Aryna Sabalenka clinches Cincinnati Open, defeats Jessica Pegula in final
Aryna Sabalenka has emerged victorious at the Cincinnati Open, having defeated American Jessica Pegula with a score of 6-3, 7-5. This win marks her sixth WTA 1000 title and solidifies her position as a strong contender for the upcoming US Open. Despite facing some late second-set nerves, Sabalenka's performance was marked by confidence and precision. She lost just nine points on serve and delivered an impressive 10 aces throughout the match.
Sabalenka's triumph ends Pegula's winning streak
Pegula, who had previously maintained a nine-match unbeaten run and defended her title in Toronto earlier this month, struggled against Sabalenka's powerful serve. She committed five double faults during the match. The turning point came when Pegula hit a forehand into the net in the fourth game, allowing Sabalenka to secure a break and build momentum with a love hold in the fifth.
Sabalenka's powerful forehands secure second set
In the second set, Sabalenka unleashed a series of powerful forehands to secure another break in the opening game. Despite giving Pegula her only break point with a double fault and two unforced errors in the 10th game, Sabalenka quickly regained control. She broke back immediately and sealed her victory by forcing Pegula into an error on match point.
Sabalenka rises in rankings, eyes US Open revenge
Following her Cincinnati Open victory, Sabalenka will move up one spot to number two in the rankings ahead of the US Open. She navigated through the tournament without losing a single set, even against world number one Iga Swiatek. After finishing as runner-up last year, Sabalenka is now seeking redemption at the upcoming US Open.
39-11 on the WTA Tour
Sabalenka is now 39-11 on the WTA Tour this season. This was her second title this season, having won the Australian Open earlier. Earlier this month, she reached the semis at Citi Open and quarters at the Canadian Open. As per Opta, Sabalenka became the player with the most WTA level finals reached since her debut on Tour in 2017. This was her 29th final. Swiatek is next with 26 finals.
