Iga Swiatek clinched another championship victory in her stunning career so far, cruising past Aryna Sabalenka 6-2 6-3 to win the Italian Open.
The world No 1 dominated an opening set which saw her break Sabalenka twice, and wrap it up in just 35 minutes.
Even on points when the hard-hitting Sabalenka seemed in control, Swiatek used her superb foot speed and accurate groundstrokes to turn the dynamics around and force Sabalenka into errors.
Adding to her titles from 2021 and 2022, Swiatek improved her career record in Rome to 20-2. At 22, the Polish player could soon approach the women’s record of five Italian Open titles held by Chris Evert.
Rafael Nadal, Swiatek’s idol, holds the overall record with 10 Rome trophies.
The men’s final on Sunday features 2017 champion Alexander Zverev against 24th-ranked Nicolas Jarry.
Swiatek also improved her career record against Sabalenka to 8-3. Swiatek has won nine straight finals since she lost to Sabalenka in Madrid last year.
From there, the Pole struck and broke Sabalenka with her very first chance, visibly undoing the spirit of her opponent, who struggled to compete in the remainder.
The French Open starts next weekend and Swiatek will be aiming for a third straight title in Paris and fourth overall.
Swiatek extended her tour winning streak to 12 matches and became the first woman to complete the “dirt double” of winning Madrid and Rome back-to-back since Serena Williams in 20
13.
Even on points when the hard-hitting Sabalenka seemed in control, Swiatek used her superb foot speed and accurate groundstrokes to turn the dynamics around and force Sabalenka into errors.
Adding to her titles from 2021 and 2022, Swiatek improved her career record in Rome to 20-2. At 22, the Polish player could soon approach the women’s record of five Italian Open titles held by Chris Evert.
Rafael Nadal, Swiatek’s idol, holds the overall record with 10 Rome trophies.
The men’s final on Sunday features 2017 champion Alexander Zverev against 24th-ranked Nicolas Jarry.
Swiatek also improved her career record against Sabalenka to 8-3. Swiatek has won nine straight finals since she lost to Sabalenka in Madrid last year.
