Aryna Sabalenka to toast her stunning Cincinnati Open win with a special drink
Aryna Sabalenka sent out a message of intent to her rivals as she stormed to a 6-3, 7-5 victory over Jessica Pegula in the Cincinnati Open final – and she will toast her big win with a special drink.
Sabalenka’s latest title triumph saw her bring up her 100th match win in WTA 1000 events, with her triumph in Cincinnati giving the Belarusian star a sixth title in the highest-level tournaments behind the four Grand Slams.
Sabalenka, who missed Wimbledon with a shoulder injury, built on an early break against Pegula in the opening set to hold for a 4-1 lead which she never looked like relinquishing.
After Pegula was broken again in the first game of the second set, it seemed Sabalenka would be coasting towards another WTA title, but lifted by the home support, the American dug in.
Sixth seed Pegula took her first break chance in the 10th game to level at 5-5, only for Sabalenka to immediately break back and then serve for the match once again.
Sabalenka kept the pressure on, setting up a championship point with another big forehand winner, which she converted when Pegula dropped a return into the net.
It was the first title for Sabalenka since she landed a second consecutive Australian Open success in January, sealing a perfect week for the 26-year-old who did not drop a set.
“This trophy means a lot, it is a really big achievement, especially coming after injury, with this fear of getting injured again,” said Sabalenka.
“My team did everything they could to make sure I felt as good as I could and I am proud of myself I was able to handle all of those emotions.
“I couldn’t wish for more. I’m just super happy with the level I played in the final.
“The semi-final match against Iga was something incredible and then in the finals, I was always under pressure against Jessica. This surface seems perfect for her.”
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Looking ahead to the US Open, Sabalenka suggested “something clicked” during her run in Cincinnati as she stated: “The first matches were difficult as I adjusted to this surface.
“Then it felt like something clicked. I really enjoyed every match and I was not rushing. I was enjoying my tennis and I just wanted to stay out there.
“We are going to forget about this win soon, in a good way, and just focus on the US Open. I’m ready as good as I can and I want to bring the best tennis I can in New York.”
When asked how she would celebrate this win before she turned her attention to the final major of the year, she told the Tennis Channel that she was going to have a tequila.
“It has to be a tequila. You have to try a margarita, that’s the best drink,” she added with a smile.
The WTA Rankings confirm Swiatek is comfortably ahead of Sabalenka heading into the US Open, but the world No 2 is snapping at her heals ahead of what could be a mouth-watering final in New York.
