Iga Swiatek is the 2026 National Bank Open champion. She played an outstanding final against Elena Rybakina, winning in straight sets. By her high standards, Swiatek has had a rough 2026 tennis season. This is her first title since last August’s Cincinnati Open. Swiatek looked frazzled, frustrated, sad, and stressed at times during her matches this year. She has attracted a lot of internet tennis coaches who have weighed in on her issues in not always the kindest of ways. Swiatek has not been blind to the social media hate, making a point to address it in her championship speech. MORE: Ben Shelton sustains injuryin semifinal win, faces Brandon Nakashima in NBO final Swiatek did not make it personal She was clever in using her struggles with social media haters to inspire others who are dealing with similar adversities. Swiatek encouraged those people to keep moving forward and trusting the people surrounding them with their best interests at heart. While her detractors may not have liked the call out, it was not aggressive or obnoxious so it should be a non-issue. MORE: Cincinnati Open qualifying matches rained out one day before main draw play Swiatek needs to stay away from social media this month Iga Swiatek is gaining her form and confidence. Over the next month as she travels to Cincinnati and then New York, she needs to stay away from social media.
Aug 13, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Iga Swiatek (POL) reacts after defeating Elena Rybakina (not pictured) during the National Bank Open final at Sobeys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Her game is looking fantastic. Honing in on that and eliminating the useless background noise will help her in the long run. — Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —