Sabalenka wins first title since Australian Open

Aryna Sabalenka won her first title since January’s Australian Open by powering past Jessica Pegula in the final of the Cincinnati Open.

The Belarusian needed 76 minutes to wrap up a 6-3 7-5 victory for the 15th title of her career and her sixth at WTA 1,000 level.

The result ended a nine-match winning streak for American Pegula, who defended her Canadian Open title last week.

“This trophy means a lot, it is a really big achievement, especially coming after injury, with this fear of getting injured again,” Sabalenka, who missed Wimbledon with a shoulder injury, said in her courtside interview, broadcast by Sky Sports.

“My team did everything they could to make sure I felt as good as I can and I am proud of myself I was able to handle all of those emotions.”

Sabalenka, who will replace Coco Gauff as the new world number two, cruised through the first set after getting the break in the fourth game.

She suffered a slight blip when serving for the title at 5-4 in the second set as sixth seed Pegula broke back to level.

But the two-time Grand Slam champion recovered, striking again before and serving out the win and blowing kisses to the crowd in celebration.

The 26-year-old, who defeated world number one Iga Swiatek in the semi-final, will return to action at the US Open which starts on 26 August.