Iga Swiatek opens up on “unfair judgment and hate” after Canadian Open triumph

Friday, 14 August 2026 at 08:30

Iga Swiatek ended one of the most difficult stretches of her recent career with a statement victory in Toronto, defeating Elena Rybakina 6-2, 6-3 to win the Canadian Open. The title was her first of 2026 and her 26th career trophy, but the significance went well beyond the result as the former world No. 1 finally saw months of pressure and criticism replaced by a major WTA 1000 title.

The Polish star had not reached a final since winning the Korea Open in September 2025, while her ranking had fallen to No. 8 after years of dominating the WTA Tour. Her run in Toronto therefore represented an important response on court, particularly after she had repeatedly faced questions about her form and whether she could return to her previous level.

Swiatek had already shown signs of progress during the Canadian Open, overcoming different challenges before producing one of her most convincing performances of the season against Rybakina. The victory also improved her record in WTA 1000 finals to 12-2 and gave her a first title since September, but it was what she said afterward that provided the clearest indication of how much the moment meant to her.

The 25-year-old used her trophy speech to acknowledge the difficult period she had experienced away from the headlines, particularly the constant judgment surrounding her performances.

Swiatek opens up about pressure and online criticism

Swiatek made it clear that the Toronto title represented much more than another trophy on her résumé. After thanking the tournament organizers, fans and her team, she turned toward the difficult months that preceded her breakthrough week.

“I’m really happy about this tournament. It means so, so much to me because all these past months were not easy,” Swiatek said during her champion speech. “I’m really happy that I kept focusing on growing, changing my game a little bit, improving, despite all the opinions that many people have about me every day on the internet, live.”

Iga Swiatek of Poland reacts during the women's singles quarterfinal match against Diana Shnaider of Russia at the 2026 National Bank Open

The comment offered a rare glimpse into the pressure surrounding one of the most scrutinized players on the WTA Tour. Swiatek has spent much of her career near the top of the rankings, meaning even a relatively short period without titles or deep runs has generated considerable discussion.

She admitted that dealing with that constant outside noise has not been straightforward, particularly when results do not immediately reflect the work being done internally.

“It’s not easy to deal with all of that,” Swiatek continued. “So I’m happy that the reality is different. The reality is that I have people that know me so well and people that support me every week, every day. They’re here to give their best work and, yeah, just keep pushing.”

“I want to dedicate this title to everyone dealing with unfair judgment and hate”

Swiatek then made the most direct reference to the criticism she has faced, dedicating her Canadian Open victory to people experiencing similar treatment.

“I want to dedicate this title to everyone who is dealing with unfair judgment and hate,” she said. “Just keep pushing, keep growing, keep focusing on yourself because you know what’s the best for you.”

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The message was particularly striking coming after a title that ended one of the longest waits of her career. Swiatek also urged those listening to remain focused on what lies ahead rather than allowing outside opinions to define their progress. “And always remember what’s ahead and what might be possible,” she added.

For Swiatek, what might be possible now looks considerably different after Toronto. She leaves Canada with her first trophy of the season, her 12th WTA 1000 title and renewed momentum heading into the final stretch of the North American hard-court swing. More importantly, her words suggested that the victory represented a personal response to a difficult period as much as a sporting one.

Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist

Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.

His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.

In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.

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