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 one hour and 50 minutes.
The victory extended the Polish ace’s unbeaten record against 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. (AFP)