Swiatek sinks Svitolina to set up Rybakina title clash in Toronto

Iga Swiatek prevailed over Elina Svitolina with a score of 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 to advance to the Toronto title match against world number two Elena Rybakina. Rybakina had earlier beaten Coco Gauff 5-7, 6-2, 6-2 to reach Thursday's final in the hard court prelude to the US Open. The Polish star, seeded seventh, is making her first year-end final after last winning in Seoul nearly a year ago.

She has improved her record against Svitolina to 5-3, with Svitolina narrowing the gap to two wins over Swiatek this year. Rain caused a significant delay in the match, but Swiatek quickly took control in the opening set, leading 4-0. The Ukrainian fought hard, saving set points in the second set, but Swiatek rebounded in the third, breaking Svitolina's serve twice to secure the victory.

Swiatek expressed pride in her comeback in the third set, stating that she was happy to adjust her game and avoid disappointment. Rybakina, who has also had a strong run including a quarter-final win over Naomi Osaka, is closing in on the top ranking alongside Aryna Sabalenka as the US Open approaches on August 31.