Swiatek Seeks Fifth Straight Win Over Resurgent Rybakina
Iga Świątek’s title chase in Cincinnati pits her against a revitalized Elena Rybakina—arguably the trickiest opponent left in the draw. The Polish world No.3 is riding a 12-1 streak since Wimbledon, including a clinical takedown of Anna Kalinskaya in the quarters. Her recent track record against Rybakina is dominant: four straight wins, including a comeback at Roland Garros this summer.
Rybakina, meanwhile, has shaken off a bumpy start to 2025. She’s now made back-to-back Masters 1000 semifinals and just stunned world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka 6-1, 6-4. Despite early match struggles, she’s fought through Zarazua, Mertens, and Madison Keys—all after dropping the opening set.
But Swiatek’s current level and proven edge in pressure moments give her the upper hand here.
Prediction Semi-final Cincinnati:
Who will win most games? Swiatek -1,5 games
Paolini Targets Another Final Against Confident Kudermetova
Jasmine Paolini continues her blistering 2025 with another deep run—this time in Cincinnati. The Italian has already won Rome, reached two Grand Slam finals, and knocked out Coco Gauff in the quarters. She’s dropped just one set all week and dismantled Krejcikova and Sakkari with ruthless efficiency.
Veronika Kudermetova, fresh off a career-best doubles win at Wimbledon, has rediscovered her singles groove. She’s powered through Belinda Bencic, Clara Tauson, Magda Linette, and Varvara Gracheva —earning her first Masters 1000 semifinal since Madrid and Rome in 2023. She leads Paolini 3-1 in their head-to-head, but they haven’t met since 2021, and Paolini’s rise since then has been meteoric.
The matchup for this semi-final will be tight, but the Italian’s all-court game and confidence give her the edge.