The Cincinnati Open finals have attracted attention not just for the heavy matches but also for the tough scheduling choices players face before the US Open. Jasmine Paolini, who is going to face Iga Świątek tonight, has already pulled out of the US Open mixed doubles after a busy singles and doubles campaign at the WTA 1000 event.
Jasmine Paolini Withdraws from US Open Mixed Doubles Tournament
Paolini, who won the Italian Open singles title and the French Open doubles title this year, impressed again in Cincinnati in both singles and doubles. In the singles event, she outlasted Veronika Kudermetova 6-3, 6-7(2), 6-3 to reach her second WTA 1000 final in the discipline this year.
The 29-year-old partnered compatriot Sara Errani in the doubles event and they reached the semifinals before losing 3-6, 2-6 to eventual runners up Guo Hanyu and Alexandra Panova. On the other hand, Świątek got to her maiden final in Cincinnati by beating ninth seed Elena Rybakina 7-5, 6-3.
Paolini recently announced she was pulling out of its mixed doubles event at the US Open, which starts only a day after the Cincinnati Open final. During an interview with Tennis Channel, the Italian said that the exhausting schedule was the reason behind her decision.
“I need some rest, guys. So I’m not going to play the mixed doubles. I decided with my team to rest one or two days after this tournament because it’s been a tough tournament. I would love to play with Lorenzo. And hopefully the next year, you know. And hopefully, we have the chance to play again. But I’m sorry,” Paolini said.
Musetti will now join Caty McNally in the mixed doubles event at the US Open. Iga Światek, for the time being, is still in the draw, where her partner is Casper Ruud.
Iga Świątek Has Won All of Her Prior Matches Against Paolini
Świątek and Paolini will square off against one another for the sixth time, and the Pole has won each of her prior encounters against the Italian. Their most recent encounter came in the semifinals of the Bad Homburg Open in June, with the former No. 1 triumphing 6-1, 6-3.
Victory for Świątek will see her clinch her 11th WTA 1000 title while Paolini will win her third in the category if she comes out on top. The Italian will also maintain her perfect record in WTA 1000 singles finals if she beats the Pole.
