Iga Swiatek showed confidence heading into the National Bank Open final on Thursday with an impressive track record in WTA Tour finals. The Polish player, seeded seventh, dominated the match against Elena Rybakina, securing a 6-2, 6-3 victory at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto.
Swiatek took an early lead by breaking Rybakina’s serve in the first set. Throughout the match, she displayed a strong defensive game, utilizing her net skills effectively while keeping her opponent on the defensive. Rybakina struggled to find her rhythm as Swiatek controlled the pace and direction of the game.
In the second set, Swiatek secured another crucial break at 2-2 before wrapping up the match in 75 minutes. This win marked Swiatek’s first tournament victory since her triumph in Seoul last year, making her the sole player to claim a WTA 1000 title in each of the last six seasons.
Following the victory, Swiatek was slated to climb two spots to No. 6 in the world rankings, while Rybakina would maintain her position at No. 2. Swiatek expressed her joy at overcoming challenges this season and emphasized the significance of winning against tough opponents.
The victory earned Swiatek her 26th career WTA Tour title, with a prize of $1.09 million from the total purse of $7.43 million. In the doubles final, Katerina Siniakova and Shuai Zhang defeated Sara Errani and Nicole Melichar-Martinez to claim the title.
In another exciting final, Ben Shelton defended his National Bank Open title by defeating Brandon Nakashima in straight sets. Shelton’s impressive performance earned him his seventh ATP Tour victory, moving him up to sixth in the rankings. He became the first player to successfully defend the Canadian Open title since Rafael Nadal in 2019.
Shelton’s dominant play throughout the tournament, highlighted by his strong serve and clinical performance, showcased his skills to the delight of the crowd. The victory marked his second consecutive ATP Masters 1000 title, solidifying his status as a top player in the men’s circuit.
Looking ahead, there are no immediate plans to install a retractable roof at IGA Stadium in Toronto, as the focus remains on the Montreal venue for potential upgrades. The proposed modernization project in Montreal aims to enhance the stadium’s capacity and facilities, with discussions ongoing about funding and timelines.
Despite weather challenges during both the WTA and ATP Tour events, organizers managed to deliver successful competitions, drawing praise for the overall experience. The record attendance at the women’s National Bank Open in Toronto this year reflects the growing popularity and success of the tournament.