Elena Rybakina defeats Coco Gauff to reach National Bank Open final

In Toronto, Canada, on August 12, 2026, Elena Rybakina, the second seed from Kazakhstan, faced off against fourth-seeded Coco Gauff in the semifinals of the National Bank Open. The match was part of a rain-delayed night session that began later than scheduled. Rybakina managed to secure her place in the final by overcoming Gauff with a score of 5-7, 6-2, 6-2. This victory marked Rybakina's 13th career win, adding to her previous titles at the Australian Open and Stuttgart earlier in the year.

In the other semifinal, seventh-seeded Iga Swiatek from Poland battled against ninth-seeded Elina Svitolina from Ukraine. Swiatek emerged victorious with a score of 6-3, 1-6, 6-3, showcasing her resilience by breaking Svitolina's serve at love to take a 5-3 lead in the deciding set. Swiatek's win brought her career total to 25 victories, highlighting her status as a formidable competitor in women's tennis.

The match between Rybakina and Gauff concluded just before 1 a.m., illustrating the late-night drama that often accompanies high-stakes tennis matches. Rybakina's performance was particularly impressive given the challenging conditions, as the match had been delayed due to rain. The anticipation for the final against Swiatek was palpable, as both players had demonstrated their skills and determination throughout the tournament.

As the tournament progressed, the excitement surrounding the National Bank Open grew, with fans eager to see how Rybakina would fare against Swiatek. The final was set to take place later that same night, promising to be a thrilling encounter between two of the top players in women's tennis. Rybakina's victory over Gauff not only secured her a spot in the final but also reinforced her position as a rising star in the sport, while Swiatek's win against Svitolina showcased her ability to perform under pressure.