By Tony FairbairnElena Rybakina [2] v Coco Gauff [4]Ben Shelton [5] v Learner Tien [12]Iga Swiatek [7] v Elina Svitolina [9]Rafael Jodar [20] v Brandon Nakashima [28]TORONTO, CANADA – Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina collide in a blockbuster semi-final in Toronto as the action in Canada nears its conclusion.
Elena Rybakina [2] v Coco Gauff [4] H2H & Match FundamentalsElena Rybakina [2] v Coco Gauff [4]H2H: Gauff leads 1-0 Canada 2026 Toronto, Canada Hard (O) Prize Money: $297,315Second on Centre Court (01:30 BST)Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
It was a big battle but a massive win nevertheless for Elena Rybakina as she defeated Naomi Osaka in a two and a half hour battle. The Kazakh produced some clinical tennis and is into the semi-finals in Canada. After an exceptional first half of the season which included the Australian Open and Stuttgart titles. However, Rybakina has had a shaky start to the second half of the season and is looking to put that right as she aims for strong preparation ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season in New York.
The next task for Rybakina will be former US Open champion Coco Gauff who seems to be hitting form at the right time. The American has had a tricky season but made new ground at Wimbledon recently this season with a semi-final result. After a devastating loss to Karolina Muchova, Gauff has shown great character and resilience as she is back in the final four at a WTA 1000 event. Now, the fourth seed is aiming for a big response and will look to get one over her fiercest rivals on the road to the US Open.
Rybakina will serve aggressively and will use the forehand to construct proactive points from inside the baseline. The key to the match for Gauff will be the backhand and her ability to extend the points. This should be an interesting contest with both players seeking to deal a huge psychological blow ahead of the US Open. A day’s rest may give Gauff a huge boost as she bids to frustrate Rybakina’s powerful baseline game.
Prediction: Rybakina in three sets.
Ben Shelton [5] v Learner Tien [12] H2H & Match FundamentalsBen Shelton [5] v Learner Tien [12]H2H: Tien leads 2-0 Canada 2026 Montreal, Canada Hard (O) Prize Money: $340,190Third on Center Court (00:30 BST) Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
It was last year when Ben Shelton made his big Masters 1000 breakthrough as the American claimed the title in Toronto. A year on, Shelton is bidding to defend his title in Montreal and has made a great start to that goal as a win over Jakub Mensik booked his place in the semi-finals. The talent and potential of Shelton cannot be denied but the American is now aiming to take that next step in his career and win Grand Slams. More wins will only breed confidence towards that goal as Shelton will be hoping he can start challenging for Grand Slams starting at the US Open.
Standing in Shelton’s way of a place in the final is Learner Tien. The American has continued to get better and better this year as he finds himself in the world’s top 20. That isn’t enough for Tien who has played some impressive tennis this week and is now into the semi-finals of Canada, achieving a big breakthrough at Masters 1000 level. Forever a learner, Tien is now hoping to graduate from elite level tennis and challenge for a place in the world’s top ten by the end of the year.
Shelton will continue to serve big numbers as the forehand will be the key in exploiting Tien’s defensive skillset. Meanwhile Tien will aim to be proactive on return and will use the forehand to be consistent and force Shelton into erratic errors. The consistent aggression of Tien could prove to be a big difference as Shelton will need to play the perfect match to beat his compatriot.
Prediction: Tien in three sets.
Iga Swiatek [7] v Elina Svitolina [9] H2H & Match FundamentalsIga Swiatek [7] v Elina Svitolina [9]H2H: Swiatek leads 4-3 Canada 2026 Toronto, Canada Hard (O) Prize Money: $297,315First on Centre Court (Midnight BST)Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
Iga Swiatek has revived her form in Canada. The Pole continued her revival with a straight sets win over Diana Shnaider and is making a very good start to her North American swing. Having not won a title since last year’s Wimbledon, Swiatek will be hoping for a change in fortunes in Canada this year as she is two wins away from breaking that duck. The question is will Swiatek have the composure in the latter stages to beat some of her nearest rivals and claim the crown?
A familiar foe awaits Swiatek in the form of Elina Svitolina. The Ukrainian defeated Ekaterina Alexandrova to return to the final four in Canada. After a successful clay court season, a first round exit at Wimbledon would have been a big setback to Svitolina’s season but has found her way back to form quickly. The ninth seed has really improved her attacking game and will be aiming to use that to her advantage against a player she has had success against in recent times.
Swiatek will aim to be aggressive on the first serve as she looks to dictate play on the forehand. Meanwhile, Svitolina will use the backhand to produce effective transitional tennis. It should be a fascinating contest with Swiatek overcoming her recent mental blockage to reach the final in Canada.
Prediction: Swiatek in three sets.
Rafael Jodar [20] v Brandon Nakashima [28] H2H & Match FundamentalsRafael Jodar [20] v Brandon Nakashima [28] H2H: First Meeting Canada 2026 Montreal, Canada Hard (O) Prize Money: $340,190Second on Center Court (Not before 23:00 BST) Sky/Now TV <- Subscription Required
The rise of Rafael Jodar continues to grow with every tournament. A professional win over Arthur Fils means that Jodar is on the verge of a place in the world’s top ten. It’s been an incredible season for Jodar who is on the verge of a historic season and will firmly believe that he can win a maiden Masters 1000 title in Canada this year. The question is will Jodar keep his composure and discipline in what is a big occasion for the Spaniard?
Next up for Jodar is Brandon Nakashima who is into a first Masters 1000 semi-final. The American defeated Luciano Darderi to achieve a huge breakthrough in his career and one that has been a long time coming. The American’s big serving and consistent baseline game makes him a big threat. Now, Nakashima will be hoping to set up a historic all-American semi-final showdown in Canada.
Jodar will use the backhand to pin Nakashima behind the baseline and will be relying on his big serve under pressure. Meanwhile, Nakashima will look to bring Jodar into the net and will use the forehand to create different angles on the court. This will be a good opportunity for both players with Jodar starting this match as firm favourite.
Prediction: Jodar in three sets.
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