Swiatek downs Paolini to claim maiden Cincinnati Open title as Alcaraz wins after ailing Sinner retires in final

Iga Swiatek filled in a piece of her career tennis puzzle on Monday as she won the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open for the first time with a 7-5, 6-4 defeat of Jasmine Paolini.

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The final lasting for just under two hours featured 16 break-point chances, with the Polish winner converting on six of 10 while Paolini struggled to make the most of her break opportunities.

The six-time Grand Slam singles champion’s 11th career win at the WTA 1000 level has left her within striking distance of the all-time record of 13 titles held by Serena Williams. Swiatek won the Cincinnati without dropping a set.

“It's always tough in Cincy,” Swiatek told the Tennis Channel after her maiden win in Cincinnati.

“This gives me a boost of confidence. “I'm happy with the work we've been doing. (The tear) had to convince me to play in a different way, I'm now happy with that process; it all feels even better after the match. I"m glad I finished in straight sets.”

The 24-year-old backed up her breakthrough Wimbledon trophy with the Midwest honours and now heads to the last Grand Slam of the season at the US Open with a major confidence boost after the 24th title of her career.

Swiatek is due to partner Norway's Casper Ruud in the US Opens revamped mixed doubles starting on Tuesday.