Aryna Sabalenka Completes Dominant Cincinnati Open Run

What happens when an unstoppable force meets an immovable object? That's what the Cincinnati Open's women's singles finals felt like on Monday. Jessica Pegula had won nine straight matches, and Aryna Sabalenka had not lost a set in the tournament.

In the end, Sabalenka needed just 76 minutes to beat Pegula in straight sets: 6-3, 7-5. It is Sabalenka's 15th career title, sixth WTA title, and fifth top-ten win of the year. Sabalenka will move to No. 2 in the WTA Rankings next week.

An honorary Ohioan 👑@SabalenkaA adds a new title to her collection with a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Pegula!#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/CpFu9NAWcp
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 19, 2024

After the match, Sabalenka showered her opponent in praise. "Speeches are definitely not my superpower, but I'll try my best. Thank you for a great match, Jessica. I'm very happy to see you back at your top level."

Sabalenka continued, "You did such a great job the last few weeks. A title and a final. That's really an achievement. I want to congratulate you and your team on the incredible work you've done. As you said, I'm sure we're gonna have many more battles in the future. Let's just keep it up, right?"

Showing gratitude to her team 🥹@SabalenkaA | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/uYaDX6aC1y
— Tennis Channel (@TennisChannel) August 19, 2024

Pegula reciprocated the respect before adding a funny quip. "First, congrats to Aryna. Andrew said 'Aryna,' and I thought he said 'Serena.' But it felt like Serena with the way you were serving today (laughs). I don't know. I may have wanted Serena with the way you were serving today."

With the Cincinnati Open for the women's singles players, it is off to New York City for the highly anticipated US Open. Tennis fans can follow Sports Illustrated's Serve on SI for all the most important news from the sport.

Further Reading: Iga Swiatek says there are too many tournaments in the WTA schedule.