Sabalenka Claims First Title Since Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka secured her first title since the Australian Open in January by defeating Jessica Pegula in the final of the Cincinnati Open.

The Belarusian tennis player took 76 minutes to achieve a 6-3 7-5 victory, marking her 15th career title and her sixth at the WTA 1,000 level.

This win halted American Pegula's nine-match winning streak, which included her title defense at the Canadian Open the previous week.

Sabalenka, who missed Wimbledon due to a shoulder injury, expressed her joy in a courtside interview broadcast by Sky Sports: “This trophy means a lot, it is a really big achievement, especially coming after injury, with this fear of getting injured again. My team did everything they could to make sure I felt as good as I can and I am proud of myself I was able to handle all of those emotions.”

Sabalenka, who will ascend to the world number two ranking, dominated the first set after breaking Pegula in the fourth game. Although she faced a challenge when Pegula broke back at 5-4 in the second set, Sabalenka regained control, securing the final break before serving out the match and celebrating with the crowd.

The 26-year-old, who defeated world number one Iga Swiatek in the semi-final, will next compete at the US Open, which begins on August 26.