Iga Swiatek approached the National Bank Open final with confidence, given her impressive 25-5 record in WTA Tour title matches. The Polish player, seeded seventh, showcased her prowess in high-pressure situations by dominating Elena Rybakina in a commanding 6-2, 6-3 victory under the lights at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto.
Swiatek swiftly took control of the match by breaking Rybakina’s serve early in the first set. Throughout the game, she skillfully maneuvered her opponent around the court, preventing Rybakina’s powerful forehand from dictating play. Swiatek’s strategic use of the net and solid defensive play kept Rybakina on the defensive, leading to a one-sided encounter.
Securing another break in the second set at 2-2, Swiatek closed out the match in just 75 minutes, showcasing her ability to capitalize on pivotal moments during rallies. The win marked Swiatek’s first title since her triumph in Seoul the previous September, making her the sole player to clinch a WTA 1000 title in each of the last six seasons.
Following her victory, Swiatek was set to ascend two places to No. 6 in the world rankings, while Rybakina, the second seed, would maintain her position at No. 2. Reflecting on her win, Swiatek expressed gratitude for overcoming challenges throughout the season and triumphing against formidable opponents.
Swiatek’s 26th WTA Tour title at the National Bank Open earned her a significant share of the $7.43 million prize pool, amounting to $1.09 million. Meanwhile, Rybakina received approximately $565,000 for her runner-up finish. In the doubles final, Katerina Siniakova and Shuai Zhang emerged victorious after defeating Sara Errani and Nicole Melichar-Martinez in straight sets.
In Montreal, Ben Shelton successfully defended his title at the National Bank Open by defeating Brandon Nakashima in an all-American final. The fifth-seeded Shelton, with seven career ATP Tour victories, showcased exceptional form throughout the tournament, culminating in a straight-sets victory over Nakashima. His impressive performance elevated him to sixth in the ATP rankings and marked a historic back-to-back win at the Canadian Open.
Shelton’s precise and dominant play, particularly on serve, propelled him to victory without dropping a set in the entire tournament. The American’s remarkable display of skill and composure on the court earned him praise from his opponent and spectators alike.
While the proposed installation of a retractable roof at IGA Stadium in Montreal has garnered attention, Toronto’s tournament director, Karl Hale, indicated that there are no immediate plans for a similar project at the Toronto venue. Despite challenges posed by inclement weather during both the WTA and ATP Tour events, organizers navigated through disruptions to deliver successful competitions, with Hale acknowledging the record attendance at the women’s National Bank Open in Toronto this year.