Aryna Sabalenka’s dominance on hard courts continued in Cincinnati as she defeated world No. 1 Iga Swiatek 6-3, 6-3 to reach her first final on the surface since her Australian Open triumph in January.
Sabalenka’s victory snapped a three-match losing streak against Swiatek and marked her first championship match at the Lindner Family Tennis Center after three previous semifinal appearances.
The opening set saw both players struggle initially, exchanging early breaks. However, Sabalenka’s rhythm gradually improved, while Swiatek continued to misfire. The Belarusian capitalized on her opponent’s errors, breaking for 4-2 and consolidating to create a gap on the scoreboard. A powerful serve +1 finish on the backhand side sealed the set for Sabalenka.
In the second set, Sabalenka continued to overpower Swiatek, generating her third break of the day. She saved a break point to consolidate for 3-1 and soon had a double break in hand, her deep returns causing timing issues for the Pole.
Despite a brief delay due to mist and line wiping, Sabalenka held with her 18th winner. However, Swiatek showed her resilience, saving seven match points in a marathon game to reach 2-5.
Tension mounted as Sabalenka attempted to serve it out. She recovered from a 15-40 deficit but failed to convert two more match points. Her first double fault of the contest handed Swiatek a break back.
The four-time major winner had a chance to force Sabalenka to serve for it again but watched a match-ending return winner fly by. Sabalenka improved to 4-8 in their series, avenging earlier defeats in Madrid and Rome.
With her victory, Sabalenka is set to return to No. 2 in the rankings next week. She will face the winner of Toronto champion Jessica Pegula and Washington, D.C. titlist Paula Badosa in the final.
