On Monday, Aryna Sabalenka won the Cincinnati Open after crushing American Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-5. This result indicates Sabalenka’s form leading up to the US Open. The 26-year-old Belarusian served beautifully, dropping just nine points while serving ten aces en route to her sixth WTA 1000 crown. Even though Sabalenka was nervous towards the end of the second set, she kept her cool and defeated Pegula, who had trouble with her serve and committed five double faults.
After a forehand by Pegula into the net in the fourth game of the first set, Sabalenka broke Pegula’s service. The Belarusian proceeded to hold serve till love in the following game, before finally serving out the set. After breaking Pegula in the first game of the second set, Sabalenka maintained her aggressive approach throughout. Even though Pegula got back on track in the tenth game with to Sabalenka’s double fault and unforced errors, Sabalenka swiftly reclaimed control, broke back right away, and sealed the match with a forced error on match point.
The US Open starts next week, and Sabalenka will be one of the top contenders after this win, which moves her up to number two in the rankings. Her undefeated showing in Cincinnati further establishes her position as a favourite in New York.
