Iga Swiatek came into the National Bank Open final with strong confidence, boasting a remarkable 25-5 record in WTA Tour final matches. The Polish player, seeded seventh, displayed her best game under pressure, taking on Elena Rybakina in a commanding 6-2, 6-3 victory at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto on a delightful summer evening.
“I was completely focused,” Swiatek remarked. “I aimed to make the game physically demanding.”
The match started with Swiatek breaking Rybakina’s serve in the first set after the Kazakh player committed consecutive double faults. Swiatek strategically maneuvered Rybakina around the court, utilizing her net play and solid defense. Rybakina struggled to find her rhythm throughout the match, with Swiatek securing another break in the second set to seal the win in just 75 minutes.
Reflecting on her win, Swiatek expressed her gratitude, especially after a challenging season. She acknowledged the significance of holding the trophy and defeating formidable opponents. This victory marked Swiatek’s first tournament title since her triumph in Seoul last year and made her the sole player to clinch a WTA 1000 title in each of the past six seasons.
Swiatek’s triumph is expected to propel her up two spots to No. 6 in the latest world rankings, while Rybakina, the second seed, will maintain her position at No. 2.
In the men’s singles final, Ben Shelton successfully defended his National Bank Open title by defeating Brandon Nakashima in straight sets in Montreal. Shelton’s victory marked his seventh ATP Tour win, adding to his impressive season that included titles in Dallas, Munich, and Stuttgart. The American player’s exceptional performance throughout the tournament, characterized by a dominant serve and clinical play, saw him rise to sixth in the ATP Tour rankings.
Shelton’s achievement also extended to claiming his second consecutive ATP Masters 1000 title, solidifying his status as a top contender in the men’s game. The 23-year-old showcased unparalleled form on the court, delivering powerful serves and precise shots to secure his victory in just over an hour and a half.
Nakashima, though putting up a strong fight, could not match Shelton’s level of play, acknowledging the American’s outstanding performance. Despite a valiant effort in the second set, Shelton’s consistency and determination ultimately secured him the championship.
In the doubles final, Rafael Matos and Orlando Luz emerged victorious after a hard-fought battle against Mate Pavic and Marcelo Arevalo, claiming the title in a thrilling match.
Regarding the tournament venues, there are currently no immediate plans to introduce a retractable roof at IGA Stadium in Toronto, unlike the proposed project in Montreal. Tennis Canada’s focus remains on enhancing facilities in Montreal, with discussions underway for potential funding and expansion plans.
Both the women’s and men’s National Bank Open tournaments experienced weather-related challenges, leading to schedule adjustments throughout the competitions. Despite these hurdles, the events witnessed remarkable performances from top players and drew significant attendance, setting new records and highlighting the sport’s growing popularity in Toronto.