Iga Swiatek claimed her third Rome title by dominating Aryna Sabalenka 6-2 6-3 to send a big message of intent ahead of Roland Garros.
The world number one completed the Madrid and Rome double with a sensational performance.
Now Swiatek is the titleholder for the three biggest clay court titles as she will aim to defend her Roland Garros title.
The contest was a rematch from the Madrid final but this was far from the three hour contest that was produced in Spain.
Swiatek raised her level of play while Sabalenka committed way too many unforced errors throughout the contest.
The Pole broke on two occasions to wrap up a comfortable 37 minute set as her forehand was doing a lot of damage.
There was a comeback in the second set from the Australian Open champion as she produced effortless and consistent power, making the second set very competitive.
The world number one was forced to save break points as she just managed to be more stable on big moments.
A more controlled second set from Swiatek was rewarded towards the end of the set as once again Sabalenka crumbled under pressure when it mattered.
Two late breaks of serve completed the Swiatek surge as the Pole enters the second Grand Slam of the season in dominant form.
As for Sabalenka it’s a disappointing performance that she will look to put right at Roland Garros.
Roland Garros starts on the 26th of May where Swiatek is defending champion.
