Iga Swiatek entered the National Bank Open final with confidence, boasting a strong 25-5 record in WTA Tour final matches. The Polish seventh seed dominated Elena Rybakina in a decisive 6-2, 6-3 victory at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto on a pleasant summer evening.
Swiatek’s aggressive play and strategic skills were on full display as she swiftly secured a break in the first set by capitalizing on Rybakina’s double faults. Throughout the match, Swiatek controlled the tempo, utilizing her net game effectively while keeping Rybakina off balance with her defensive prowess.
In the second set, Swiatek continued her dominance, breaking Rybakina’s serve to clinch the victory in just 75 minutes. This win marked Swiatek’s first tournament triumph since her Seoul victory in September last year, making her the only player to secure a WTA 1000 title in each of the past six seasons.
Following her win, Swiatek was projected to rise to No. 6 in the world rankings, while Rybakina would maintain her No. 2 spot. Swiatek expressed her gratitude for the win, acknowledging the challenges she overcame during the season and the significance of defeating top-ranked opponents.
Swiatek’s victory earned her a $1.09 million share of the $7.43 million total purse, with Rybakina taking home about $565,000. In the doubles final, Katerina Siniakova and Shuai Zhang emerged victorious over Sara Errani and Nicole Melichar-Martinez in straight sets.
Meanwhile, in the men’s event, Ben Shelton successfully defended his National Bank Open title by defeating Brandon Nakashima in an all-American final in Montreal. Shelton’s impressive performance, including his powerful serves and clinical play, secured him his seventh career ATP Tour victory and elevated him to sixth in the tour’s rankings.
Shelton’s commanding presence on the court was evident as he dominated Nakashima, winning in straight sets without facing a break-point opportunity. The 23-year-old’s exceptional performance showcased his potential as a top player in the future.
The tournament also saw discussions about potential upgrades to the venue in Montreal, including plans for a retractable roof at IGA Stadium. However, there are no immediate plans to implement similar upgrades in Toronto, as the focus remains on enhancing facilities in Montreal for future events.