Aryna Sabalenka Triumphs at Cincinnati Open to Secure First Title Since Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka captured her first title since January’s Australian Open with a commanding performance in the Cincinnati Open final, defeating Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-5. The Belarusian clinched her 15th career title and her sixth at the WTA 1,000 level in a decisive 76-minute display.

The victory ended a nine-match winning streak for Pegula, who had defended her Canadian Open title the previous week. Sabalenka’s win is especially poignant following her shoulder injury, which had forced her to miss Wimbledon.

“This trophy means a lot, it is a really big achievement, especially coming after injury, with this fear of getting injured again,” Sabalenka said in her courtside interview, broadcast by Sky Sports. She praised her team for their support, stating, “My team did everything they could to make sure I felt as good as I can and I am proud of myself I was able to handle all of those emotions.”

Sabalenka, who will ascend to world number two, was dominant throughout the match, securing the first set with a break in the fourth game. Although she experienced a brief hiccup when serving for the title at 5-4 in the second set—allowing Pegula to break back—Sabalenka regained her composure to secure the win. She celebrated by blowing kisses to the crowd, reflecting her emotional triumph.

The 26-year-old, who had previously defeated world number one Iga Swiatek in the semi-final, will next compete at the US Open starting on August 26.