World number one Iga Swiatek again got the better of Aryna Sabalenka, winning in straight sets to take the Italian Open title. Swiatek had previously won a thriller against the world number two earlier this month in the Madrid Open final. On Saturday, the 22-year-old dominated Sabalenka, winning 6-2, 6-3 to secure her 21st career title.
Reflecting on her victory, Swiatek said, “After Madrid I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. I’m really happy that I was able to play consistently during the clay season. The final tournament is in front of us. I always enjoy playing here.” She added that she planned to celebrate by eating tiramisu, expressing her disappointment that none was in the trophy.
With this victory, Swiatek has now won the Italian Open three times in four years, having not dropped a set in the 2024 edition. She heads to the French Open as the defending champion, with the clay court grand slam beginning on 26 May in Paris. Swiatek’s performance in the final was impressive, resisting seven break points in the final set and making just eight unforced errors throughout the match.
In her post-match comments, Sabalenka congratulated Swiatek on an incredible two weeks in Rome. “I hope we make it to the final at Roland Garros and I’m going to beat you there! Just kidding but I want to do better than today,” she said. Sabalenka expressed her love for the tournament and hoped to come back stronger next year.
