Overview

• Swiatek rallied from 3-5 down to win four consecutive games and closed out a 98-minute semi-final 7-5, 6-3 in sweltering Cincinnati conditions.
• Paolini earned her spot in the championship match after a three-set win over Veronika Kudermetova, setting up a final where Swiatek leads their head-to-head record 5-0.
• The semi-final triumph guaranteed Swiatek enough ranking points to qualify for November’s WTA Finals in Riyadh.
• A victory in Monday’s final would elevate her to world No. 2 and provide a momentum boost ahead of the US Open beginning August 24.
• Media coverage noted an awkward post-match interview during which an on-court reporter quipped about possibly spitting on Swiatek while asking a question.