Iga Swiatek demonstrated her confidence in the National Bank Open final on Thursday with her impressive track record in WTA Tour finals, boasting a 25-5 record. The seventh-seeded Polish player dominated the match against Elena Rybakina, securing a decisive 6-2, 6-3 victory at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto under the evening sky.
Swiatek expressed her focus and determination during the match, stating that she was fully immersed in the game and aimed to make it physically demanding for her opponent. She took an early lead by breaking Rybakina’s serve in the first set, utilizing her strategic net play and solid defensive skills to keep the Kazakh player on the defensive throughout the match.
The victory marked Swiatek’s first tournament win since her triumph in Seoul last year, making her the sole player to clinch a WTA 1000 title in each of the past six seasons. With this win, Swiatek was projected to climb two spots to No. 6 in the latest world rankings, while Rybakina, the second seed, maintained her position at No. 2.
In the men’s final, Ben Shelton successfully defended his National Bank Open title by defeating Brandon Nakashima in straight sets, claiming his seventh career ATP Tour victory. Shelton’s exceptional performance throughout the tournament, including a flawless serving display and clinical gameplay, solidified his position as a top player in the ATP Tour rankings.
The tournament also witnessed exciting doubles action, with Rafael Matos and Orlando Luz emerging victorious over Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo in a thrilling final. Additionally, discussions about potential upgrades to the tennis venues in Montreal and Toronto were highlighted, with organizers considering modernization projects to enhance the fan experience and facilities for future tournaments.