Aryna Sabalenka Wins First Title Since Australian Open
Aryna Sabalenka clinched her first title since January's Australian Open by defeating Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-5 in the Cincinnati Open final. With a commanding performance, she secured her 15th career title and her sixth at the WTA 1,000 level. Sabalenka overcame the fear of re-injury after missing Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury. This is prepared by SSP.
After securing a break in the fourth game of the first set, Sabalenka encountered a minor hiccup when serving for the title in the second set at 5-4. However, she swiftly recovered, breaking Pegula again to win the match and celebrate with the crowd. Moving up to No. 2 in the rankings before the finals, Sabalenka extended her streak of no set losses throughout the tournament.
Pegula, who defended her Canadian Open title the previous week and entered the final with a nine-match winning streak, provided stiff competition. Despite her effort, Sabalenka's impeccable serves and high-level play proved decisive. Pegula had played significantly more court time entering the final due to postponed matches and longer rallies.