Iga Swiatek went into the National Bank Open’s final match on Thursday with confidence, boasting a strong track record of 25-5 in WTA Tour finals. The Polish seventh seed dominated the game against Elena Rybakina, securing a decisive 6-2, 6-3 victory under the evening lights at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto.
Expressing her focused mindset, Swiatek mentioned being “in the zone” and aiming to elevate the physicality of the match. She took an early lead by breaking Rybakina’s serve in the first set, capitalizing on her opponent’s double faults. Throughout the game, Swiatek skillfully maneuvered Rybakina around the court, showcasing her strategic net play and solid defense, keeping her opponent off balance.
In the second set, Swiatek continued her dominance, securing another crucial break at 2-2 and ultimately closing out the match in a swift 75 minutes. This victory marked Swiatek’s first tournament win since her triumph in Seoul last September, solidifying her status as the only player to clinch a WTA 1000 title for six consecutive seasons.
Following her win, Swiatek was projected to climb two spots to No. 6 in the world rankings, while Rybakina, the second seed, maintained her position at No. 2. Swiatek expressed her gratitude for overcoming challenges throughout the season and emphasized the significance of defeating top-tier players in claiming the title.
The victory earned Swiatek her 26th WTA Tour title, securing a significant portion of the $7.43 million US prize money. Rybakina, on the other hand, received around $565,000 for her runner-up finish. In the doubles final, Katerina Siniakova of Czechia and Shuai Zhang of China emerged victorious over their opponents, showcasing a strong performance on the court.
In a separate event, Ben Shelton successfully defended his National Bank Open title, outplaying Brandon Nakashima in an all-American final in Montreal. Shelton’s remarkable performance earned him his seventh career ATP Tour victory, with this win adding to his previous successes in Dallas, Munich, and Stuttgart earlier in the year.
Shelton’s exceptional play was lauded by fans and critics alike, as he displayed outstanding skills on the court, particularly in his serve and return game. His victory propelled him to sixth in the ATP Tour rankings and marked him as the first men’s player to secure back-to-back wins at the Canadian Open since Rafael Nadal in 2019.
Looking ahead, tournament director Karl Hale mentioned that there were no immediate plans to install a retractable roof at IGA Stadium in Toronto, as the focus remained on enhancing facilities in Montreal. Despite facing weather challenges during the events in both cities, organizers navigated the competitions successfully, with the proposed modernization project in Montreal aiming to elevate the spectator experience and accommodate more fans in the future.