Mason, OH — August 18, 2025 — Iga Świątek has added a stunning Cincinnati Open crown to her glittering résumé, defeating Italy’s Jasmine Paolini 7–5, 6–4 to claim the title for the very first time.
A Tangled Title Quest, Finally Unraveled
Świątek, who had fallen in the semifinals in her previous six attempts at Cincinnati, finally broke through this year. The third-ranked Pole kept her composure in the face of a fast start by Paolini—who surged to a 3–0 lead in the opening set—before launching a five-game streak to turn the tide.
Reflecting afterward, Świątek said, “It means a lot to me. This year I really wanted it … It’s nice to check off the list another tournament that I haven’t won”
Serve That Shook the Queen City
The difference in the final? Świątek’s serve was nothing short of lethal. She hammered down nine aces, compared to Paolini’s zero, and converted a perfect six out of six break-point opportunities. Under the guidance of coach Wim Fissette, her serve speed increased markedly—from 103 mph last year to 110 mph this tournament—making her flattened first deliveries and slicing mid-80 mph serves especially potent.
Stats from the WTA site show Świątek won 52.8% of her first-serve points and an impressive 68.4% on her second serve, highlighting her overall dominance from the back of the court.
Impeccable Form and Rising Rankings
Świątek didn’t drop a single set all week, giving her a commanding edge heading into the U.S. Open. The title marked her 11th WTA 1000 trophy, cementing her position as the second-most successful player in the format behind Serena Williams. With this win, she climbs back to world No. 2 and secures the second seed at the upcoming Grand Slam.
Paolini’s Resilience: A Final of Firsts
Despite falling short, Paolini made history as the first Italian woman to reach the Cincinnati final. With stellar performances this season—including Grand Slam finals, a doubles Slam title, and Olympic gold—she continues to rise in stature. After the match she acknowledged Świątek’s superior serving, noting: “When the rallies were going, I felt good… The serves were the difference. When she needed an ace, she hit an ace”. She remains a formidable presence in women’s tennis.
What’s Next: U.S. Open Momentum
Świątek is roaring into Flushing Meadows. Not only will she compete in the singles draw, which begins later this month, but she’s also entered the high-profile mixed doubles event alongside Casper Ruud. Remarkably, she will arrive in New York less than 15 hours after her Cincinnati triumph to begin preparation—and she seems poised to carry Ohio’s momentum straight to New York.
Match At A Glance
| Feature | Highlight |
|---|---|
| Scoreline | Świątek def. Paolini 7–5, 6–4 |
| Aces vs. Double Faults | Świątek: 9 aces, 7 double faults; Paolini: 0 aces |
| Break Points | Świątek: 6/6; Perfect conversion rate |
| Noteworthy Stats | Serve speed jumped from 103 mph to 110 mph under new coaching |
| Career Milestones | 11th WTA 1000 title; ascends to world No. 2; 24th career title |
In conclusion, Iga Świątek’s breakthrough Cincinnati title showcased a revamped serve, tactical maturity, and unflinching focus. From her previous semifinal heartbreaks to now entering the U.S. Open as a hardened and hungry contender, Świątek has sent a clear message: she’s mastered the fast courts as much as she has the clay.
