Aryna Sabalenka Wins WTA Cincinnati Open

Aryna Sabalenka captured her first title since the Australian Open by defeating Jessica Pegula 6-3, 7-5 in the Cincinnati Open final, marking her sixth WTA 1000 title and 15th overall. With this victory, Sabalenka will rise to No. 2 in the WTA rankings, overtaking Coco Gauff, and cementing her status as a favorite for the upcoming US Open. Sabalenka dominated the match with an impressive serving performance, including six aces and maintaining strong service games throughout. Pegula, who was looking to become the first woman to win both the Canadian and Cincinnati titles in a single season in over 50 years, had her nine-match win streak ended by Sabalenka. In a light-hearted moment post-match, Pegula humorously misheard the interviewer, thinking he mentioned Serena Williams instead of Sabalenka. The win also signifies Sabalenka's successful return to form after a shoulder injury that kept her from competing at Wimbledon.