Iga Swiatek showcased her dominance in the National Bank Open final on Thursday, entering the match with a remarkable 25-5 record in WTA Tour finals. The seventh-seeded player from Poland, known for her prowess in high-pressure situations, asserted her authority early on against Elena Rybakina, securing a convincing 6-2, 6-3 victory under the Toronto evening sky.
Expressing her focus, Swiatek stated, “I was really in the zone and aimed to elevate the physicality of the match.” She capitalized on Rybakina’s errors, breaking her serve in the first set and maintaining control throughout the game. Swiatek’s strategic play, incorporating net skills and a solid defensive approach, kept Rybakina on the defensive, preventing her from finding her rhythm.
In the second set, Swiatek continued her dominance, securing another break at 2-2 before wrapping up the match in just 75 minutes. This victory marked Swiatek’s first tournament title since her triumph in Seoul the previous September, solidifying her reputation as the only player to clinch a WTA 1000 title in each of the last six seasons.
Following her win, Swiatek was projected to climb two spots to No. 6 in the world rankings, while Rybakina, the second seed, maintained her position at No. 2. Reflecting on her journey, Swiatek expressed gratitude for overcoming challenges throughout the season, emphasizing the significance of defeating top players and lifting the trophy.
The victory secured Swiatek her 26th career WTA Tour title, earning her a share of the $7.43 million US total prize purse, with a prize of $1.09 million. Rybakina, on the other hand, took home approximately $565,000 as the runner-up.
In the men’s final, Ben Shelton successfully defended his National Bank Open title by defeating Brandon Nakashima in straight sets in an all-American showdown in Montreal. Shelton, the fifth seed, showcased exceptional form, claiming his seventh career ATP Tour victory and moving up to sixth in the tour’s rankings.
Shelton’s stellar performance was highlighted by his flawless serving, reaching speeds of 230 kilometers per hour and not conceding a break point throughout the match. He demonstrated his skill and composure, securing the win in one hour and 27 minutes, without dropping a set in the entire tournament.
Nakashima acknowledged Shelton’s remarkable talent, praising his level of play and predicting a bright future for the young champion. Despite putting up a fight in the second set, Nakashima fell short in the tiebreak, allowing Shelton to seal his victory and become the first male player to defend the Canadian Open title since Rafael Nadal in 2019.
Additionally, in the doubles final, Rafael Matos and Orlando Luz emerged victorious over Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo after a closely contested match.
Regarding venue updates, while Montreal considers enhancing its facilities with a new stadium and retractable roof, Toronto currently has no immediate plans for similar renovations. Tournament director Karl Hale highlighted the success of the National Bank Open in Toronto this year, emphasizing the record attendance and the captivating matches witnessed throughout the event.
