Iga Swiatek showcased her dominance in the National Bank Open final on Thursday, exuding confidence with her impressive track record of 25-5 in WTA Tour final matches. The Polish seventh seed, known for excelling under pressure, set the tempo early against Elena Rybakina, securing a decisive 6-2, 6-3 victory at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto on a delightful summer evening.
Expressing her focus, Swiatek mentioned being in the zone and emphasizing the physical aspect of the game. The match saw Swiatek taking control by breaking Rybakina’s serve early in the first set, exploiting her opponent’s vulnerabilities. Throughout the game, Swiatek’s strategic play, including her net skills and solid defense, kept Rybakina on the defensive, preventing her from finding her rhythm.
Claiming another crucial break in the second set at 2-2, Swiatek wrapped up the match in a swift 75 minutes. This triumph marked Swiatek’s first tournament victory since her Seoul win in September last year, solidifying her position as the only player to clinch a WTA 1000 title in each of the past six seasons.
Following her victory, Swiatek is poised to ascend two spots to No. 6 in the latest world rankings, while Rybakina, the second seed, will maintain her No. 2 ranking. Reflecting on her journey and the challenges faced throughout the season, Swiatek expressed gratitude for holding the trophy and prevailing against strong competitors.
Swiatek’s 26th WTA Tour title not only earned her a substantial share of the $7.43 million US prize money but also showcased her prowess on the court. In the doubles final, Czechia’s Katerina Siniakova and China’s Shuai Zhang defeated their opponents to claim the title.
On the men’s side, Ben Shelton clinched his seventh ATP Tour victory by successfully defending his National Bank Open title against Brandon Nakashima in Montreal. Shelton’s stellar performance throughout the tournament, combined with his exceptional serve and return game, propelled him to victory, securing his second consecutive title at the Canadian Open.
The absence of immediate plans for a retractable roof at the Toronto venue was highlighted, with the focus currently on Montreal’s proposed stadium modernization project. Despite weather challenges at both events, the competitions were well-received, with the women’s National Bank Open setting a record attendance of approximately 215,000, marking a milestone for WTA Toronto.