Elena Rybakina advanced to her first career National Bank Open final on Wednesday night, rallying past Coco Gauff 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 in Toronto after two hours of play, according to tournament reports. Rybakina overcame a tight opening set where Gauff secured the decisive break in the 12th game, before dominating the next two sets to set up a championship clash against Iga Swiatek.
How Rybakina Overcame Gauff in the Toronto Semifinals
Gauff capitalized on early pressure in the opening set, converting a break opportunity in the 12th game to close it out 7-5.
“I knew that I need to start straight away the second set well,” Rybakina told the press after the match. “I’m happy that I did couple good returns, and then things turned around. She also started to feel a bit of pressure, some double-faults. I just kept on going, and I’m happy that I won.”
Rybakina maintained her momentum into the third set, successfully targeting her serves and capitalizing on crucial points at 30-all to seal the victory. “I got my opportunities, I took them. I was trying not to think about the score, just going a point at a time,” Rybakina stated.
Hardcourt Dominance and Historical Context
According to tournament statistics, this run marks Rybakina’s seventh career WTA 1000 final and her second of the season, following a runner-up finish to Aryna Sabalenka at Indian Wells. She is now tied with Gauff on seven WTA 1000 finals.
Rybakina also secured her 26th hardcourt win of the season, surpassing Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina, who each hold 25 hardcourt victories, according to tour data. Furthermore, her path to the final required four three-set victories—defeating Daria Kasatkina, Liudmila Samsonova, Naomi Osaka, and Gauff—making her just the fourth player in the Open Era to reach the National Bank Open final through four three-set wins, joining Lina Krasnoroutskaya in 2003, Venus Williams in 2014, and Bianca Andreescu in 2019.
Did you know? Since the introduction of the WTA 1000 format in 2009, Elena Rybakina stands as the Asian player with the most finals reached at this level.
Head-to-Head Showdown Against Iga Swiatek
Rybakina will face No. 7 seed Iga Swiatek in Thursday’s final after Swiatek defeated Elina Svitolina in the opening semifinal. According to tour records, Thursday’s match marks the 13th meeting between Rybakina and Swiatek on the WTA Tour Driven by Mercedes-Benz.
The two competitors have evenly split their previous 12 encounters, with Rybakina claiming victory in their most recent matchup during the Australian Open quarterfinals en route to her second Grand Slam singles title. Looking ahead to the final, Rybakina emphasized the physical demands of the tournament. “We know each other so well. We played so many times. In my case, I feel like it’s more again about the recovery after so many hours on the court, and bringing as much energy as I can,” she said.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who did Elena Rybakina defeat to reach the National Bank Open final?
Elena Rybakina defeated No. 4 seed Coco Gauff 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 in the semifinals to secure her spot in the final.
How many hardcourt wins does Rybakina have this season?
According to tour statistics, Rybakina has recorded 26 hardcourt wins, putting her ahead of Aryna Sabalenka and Elina Svitolina.
Who is Rybakina playing in the National Bank Open final?
Rybakina will face No. 7 seed Iga Swiatek in the championship match.
What is the head-to-head record between Rybakina and Swiatek?
The pair have split their 12 previous encounters evenly, making Thursday’s match their 13th meeting on the WTA Tour.
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