Swiatek beats Paolini to clinch WTA Cincinnati Open title


Iga Swiatek defeated Jasmine Paolini in straight sets to lift the WTA Cincinnati Open crown for the first time on Monday.
Six-time Grand Slam singles champion Swiatek battled through an error-strewn performance to win 7-5, 6-4 in 1hr 50min.
The victory extended Polish ace Swiatek's unbeaten record against Italy's Paolini to a perfect 6-0.
Swiatek's 24th career title was also her 11th trophy at the 1000 level, pulling to within two of all-time leader Serena Williams on 13.
But the 24-year-old was forced to dig deep for victory, rallying from a break down in the opening set to clinch her first Cincinnati title.
Swiatek struggled on serve throughout, and was broken four times by the seventh-seeded Paolini.
Paolini was unable to make the most of her openings though, and was broken six times as Swiatek closed out victory.