Rome: Iga Swiatek beat Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 6-3 to win her third Italian Open title on Saturday as the Pole once again prevailed in a battle between the top two in the women’s rankings after her triumph at the Madrid Open earlier this year. month.
The title was the 21st of Swiatek’s career as the world No.1 extended her unbeaten run to 12 matches on clay to issue a warning to her rivals ahead of this month’s French Open where she is a three-time winner and reigning champion.
“After Madrid, I knew it wouldn’t be easy. It can always go either way,” the 22-year-old Swiatek said. “Thank you (Sabalenka) for sharing the field with me and pushing me to be better.”
Swiatek broke Sabalenka twice in the first set, where the Belarusian conceded 12 unforced errors in a lopsided start to the match. Sabalenka fought back, hitting five break points to try to lead 2-0 in the second half, but Swiatek held her own serve.
Sabalenka failed to break again, with Swiatek keeping her composure to save two break points on her next serve. The set went to 3-3 before the Pole broke twice, securing her victory in the tournament without losing a set.
“I love this tournament… I will come back stronger next year and hope to win the trophy,” Sabalenka said while congratulating Swiatek. “I hope we make it to the final at Roland Garros and I’ll take you there.”
In response, Swiatek said: “We’ll see about the Roland Garros final.”
The French Open begins next Sunday (May 26).
