CINCINNATI — World number one Iga Swiatek captured her first Western & Southern Open title on Sunday, defeating Italy's Jasmine Paolini 6-1, 1-6, 6-2 in a dramatic final that showcased both her resilience and her vulnerability. The victory, secured in one hour and 52 minutes, provides the Polish superstar with a massive surge of momentum just days before she begins her quest for a second US Open crown.
Swiatek's triumph in Cincinnati marks a significant milestone, as it was the one major hardcourt title missing from her impressive collection of WTA 1000 trophies. After the match, she expressed immense relief and satisfaction, stating, "It's really amazing. I felt really confident the whole tournament. I'm happy I could win this title."
A Tale of Two Sets
The final was a match of starkly contrasting sets, a rollercoaster that left spectators unsure of the eventual outcome. Swiatek came out with her trademark intensity and precision, utterly dominating the first set. She broke Paolini's serve twice and allowed the Italian just six points on her own serve, wrapping up the opener in a swift 31 minutes. It appeared the final would be a straightforward affair.
However, Paolini, the reigning French Open finalist, mounted a stunning and fearless comeback. She began to find her range, particularly with her powerful forehand, and started to dictate points. Swiatek’s level dipped noticeably, her unforced error count rose, and Paolini capitalized on every opportunity, reeling off five consecutive games to take the second set and force a decider. The momentum had completely shifted.
Reflecting on the drastic shift, Swiatek admitted, "For sure, I was stressed in the second set because she started playing so well and I felt like I couldn't play my game. I needed to reset and remember what worked in the first set. I'm glad I did that in the third."
The third set was a masterclass in mental fortitude from the top seed. She broke Paolini's serve in the opening game, a critical moment that allowed her to settle back into her rhythm. From there, Swiatek’s defensive skills and ability to turn defense into offense proved too much for Paolini to handle. She secured a second break to go up 4-1 and never looked back, closing out the match on her first championship point.
The Path to the Cincinnati Crown
Swiatek’s journey to the title was anything but easy, featuring a gauntlet of tough opponents that tested her throughout the week. Her path to the final demonstrated why this victory is such a crucial confidence builder ahead of Flushing Meadows. Key victories included:
- Fourth Round: A commanding 6-1, 6-0 win over 2019 US Open champion Bianca Andreescu.
- Quarterfinal: A gritty 6-7(4), 6-3, 6-3 comeback against 10th seed Jelena Ostapenko.
- Semifinal: A statement-making 7-6(4), 3-6, 6-4 victory over third seed and home favorite Coco Gauff.
Each match presented a unique challenge, from Ostapenko’s blistering power to Gauff’s relentless athleticism and crowd support. Navigating these obstacles, especially the three-set battles, proved that Swiatek can win even when she is not at her absolute flawless best, a vital trait for any Grand Slam contender.
A Crucial Boost Before New York
For Swiatek, this title carries weight far beyond the trophy and the prize money. Historically, she has not felt completely at home on the North American hard courts, and winning a prestigious tournament like Cincinnati, often referred to as the "fifth major," silences any remaining doubts. She now heads to the US Open as the undisputed favorite, having solidified her world number one ranking and exorcised any demons from past performances in the region.
Speaking to the press, she emphasized the psychological importance of the win: "This gives me a lot of confidence. I felt really good this week. I was able to get through some really tough matches and that builds belief. I'm going to New York feeling like I'm ready to compete for everything." This newfound belief, forged in the heat of tough three-set matches, could be the defining factor in her US Open campaign.
Paolini’s Remarkable Season Continues
While the day belonged to Swiatek, Jasmine Paolini’s run to the final further cements her status as one of the most improved and consistent players of the 2024 season. Reaching her first WTA 1000 final, the 28-year-old Italian will rise to a new career-high ranking of No. 6 in the world. Her aggressive, fearless tennis and positive demeanor have won her a legion of new fans.
Despite the loss, Paolini was gracious and optimistic. "It was a tough match, but I'm really proud of my week. I played some great tennis. Iga is an amazing champion and she was just too good in the end. To be in another big final is something I am very happy about." Her performance confirms that her breakthrough to the Roland-Garros final was no fluke and that she is a genuine threat on any surface.
The Stage is Set for the US Open
The 2024 US Open, beginning Monday, August 26th, now has a clear narrative. Iga Swiatek arrives as the woman to beat, armed with the Cincinnati title and a reinforced belief in her hard-court game. The chase for the final Grand Slam of the year promises to be intensely competitive, with a hungry field including Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, and a resurgent Naomi Osaka all vying for the trophy.
Swiatek’s ability to navigate the emotional and physical turbulence of a tough final, to lose control and then wrestle it back decisively, is the hallmark of a champion. This Cincinnati victory is more than just another title; it is a declaration. As she succinctly put it, "I feel ready."
The tennis world now turns its eyes to New York, where Swiatek will look to channel this "boost of confidence" into a fifth Grand Slam title. The lessons learned and the battles won in Ohio have provided the perfect preparation for the challenges that await at Arthur Ashe Stadium.