Iga Swiatek showcased her winning prowess in the National Bank Open final, exuding confidence with her impressive track record in WTA Tour finals. The Polish seventh seed dominated Elena Rybakina in a decisive 6-2, 6-3 triumph under the lights at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto. Swiatek’s strategic play and sharp focus were evident as she broke Rybakina early in the match and maintained control throughout.
Reflecting on her performance, Swiatek expressed being in the zone and emphasizing the physicality of the game. Her diverse skills, including net play and solid defense, kept Rybakina on the defensive, leading to a convincing victory for Swiatek. This win marked Swiatek’s first tournament title since triumphing in Seoul last year and solidified her status as the only player to secure a WTA 1000 title in each of the last six seasons.
The victory propelled Swiatek to a projected world ranking of No. 6, while Rybakina, the second seed, held onto her No. 2 spot. Swiatek’s triumph also came with a substantial financial reward, earning her a share of $1.09 million from the tournament’s overall purse. In the doubles final, Katerina Siniakova and Shuai Zhang emerged victorious over their opponents, showcasing their prowess on the court.
In the men’s final, Ben Shelton successfully defended his National Bank Open title against Brandon Nakashima in Montreal. The fifth-seeded Shelton’s exceptional performance and dominant display secured him his seventh career ATP Tour victory. With this win, Shelton climbed to sixth in the ATP rankings and became the first player since Rafael Nadal in 2019 to achieve back-to-back victories at the Canadian Open.
Shelton’s stellar play, particularly his exceptional serving and clinical approach, highlighted his remarkable week at the tournament. The American player’s consistent performance and unwavering focus ensured a straight-sets victory over Nakashima, solidifying his reputation as a rising star in men’s tennis. Shelton’s win, coupled with his strong showing throughout the event, was a testament to his skill and determination on the court.