Iga Swiatek triumphed over Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 6-3 to secure her third Italian Open title on Saturday. The Pole once again emerged victorious in a battle between the top two players in the women’s rankings, following her Madrid Open win earlier this month.
The title marks the 21st of Swiatek’s career, as the world number one sends a strong message to her rivals ahead of this month’s French Open, where she is a three-time champion.
Swiatek broke Sabalenka twice in the first set, with the Belarusian conceding 12 unforced errors in a lopsided start. Sabalenka fought back, reaching five break points in an attempt to lead 2-0 in the second set, but Swiatek held her serve.
Sabalenka was unable to break again, with Swiatek saving two break points on her next serve. The set progressed to 3-3 before Swiatek broke Sabalenka’s serve in back-to-back games, ensuring her path to victory.
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