Swiatek won the title in Toronto three days ago and began in Cincinnati with a convincing victory over Arango, but a match against Sakkari lies ahead. The Greek beat the Pole five years ago, but in recent years has been no match for her.
Winning the tournament in Toronto has transformed the Polish player's season. Iga claimed her 12th WTA 1000 title, beating Rybakina, Svitolina, Kostyuk and Shnaider en route. Her game is built on high intensity, phenomenal footwork and deep returns. Swiatek has an excellent record on outdoor hard courts in 2026 — 20 wins and six defeats. Her opening-round match against Arango in Ohio (6:3, 6:0) showed that Swiatek has fully adapted to the surface and has no fitness issues.
The Greek player is gradually reclaiming her position on tour and is currently 32nd in the world rankings. Her summer brought a final in Athens, and in the first round in Cincinnati, Maria beat Kamilla Rakhimova in three sets (6:2, 5:7, 6:1). Sakkari's strengths are her athleticism and aggressive forehand play. The Greek's main problem is sudden lapses in concentration, which often see her give up sets for no apparent reason.
The head-to-head record spans nine matches, with Swiatek narrowly ahead 5-4. In Indian Wells in March this year, Iga comfortably beat Sakkari (6:3, 6:2). In 17 August 2026, the Pole will again beat the Greek with a comfortable negative handicap.
