Iga Swiatek approached the National Bank Open final with confidence, boasting a strong track record of 25-5 in WTA Tour championship matches. As the seventh seed hailing from Poland, Swiatek excels in high-pressure situations. In a commanding display, she secured a 6-2, 6-3 victory over Elena Rybakina at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto on a delightful summer evening.
Expressing her focus during the match, Swiatek mentioned, “I was really in the zone and aimed to make the game physical.” She took an early advantage by breaking Rybakina’s serve in the first set, capitalizing on her opponent’s double-faults. Throughout the match, Swiatek strategically moved Rybakina around the court, neutralizing her powerful forehand and utilizing her net play efficiently. Rybakina struggled to find her rhythm as Swiatek maintained control with a solid defensive game.
Swiatek further solidified her lead by securing another break in the second set, ultimately wrapping up the match in just 75 minutes. Reflecting on her victory, Swiatek highlighted the significance of holding the trophy and defeating formidable opponents. This win marked Swiatek’s 26th career WTA Tour title, earning her a share of the $7.43 million overall prize money, with Rybakina receiving around $565,000.
In another exciting match, Ben Shelton successfully defended his National Bank Open title by defeating Brandon Nakashima in an all-American final in Montreal. Shelton’s victory marked his seventh career ATP Tour win, showcasing exceptional form throughout the tournament. The 23-year-old player’s impressive performance included a flawless serving display, clocking speeds of 230 kilometers per hour and not conceding any break-point opportunities.
Nakashima, the 28th seed, struggled to match Shelton’s level, winning only 17 percent of return points in his first 1000-level final. While Nakashima displayed resilience in the second set, forcing a tiebreak, Shelton’s precision and power ultimately secured him the championship. Shelton’s victory marked a significant milestone as he became the first player since Rafael Nadal in 2019 to successfully defend the National Bank Open title.
Additionally, in the doubles final, Rafael Matos and Orlando Luz emerged victorious over Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo after a competitive match. Looking ahead, discussions surrounding a proposed modernization project for the Montreal venue, including the installation of a retractable roof, continue while Toronto maintains its focus on current facilities. Overall, the tournaments in Toronto and Montreal showcased exceptional tennis talent, attracting a record estimated attendance of about 215,000 for the WTA Toronto event.