Swiatek downs Rybakina to face Paolini in Cincinnati final

Iga Swiatek reached the final of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open for the first time on Sunday, surging past Elena Rybakina 7-5, 6-3 to book a title clash with Jasmine Paolini.

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The six-time Grand Slam champion earned a Monday evening final against an opponent with nothing to lose after Paolini managed to "forget" a patch of bad form to claim a 6-3, 6-7 (2/7), 6-3 win over Russian Veronika Kudermetova.

The 29-year-old, who was a two-time Grand Slam finalist in 2024, will bid for the fourth title of her career when she faces Swiatek, who is set to compete in her 13th final at the 1000 level as she closes in on a return to world number two.

Swiatek, the reigning Wimbledon champion, recovered an early break in the opening set and powered away to beat 2022 All England winner Rybakina -- who had swept past world number one and defending champion Aryna Sabalenka in the quarterfinals.

The former world number one from Poland now ranked third, had twice stalled at the semifinal stage at the pre-US Open event, but booked her title chance on her third opportunity.

"It was a great match, and at the beginning, I was even surprised that I'm able to keep up with the pace, because we played so fast," Swiatek said.

"I wanted to be there when Elena starts making mistakes. It's impossible to play such a good level throughout the whole match."

Swiatek recovered from 3-5 down in the opening set, sweeping the last four games.