Swiatek breaks new ground with Cincinnati final

 Iga Swiatek reached the final of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open for the first time on Sunday, suriging past Elena Rybakina 7-5, 6-3 to next line up against an Italian with nothing to lose.

The six-time Grand Slam champion earned a Monday evening match against Jasmine Paolini after the Italian “forgot” a patch of bad form to construct a 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-3 win over Veronika Kudermetova in two and a quarter hours.

Paolini failed to serve out the match in leading a set and 5-4 and admitted she got nervous as a result. “The key was to forget, get back into the fight and stay in the present.

“I was fighting in the second set and all was fine. But I got nervous and thought I would lose the tiebreaker. I came back onto court in the third set trying not to think about what had happened – you have to keep going.”

Paolini aims for her fourth career title in the Swiatek match, with the Pole competing in her 13th final at the 1000 level.

Swiatek has beaten Paolini four times since 2018, with the Italian winning just one set.

Wimbledon holder Swiatek came form a break down in the opening set against Rybkina, Wimbledon winner in 2022.

Third-ranked Swiatek came good on her third attempt to reach the Cincy title match after stalling in the semis at the last two editions.

“It was a great match, and at the beginning, I was even surprised that I’m able to keep up with the pace, because we played so fast,” she said

“I wanted to be there when Elena starts making mistakes. It’s impossible
to play such a good level throughout the whole match.

“I’m happy that I wasn’t when she was aceing and playing so perfectly from the beginning.”

Swiatek said she is ready for the odd Monday night final. “Anyone who is there will have been playing well.

“Each of them play completely different tennis. I’ll have to figure out my tactics. I’ve progressed well at this tournament and I want to continue that.”

Main photo:- Iga Swiatek with 2025 Wimbledon Trophy – by Roger Parker ISF Ltd