Iga Swiatek won the WTA 1000 title in Toronto on Thursday, defeating Elena Rybakina 6-2, 6-3 for her first trophy of 2026 and her first Canadian crown.
The former world number one was in control throughout the final against second-ranked Rybakina, the Australian Open champion. The result gives Swiatek her 12th 1000-level trophy and is set to lift her from eighth in the world back into the top five as she prepares to defend her title in Cincinnati, with the US Open later this month.
For Swiatek, the title ended a difficult stretch in a season in which she had not reached a final before Toronto and saw her Wimbledon title defence finish in the third round.
Swiatek takes command in Toronto final
Rybakina began sluggishly and handed Swiatek an immediate break in the opening game with two double faults. Although Rybakina held at love in each of her next two service games, Swiatek retained control of the set.
Rybakina had two break opportunities in the sixth game but could not convert either chance. Swiatek then broke again to move 5-2 ahead, putting herself in position to serve for the opening set after little more than 20 minutes.
Swiatek closed out the first set with a love hold, producing a swerving second-serve winner on set point. The 6-2 scoreline reflected her authority in the early stages of the match.
The second set was more competitive until Swiatek made the decisive move. She broke for a 3-2 lead and did not allow Rybakina a way back. Serving with the match on the line in the final game, Rybakina was broken again as Swiatek struck a backhand winner on her second match point to complete the 6-3 set.
Rybakina had been pushed to three sets in four of her previous five matches in Toronto. Her semi-final victory over Coco Gauff was not completed until 1am, and she said after the final that fatigue affected her performance.
“Today was a pity,” Rybakina said. “I didn’t have much energy. I tried my best, but it wasn’t enough.”
She added that she was tired and said there were too many unforced errors, particularly around the net. Rybakina nevertheless credited Swiatek as a difficult opponent, noting her defensive ability and capacity to turn rallies around.
A meaningful first title of 2026
Swiatek said the Toronto victory carried particular significance after what she described as a challenging period on court. Accepting her 12th 1000-level trophy, the 25-year-old addressed the outside opinions she said she had faced in recent months.
“It means so, so much to me,” Swiatek said. “All these past months were not easy.”
She said she was pleased to have remained focused on growing, adjusting parts of her game and improving. Swiatek also thanked the people close to her who support her every week and every day.
Swiatek dedicated the title to people dealing with judgment and hate, urging them to continue growing and to remember what may be possible ahead.
The Toronto win supplies a major boost before the next hard-court events. Rybakina, despite the loss, moved closer to world number one Aryna Sabalenka in the rankings, though she said she was not focused on that pursuit. Swiatek leaves Canada with the title, a return toward the top five and renewed momentum for Cincinnati and the US Open.
