Staff Reporter.
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.
Swiatek dominated an opening set which saw her break Sabalenka twice, and wrap it up in just 35 minutes.
The second set proved vastly different, however, as Sabalenka proved the player on top for so long, but just could not break Swiatek despite seven chances.
Indeed, Sabalenka passed up five break points in the second game of the second set, and passed up another two in the fourth game as Swiatek somehow held on.
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.
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 2013.
“After Madrid I knew it wasn’t going to be easy,” Swiatek said.
“I’m really happy that I was able to play consistently during the clay season. The final tournament is in front of us. I always enjoy playing here.”
She added that she would celebrate on Saturday night by eating tiramisu after telling the crowd she was disappointed there was none in the trophy.
The defending champion now heads to the French Open after a third Italian Open title in four years, and having not dropped a set in the 2024 edition.
In the final set she had to resist seven break points but was impressive throughout, making just eight unforced errors in the match.
Addressing Swiatek after the match Sabalenka said: “Congrats on an incredible two weeks in Rome. I hope we make it to the final at Roland Garros and I’m going to beat you there! Just kidding but I want to do better than today.
“I love this tournament and hopefully I am going to come back stronger next year.”
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.