Iga Swiatek showcased her dominance in the National Bank Open title match on Thursday, entering with a strong track record of 25 wins and 5 losses in WTA Tour finals. The Polish player, seeded seventh, displayed her prowess under pressure, defeating Elena Rybakina with a commanding 6-2, 6-3 victory at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto on a beautiful summer evening.
Swiatek’s focused mindset was evident throughout the match as she took control early by breaking Rybakina’s serve in the first set. Utilizing her skills at the net and maintaining a solid defensive game, Swiatek kept Rybakina on the defensive, preventing her from finding her rhythm.
Securing another break in the second set at 2-2, Swiatek wrapped up the match in 75 minutes, claiming her first tournament title since her triumph in Seoul last year. With this win, she became the sole player to clinch a WTA 1000 title in each of the past six seasons.
The victory also propelled Swiatek to a projected sixth spot in the latest world rankings, while Rybakina, the second seed, maintained her position at number two. Swiatek expressed her gratitude for overcoming challenges this season and emphasized the significance of defeating top players to claim the title.
Earning her 26th career WTA Tour title, Swiatek received a share of $1.09 million from the total purse of $7.43 million, while Rybakina took home around $565,000. In the doubles final, Katerina Siniakova from Czechia and Shuai Zhang from China triumphed over their opponents in a hard-fought match.
In the men’s competition, Ben Shelton successfully defended his National Bank Open title by defeating Brandon Nakashima in an all-American final in Montreal. Shelton’s victory marked his seventh career ATP Tour win, solidifying his position as a rising star in the tennis world.
Shelton’s exceptional performance throughout the tournament, characterized by his clinical play and elite returning skills, earned him his second consecutive ATP Masters 1000 title. The victory catapulted him to the sixth spot in the tour rankings, making him the first male player to achieve back-to-back wins at the Canadian Open since Rafael Nadal in 2019.
Both Swiatek and Shelton’s triumphs were celebrated by fans and critics alike, showcasing their remarkable talent and determination on the court. The future looks bright for these young tennis stars as they continue to make their mark in the sport.