“I’m in a different place for sure”: Iga Swiatek shows signs of a comeback with statement win over Marta Kostyuk

Saturday, 08 August 2026 at 22:30

Iga Swiatek produced one of her best wins of the 2026 season in Toronto, recovering from a disastrous opening set to defeat Marta Kostyuk 3-6, 6-1, 6-2 and reach the quarterfinals. The Pole won just one point on serve throughout the first set, but completely turned the match around afterwards, dropping only three games for the remainder of the contest.

The victory carried extra weight because of their previous meeting at Roland Garros, where Kostyuk handed the four-time French Open champion a painful defeat. Swiatek later admitted she had felt tense and stressed during that match, but the rematch in Toronto produced a very different response after she fell behind.

The turnaround also ended a seven-match losing streak in three-set matches against top-20 opponents. Swiatek has now reached her fourth WTA 1000 quarterfinal of 2026 and her second Canadian Open quarterfinal, having last reached this stage in Toronto in 2023.

Kostyuk had looked firmly in control after taking the opening set, but Swiatek gradually found the level needed to change the match. Her response was particularly notable against an opponent who has been playing some of her best tennis in recent weeks, with the Pole later describing the performance as one of the best of her season.

Swiatek responds differently this time

The opening set was almost entirely controlled by Kostyuk, who exposed Swiatek's difficulties on serve and prevented her from establishing her usual rhythm. With just one point won behind her serve, the match appeared to be heading toward another painful defeat against the Ukrainian.

Instead, Swiatek immediately changed the dynamic in the second set, taking control of the rallies and forcing Kostyuk to defend more often. The Pole's level remained high into the deciding set, allowing her to complete the comeback without giving her opponent another opportunity to regain control.

Iga Swiatek was eliminated at French Open fourth round

Asked about the difference between the two meetings, Swiatek pointed to her mindset and her ability to trust her game plan this time.

“I’m in a different place for sure. I feel like I could play my game. I couldn’t really do that at the French. So yeah, I knew what to do. I knew how to play. I just continued being focused and in the zone. Til the end I was pretty confident with my game plan and with my strengths. I’m happy how I did that.”

Kostyuk's form also made the victory more demanding. The Ukrainian arrived in Toronto playing some of her best tennis of the season, having won several matches in recent months, and closing to the top-10. Swiatek was asked how much that had influenced the challenge she faced and whether it had forced her to raise her level.

“A lot. Marta is playing great now," the 6-time Grand Slam champion said. "She’s in a good place winning many matches. I needed to step up and I did that. Probably one of the best matches of the season for me.”

The quarterfinal gives Swiatek another opportunity to build on a result that was difficult to envisage after the first set. More importantly, she has now produced the kind of three-set response that had repeatedly eluded her against top-20 opposition this season.

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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