Swiatek ends 11-month drought, wins maiden Canadian Open title

Iga Swiatek has ended an almost 11-month wait for a title, triumphing at the Canadian Open with a decisive 6-2, 6-3 victory over Elena Rybakina. This marks her first trophy of a 2026 season that has been characterized by inconsistent performances. Swiatek, the seventh seed, needed just one hour and 15 minutes to overcome Rybakina, the second favorite, securing her maiden Canadian title. The win brings her career total to 26 titles, her first since winning the Korea Open in Seoul in September 2025. The former world number one arrived in Toronto without having reached a final this season, admitting 2026 had been the most challenging year of her career. Against Rybakina, Swiatek delivered one of her most convincing performances in recent months. She maintained her service throughout the match, converted four of her five break-point opportunities, and saved both of Rybakina's chances. Swiatek dominated from the outset, breaking Rybakina's serve twice in the first set to win it 6-2. She secured two more breaks in the second set to close out the match 6-3. "It has been difficult. I am happy to have maintained my composure, kept my focus, and continued to grow each month, regardless of the challenges. I am very proud to have won this tournament," Swiatek said after the match. She also acknowledged that criticism during her title drought served as extra motivation, expressing particular satisfaction in responding with a victory. "Now I just want to enjoy it, because it has been quite some time since I won a title. It means a lot, and I hadn't won in Canada before, so it feels especially incredible," she added. Swiatek believes the title confirms that recent changes are yielding positive results. "I want to draw a lot of confidence from this. It's proof that I am on the right track. I just need to keep going," she explained before heading to Cincinnati for the next tournament on the North American tour.

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It has been difficult. I am happy to have maintained my composure, kept my focus, and continued to grow each month, regardless of the challenges. I am very proud to have won this tournament.