Iga Swiatek finally claims first title of 2026 with Canadian Masters win

Swiatek has struggled with her form and confidence for much of the last 12 months, as she openly admitted she has been battling self-doubt throughout the toughest period of her career, during which she has been winless since last September.

Yet the Polish star held her nerve against a misfiring Rybakina, who was a long way off her best as she slipped to a 6-2, 6-4 defeat.

"You're such a great competitor, and it's always tough to play against you," Swiatek said during the trophy presentation.

"We've played many important matches against each other, and I'm sure there are going to be many, many more."

The win is a massive boost to Swiatek on so many levels, with his slide down the WTA Rankings halted by a 26th career title. It also gives Swiatek's WTA Ranking a welcome boost, as she leaps back up to fifth place ahead of French Open champion Mirra Andreeva.

Rybakina will be disappointed with her error-strewn performance in the final against Swiatek, but her run in Toronto has allowed her to gain ground on Aryna Sabalenka in the race to claim the world No 1 ranking.

The Kazakh player is now within touching distance of Sabalenka and has cemented her position as world No 2, giving her a chance to overtake the Belarusian player at the Cincinnati Open over the next week or maybe at the US Open.

Swiatek's will collect $1,085,200 in prize money from her win in Toronto, with Rybakina securing a prize money windfall of $564,920.

The money will be less significant than the morale-boosting win for an elated Swiatek, who pointed to his head as she suggested her mental fortitude was key to the victory.

Swiatek and Rybakina exchanged what appeared to be a frosty exchange at the net, with the victor showing real emotion as she celebrated with her team after the match.

"The handshake was interesting," observed former British No 1 Annabel Croft on Sky Sports. "It was short and sharp. No words were exchanged between them.

"It's a big win for Swiatek. Her reaction after the match showed what it meant to her. I've never seen her react like this. That shows how important this was to her."

Belief has been a missing ingredient for Swiatek for some time now, but this win and especially the manner of it will give her a massive lift as she looks ahead to the US Open.

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