Iga Swiatek reached the final of the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Open for the first time, surging past Elena Rybakina, 7-5, 6-3, in a match played in sweltering summer conditions.

Iga Swiatek has showcased her class by returning to form in a phase where, historically, she has had a mixed record. The 24-year-old went through a lean patch of more than 12 months after winning the French Open in 2024.

Iga Swiatek acknowledges she prefers to play early even in challenging conditions, but suggests that certain adjustments could be done, like giving players "more time to breathe" when the conditions are extremely hot and humid.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka was dismantled 6-1 6-4 by Elena Rybakina, who powered into her first Cincinnati Open semi-final with a display of clinical serving.