Swiatek Rolls Over Rybakina to Reach Cincinnati Open Final

On Sunday afternoon, Iga Swiatek met Elena Rybakina in the 2025 Cincinnati Open women's singles semi-final. Swiatek defeated Rybakina in straight sets: 7-5, 6-3.
Swiatek had not dropped a set leading into the semi-final, and had the extra rest from a walkover in the third round. Meanwhile, Rybakina battled through top-ranked players like Aryna Sabalenka and Madison Keys en route to today's showdown against Swiatek.
Stand and deliver 😮💨
— wta (@WTA) August 17, 2025
Elena Rybakina | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/XueEaphwUG
Both players served at a high level. Swiatek tallied seven aces and three double faults. She won points on 78% of first and 67% of second serves, respectively.
Meanwhile, Rybakina scorched 10 aces with just one double fault. She won points on 63% of first and 48% of second serves, respectively. However, Swiatek was 3/8 on break point opportunities compared to Rybakina's 1/4.
When there's a will, there's a way 🤯@iga_swiatek | #CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/lTOEkrrzDm
— wta (@WTA) August 17, 2025
Speaking from center court, Swiatek said, "That was a tough match. At the beginning, the level was pretty crazy. We played so fast that sometimes we couldn't even run to the second ball. I was there to play with intensity and good quality. I'm super happy with the performance."
After an early exit in Montreal, Swiatek's North American hard court swing is back on track. Following a 13-month title drought, Swiatek is now one match away from winning two of her last three tournaments.
Make that 13 WTA 1000 finals 🔥@iga_swiatek defeats Rybakina 7-5, 6-3 to reach the #CincyTennis final for the first time. pic.twitter.com/ai9YpAW5P7
— wta (@WTA) August 17, 2025
Swiatek faces the winner of Jasmine Paolini and Veronika Kudermetova in the final on Monday. From there, both finalists will have a short break before the start of the US Open.
Additionally, Swiatek has become the second player to qualify for the 2025 WTA Finals Riyadh presented by PIF following her run to the final of the WTA 1000 Cincinnati Open. The only other player to qualify is World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who secured her place in Riyadh in July.
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Pat Benson covers professional tennis for Serve on Sports Illustrated, reporting on ATP and WTA events worldwide. From Challenger tournaments to Grand Slams, he brings readers in-depth coverage, daily recaps, and exclusive interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport. With a decade of experience in sports journalism, Pat is recognized as a trusted voice in tennis media. You can contact him at 1989patbenson@gmail.com.
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