, while Pegula will be making her fifth appearance at this level.
