The National Bank Open in Toronto and Montreal, the first ATP and WTA 1000 events of the North American hard-court season, have expanded formats this year. However, several top players are absent.
The tournaments are now 12 days long with larger draws and more rest for players. Quarter-finals, semi-finals, and finals will be played at night.
Notable men's absentees include Sinner, Alcaraz, Djokovic, and Draper. Sabalenka withdrew from Montreal, but other top WTA players will compete. The tournament's timing, between Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, poses scheduling challenges.
Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, and Alexander Zverev are among the top seeds. Three Canadian men are seeded for the first time. Vasek Pospisil and Genie Bouchard will retire at the tournaments.
Prize money is increasing for women, with the goal of equal pay by 2027.
5 Comments
Fuerza
The scheduling challenges are a real problem. These top players need to prioritize.
Manolo Noriega
Sabalenka out is disappointing. The WTA side is taking a hit.
Fuerza
Love the commitment to making the sport more accessible and attracting new audiences by running it over 12 days
Ongania
Great to see the tournaments expanding! More tennis to watch!
Fuerza
Hopefully the young players can find a way in the absence of the big names to showcase themselves and grow exponentially