Iga Swiatek Beats Paolini to Capture Cincinnati Title and Build Confidence Ahead of US Open

When the big moments come around, Iga Swiatek has a habit of rising to the occasion. On Monday in Cincinnati, the world number three added another important milestone to her glittering career, defeating Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 6-4 to secure her first-ever Cincinnati title. It was a straight-sets victory, but it was far from routine, and it leaves the Polish star perfectly placed as the US Open looms on the horizon.

Swiatek Beats Paolini for Maiden Cincinnati Triumph

Coming into the Cincinnati Open, Swiatek already had six Grand Slam trophies to her name and a Wimbledon crown freshly tucked under her belt. But one glaring gap in her résumé had been a title at this particular WTA 1000 event. She put that right in emphatic fashion, winning every match in straight sets and showing the kind of authority that has made her one of the most feared players on tour.

In the final, Paolini came out swinging, racing to a 3-0 lead. The Italian, seeded seventh and enjoying a strong summer of her own, looked poised to test Swiatek’s rhythm. Yet the Polish star responded like a champion, rattling off five consecutive games to flip the momentum and eventually pocket the first set 7-5.

The second set followed a more unpredictable script, with both players breaking each other twice. But as has so often been the case in her career, Swiatek found the decisive gear when it mattered. A break in the seventh game gave her the cushion she needed, and two games later she closed it out with typical composure.

A Performance of Power and Precision

Swiatek beats Paolini to clinch WTA Cincinnati Open title

One of the keys to Swiatek’s Cincinnati title run was her serving. Against Paolini, she struck nine aces—an area of her game that has sometimes been seen as a relative weakness compared to her relentless baseline play. Paolini, by contrast, failed to land a single ace, underlining the pressure she faced throughout the contest.

Even more telling was Swiatek’s conversion rate on break points. Six opportunities arose for her, and she took every one. That kind of ruthlessness is exactly what sets the elite apart. “I’m happy with the work we’ve been doing, happy with the process. I’m happy I won in straight sets,” Swiatek said after lifting the trophy. “I’m a good player. I can play on any surface.”

The numbers back her up. Across the week in Ohio, she didn’t drop a set. That consistency is exactly what makes her such a dangerous force heading into the US Open, where she will be chasing a second title after winning in New York in 2022.

Paolini Shows Her Growth

Although this was Swiatek’s night, Jasmine Paolini deserves her share of recognition. The Italian has risen steadily over the last two seasons and has shown that she belongs among the world’s elite. This was her second high-profile final against Swiatek, following their clash in the 2024 French Open championship match.

Paolini once again showed her ability to put top players under pressure, particularly in those opening games of the final. While she couldn’t quite sustain the level to take a set, she has proven that she can compete on the biggest stages. With the US Open days away, she could easily emerge as a dangerous contender in the women’s draw.

Swiatek’s Momentum Heading Into Flushing Meadows

For Swiatek, this victory could not have come at a better time. Tennis is a sport where confidence matters as much as physical conditioning, and winning a WTA 1000 title right before a Slam is the kind of boost players dream about. “It gives me confidence,” she admitted afterwards. “It shows that all the work we’re doing is going in the right direction.”

The timing is perfect. Flushing Meadows can be a brutal environment—loud crowds, late-night finishes, and the kind of pressure only New York can deliver. Swiatek has handled it before, winning the 2022 edition, but returning with both Wimbledon and Cincinnati titles in her pocket makes her one of the clear favorites to lift the trophy again.

Chasing Serena’s Record

Another fascinating subplot in Swiatek’s rise is her collection of WTA 1000 titles. This Cincinnati crown is her 11th at that level. Only Serena Williams, with 13, stands ahead of her. Given that Swiatek is still just 24 years old, it feels almost inevitable that she will catch and perhaps even surpass that mark in the years ahead.

It’s a testament not only to her talent but also her ability to adapt across surfaces and conditions. Whether on the red clay of Paris, the grass of Wimbledon, or the hard courts of New York and Cincinnati, she has developed into a complete player with very few weaknesses left to exploit.

A New Challenge: Mixed Doubles in New York

Beyond singles, Swiatek has signed up for something fresh at this year’s US Open. She will compete in the revamped mixed doubles event alongside Norway’s Casper Ruud. It’s an intriguing partnership that could bring a little extra fun to her campaign, while also giving fans another opportunity to see two of the sport’s most likable stars on court together.

Mixed doubles may not be where legacies are built, but for Swiatek, it’s a chance to sharpen her skills, enjoy the game from a different perspective, and perhaps even add another trophy to her growing collection.

The Road Ahead

Iga Swiatek Wins Cincinnati Open Title, Defeats Jasmine Paolini

As she heads into New York, Iga Swiatek carries momentum, confidence, and the aura of a player who is learning how to peak at exactly the right time. Winning in Cincinnati was more than just another title—it was a statement that she’s ready to dominate again on one of the sport’s biggest stages.

Jasmine Paolini, meanwhile, leaves Ohio with her head high, having shown once more that she can stand toe-to-toe with the very best. She may not have won the trophy this time, but her steady rise makes her one of the players to watch as the tennis world turns its attention to Flushing Meadows.

In the end, though, Cincinnati belonged to Swiatek. With her 11th WTA 1000 title secured and history within reach, she now sets her sights on the bright lights of New York, eager to prove once again why she’s one of the most formidable champions of her generation.