Cincinnati Tournament | Sabalenka wins in the final

(Mason) Aryna Sabalenka won her second title this year on Monday, beating Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-5 in the Cincinnati Open final.




Champion in Melbourne, Sabalenka was the third seed in Ohio.

She beat the number 6 seed in an hour and a quarter to conclude a tournament in which she did not drop a single set in five matches.

PHOTO SUSAN MULLANE, USA TODAY SPORTS PROVIDED BY REUTERS

Jessica Pegula

Sabalenka notably eliminated the favourite Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals.

On Monday, the 26-year-old Belarusian dominated 3-1 in breaks and 10-5 in aces, en route to a 15e career title.

Sabalenka also committed just one double fault, compared to five for her rival.

Pegula was trying to win a second straight tournament, after the Toronto leg of the National Bank Open. She had been undefeated in nine games.

Sabalenka will take the number 2 spot in the WTA from Coco Gauff.

It was the seventh meeting between Sabalenka and Pegula, but the first in a final. The former now has a 5-2 advantage over the American.

Absent from Wimbledon due to shoulder problems, Sabalenka returned to action two weeks ago at the Washington Open.


source site-62