Iga Swiatek beats Elina Svitolina to reach Canadian Open final

TORONTO: Iga Swiatek fought back from a break down in the deciding set to defeat Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 6-3, 1-6, 6-3 here at the Center Court at Sobeys Stadium on Wednesday and reach her first final of the season at the Canadian Open.

The Polish former world number one secured the rain-delayed opening set before Svitolina responded emphatically in the second, breaking Swiatek twice to level the match.

Svitolina then took a 3-2 lead in the deciding set after breaking Swiatek, but the sixth-seeded Pole regained her composure and won the final four games to seal victory.

Swiatek said she stayed calm, regained her rhythm and trusted her game plan to fight back and secure victory in the deciding set.

"After that second set I knew I had to do everything I could to get my rhythm and my game back," Swiatek said.

"It's not easy to do that during a match - to keep your calm and your composure and follow the plan. I'm happy in the third set I did that and it paid off in the end. I didn't doubt myself."

The victory marks a significant turnaround for Swiatek, who has endured an inconsistent season. The 2022 US Open champion has failed to progress beyond the quarter-finals at a Grand Slam this year and suffered a shock second-round defeat by compatriot Magda Linette in Miami.

That loss prompted Swiatek to change coaches, replacing Wim Fissette with Francisco Roig.

She also suffered a third-round defeat by Alexandra Eala at Wimbledon, where she was the defending champion.

Swiatek will face Elena Rybakina in Thursday’s final of the WTA 1000 event.