Świątek defeats Svitolina to reach Canadian Open final, seeks first 2026 title
Iga Świątek overcame Elina Svitolina in the Canadian Open semifinal to advance to the final. She will face either Coco Gauff or Elena Rybakina for her first WTA Tour title of the year.
The semifinal was delayed over an hour by rain. Świątek, ranked eighth globally and a six-time major champion, had lost both prior meetings with Svitolina this year in three sets. She reversed that trend, winning 6-3, 1-6, 6-3.
Świątek's victory sets up a final against either Coco Gauff or Elena Rybakina, with her first WTA Tour title of 2026 on the line. She saved an early break point with a backhand winner and improved her first-serve percentage to 62.5% in the deciding set, breaking back after trailing 3-2.
A Świątek victory could energize her fanbase and boost Canadian Open viewership, while also signaling a potential resurgence for the former world No. 1. For Svitolina, the loss may impact her momentum and ranking. The final's outcome could shape the narrative of the 2026 WTA season, offering a compelling storyline for casual sports fans and tennis enthusiasts alike.