Iga Swiatek once again proved why she’s one of the most dominant forces in women’s tennis, storming past Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 7-5, 6-4 to win the 2025 Cincinnati Open. The victory marks her 11th WTA 1000 trophy and secures her return to World No. 2 in the rankings, just in time for the upcoming US Open.
The reigning Wimbledon champion needed one hour and 49 minutes to close out the match on Center Court, showcasing her evolving all-surface game. Known as the “Queen of Clay,” Swiatek has now added another fast-court triumph to her résumé, proving she’s a true contender beyond her clay-court dominance.
From a Slow Start to Total Control
Paolini, the No. 7 seed, came out firing, racing to a 3-0 lead and threatening to extend her advantage. But Swiatek responded like a champion, winning five consecutive games and eventually sealing the first set 7-5.
In the second set, the Pole’s booming serve came alive. Despite struggling with consistency—committing seven double faults—Swiatek’s aggressive serving paid off when it mattered most. She fired eight aces and several unreturnable serves at critical junctures, including two championship points that sealed her victory.
Paolini’s Strong Run
For Paolini, it was another milestone in a remarkable journey. The Italian, who stunned Coco Gauff earlier in the tournament, was playing in her third WTA 1000 final. She fought bravely, but Swiatek’s combination of power and mental resilience ultimately proved too much.
Swiatek’s Evolution as a Fast-Court Threat
This title is particularly symbolic for Swiatek. Once considered vulnerable on grass and hard courts, she has flipped the narrative in 2025. After her Wimbledon triumph, she has now conquered Cincinnati, further cementing herself as the top favorite heading into the US Open.
Swiatek credited her coach Wim Fissette for transforming her serve into a true weapon:
“When I started working with Wim, I didn’t believe I could serve 185 km/h consistently. He helped me reach that speed, and I just needed to believe it,” she said.
Despite acknowledging her serving struggles on the night, Swiatek was quick to emphasize the mental side of her success:
“I was focusing on the right things. Maybe not everything was perfect, but mentally I was there to play my best tennis.”
What’s Next?
With the Cincinnati trophy in hand, Swiatek climbs to No. 2 in the WTA rankings, ensuring a more favorable draw at the US Open. More importantly, her back-to-back titles on grass and hard courts signal a shift in the balance of power—one that could see her reclaim the year-end No. 1 from Aryna Sabalenka
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