Iga Swiatek explains how Ariana Grande has aided her Canadian Open quarter-final run

Sunday, 09 August 2026 at 11:30

Iga Swiatek has credited Arian Grande for reaching her first WTA quarter-final since May following a 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 win over Marta Kostyuk in a truly crazy match of tennis.

The Pole continues to try and find her feet on court, and was not given an easy test in the last-16 against Kostyuk, someone who had beaten her as recently as Roland Garros as her problems really mounted up.

Her form in the early stages was very good, defeating Sara Bejlek and Viktorija Golubic while dropping just six games in the process. Hopeful of keeping up this form, she was pleased to get past Kostyuk even if it was not her best performance.

Swiatek struggled badly on serve in the opening set, winning one point in the first game when beginning it. Kostyuk won 15 consecutive points against the serve but also had trouble with hers with just two holds in the entire set.

The six-time Grand Slam champion knew she could not continue like this, and improved her level drastically. She sorted her service games out while continuing to put the pressure on her opponent. She went a double break ahead before serving it out with a fourth set point while surviving three break point chances.

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The third and final set was a similar outcome. Swiatek again took a 5-1 lead before having the chance to serve it out a game later. She took her time, needing six opportunities to get over the line and to reach the Canadian Open quarter-finals for the first time since her semi-final run back in 2023.

Utilising her time well after concert

Swiatek was eager to get going and was one of the first WTA players in Toronto ahead of the tournament. Many of the top talents were taking a break following Wimbledon ahead of a busy North American hardcourt swing before the trip back to Asia.

She touched on the reasons why she was there so early, citing pop star Ariana Grande as why. ”The reason for me being early here was I went to Ariana Grande’s show in Boston and I had nothing to do after,” Swiatek said.

Iga Swiatek is eyeing a first Canadian Open title

”For sure, being early and preparing, getting through the jet lag and being able to get used to the conditions, sometimes different conditions, rainy days, dry days, sunny days. So I experienced that all in Toronto already and I feel like I am ready for different kinds of situations in the match.”

She would need all the preparation she could get. Kostyuk is right on the brink of cementing her spot in the top 10 after enjoying what has been a brilliant campaign full of deep runs and title triumphs in some of the biggest tournaments.

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Swiatek, who previously had not defeated a top 20 player since the Rome Open, managed to end her mini-drought with a hugely positive win. A first Canadian Open title and 11th WTA 1000 triumph is three wins away. She will take on Roland Garros semi-finalist Dian Shnaider in what could be a tricky quarter-final.

Lucas MichaelTennis Journalist

Lucas Michael is a tennis journalist based in Cambridge, UK, specializing in comprehensive coverage of the ATP and WTA tours. For the past 1.5 years, he has been a core contributor to TennisUpToDate, where he has authored more than 3,000 data-driven match reports, deep-dive analysis pieces, and engaging liveblogs.

Lucas pairs real-time statistical analysis with on-the-ground reporting, frequently traveling to tournaments to cover the action firsthand from the press box and player press conferences. This blend of advanced metrics and direct access allows him to provide sharp context regarding player form, tactical trends, and breaking tour developments.

He holds a BA (Hons) in Sports Journalism. Grounded in core journalistic ethics, Lucas places a strict emphasis on meticulous sourcing, editorial accuracy, and a commitment to updating live content swiftly as verified information emerges.

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