August 18, (THEWILL) – Aryna Sabalenka defeated world number 1 Iga Swiatek in straight sets at the WTA and ATP Cincinnati Open on Sunday. The Belarusian player won 6-3, 6-3, advancing to the final on her tenth match point.
The victory marks a significant moment for Sabalenka, who lost to Swiatek in clay finals in Madrid and Rome earlier this season. This win in Cincinnati sets the stage for her to compete in the title match on Monday.
Sabalenka, the reigning Australian Open champion, will face either American Jessica Pegula or Spain’s Paula Badosa in the final. The outcome of their match will determine her opponent for the championship.
This result could potentially impact the world rankings, with Sabalenka demonstrating her ability to overcome the current top-ranked player. The Cincinnati Open, a prominent event in the tennis calendar, often serves as a key indicator of form leading into major tournaments.
It will be worth seeing if Sabalenka can capitalise on this momentum in the final. Her performance against Swiatek suggests she is in prime form to challenge for the title and add to her ranking.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
