Pegula frustrates Swiatek's comeback, reaches Cincinnati final

American Jessica Pegula has reached the Cincinnati Open final for the second time in her career, defeating the reigning champion Iga Swiatek in a hard-fought semifinal match. Pegula secured her spot in the championship match with a 7-5, 4-6, 6-4 victory over the Polish world No. 5.

The match, which lasted 2 hours and 47 minutes, saw Pegula overcome a mid-match surge from Swiatek. After taking the first set, Pegula faced a comeback from Swiatek, who leveled the match by winning the second set and took an early 3-1 lead in the third. However, Pegula managed to regain control and close out the match.

This significant win marks Pegula's 300th career victory on the WTA tour. She now joins an elite group of American players, with only Serena Williams, Venus Williams, and Madison Keys having achieved more wins.

Pegula will face either American Coco Gauff or Czech teenager Sara Bejlek in the final on Sunday. This will be Pegula's second appearance in the Cincinnati final, having previously reached it in 2024. She holds a record of four titles and four losses in her nine WTA 1000 finals to date.