Iga Świątek Hits Back at Critics with Canadian Open Title Win

Iga Świątek has forcefully answered her doubters, winning the Canadian Open on August 13 for her first title of 2026. The Polish star dominated world No. 2 Elena Rybakina 6-2, 6-3 in Toronto, ending an 11-month wait for a trophy and directly addressing the "judging and hating" she has faced.

How did Świątek silence her critics?

Świątek heard the criticism all year, particularly from experts back in Poland. She channeled that into a focused performance in the final, taking command early with efficient serving and elite court coverage. After sealing the match with a backhand winner, she banged her chest and pointed to her head in a show of defiant pride. "I'm happy that year by year I give less s... about it, and I could win this tournament to prove to everyone that they don't make sense sometimes," Świątek said post-match. The victory leveled her head-to-head record with Rybakina at 7-7 and marked her 12th WTA 1000 title, just one shy of Serena Williams' record.

Where does she rank among tennis's top earners?

Forbes estimates Świątek earned $20.5 million over the past year, placing her 8th on the sport's money list. That total includes $5.5 million in prize money and $15 million from endorsements with brands like Coach, On and Oral-B. The figures highlight a persistent gender pay gap, as smaller tournaments still do not offer equal prize money. Italy's Jannik Sinner leads the list with $58 million. Świątek's financial success parallels her on-court consistency; she is the only player to reach at least the third round of every Grand Slam since 2020.

Why were fans upset during her Cincinnati Open run?

Fresh from her Toronto win, Świątek began defending her Cincinnati Open title in dominant fashion, beating Emiliana Arango 6-3, 6-0. Yet the commentary during the match drew fierce backlash from fans online. They condemned analysts for questioning how she won Toronto after a single lost game and for seeming surprised when prediction percentages favored her. One fan called the commentary "annoying," arguing Świątek rarely gets full credit for her performances. The discourse highlighted the intense scrutiny top players face, a theme Coco Gauff later addressed.

What did Coco Gauff say about the pressure on top players?

After winning the Cincinnati Open herself, Coco Gauff defended Świątek and Aryna Sabalenka against the "stupid" criticism that follows any dip in form. Gauff noted that maintaining an elite level from January to November is "literally impossible." She said she simply brushes off takes that declare a career is over after a few bad weeks.

How did Świątek celebrate a colleague's big news?

Amid the competitive grind, Świątek joined the tennis world in celebrating a personal milestone for Caroline Garcia. The former French star welcomed a baby boy, Pablo, in late August. Świątek was quick to send her congratulations, commenting "Congratulations 🥰" on Garcia's Instagram announcement. The moment showed the supportive community within the sport, a contrast to the harsh external critiques players often navigate.

• KEY TAKEAWAYS
• Iga Świątek won the Canadian Open on August 13, her first title in 11 months, defeating Elena Rybakina in straight sets.
• She ranks 8th in tennis earnings with $20.5 million annually, including $15 million from endorsements.
• Fans criticized commentary during her Cincinnati Open match for being unfairly dismissive of her achievements.
• Coco Gauff defended Świątek and other top players against the intense criticism that follows any short-term loss of form.