She addressed a wide range of topics including the new schedule and <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/3-reasons-why-12-day-national-bank-open-going-smash" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expanded draws coming in 2025</a>, her early season WTA highlights, the arrival of two women’s professional sports teams to Montreal, Simona Halep’s retirement, and much more. 
*The following interview has been edited purely for clarity and flow purposes.
Tennis Canada: Share your thoughts on the results so far this season on the WTA Tour
Valérie Tétreault: I think that, once again, there have been some really interesting matches that show just how much depth there is in the women’s game right now that we didn't necessarily have in some years. I always find it interesting to watch the Australian Open in particular, because it's a Grand Slam tournament, but it's also one that comes very early in the new season, and often that's when you start to understand the storylines to follow for the rest of the season. It's often a tournament where there are more surprises too. And speaking of surprises, if there's anyone who saw Madison Keys' title coming, my hat's off to them! 
I think it's a great story to see someone who's been around for a long time, who's had success but from whom we probably expected more. I think it was almost unexpected for her, and you could feel it in all the emotions she was going through, but I find it inspiring to see a player like her who has continued to work hard and tell herself that it's never too late. And we can all agree that she didn't steal the trophy; she had a really tough draw. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ChUTsgpgxts" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
So, it's been a great start to the season, with a number of players who have enjoyed success in recent years continuing to do well. With Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka, we have consistency at the top. 
And I have to say that I am impressed with Belinda Bencic’s return from maternity leave. She went under the radar in Australian Open even though she was playing very well. 
Tennis Canada: What are you most looking forward to about the new 2025 NBO redefined format? 
Valérie Tétreault: I think it's a great vote of confidence for not only the tournament, but also the Montreal fans. Because a big part of the tournament's reputation comes from the support we get from the public. We've had record crowds for a one-week tournament, and I've always envied the Indian Wells and Miami tournaments with their longer format. 
READ: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/the-ultimate-ticket-guide-2025-nbo-redefined-experience" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ultimate Ticket Guide to the 2025 NBO Redefined Experience</a>
Over two weeks, there are even more stories to be told, more stories to follow, more exciting matches to watch. I think we’re part of an even more prestigious group of tournaments. Now we're going to have to <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/nbo-redefined" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">play in the big leagues</a> and compare ourselves with tournaments like Indian Wells, and I think that's a great challenge to take us to the next level. 
Tennis Canada: Can you talk about the arrival of the Victoire (women's hockey) and the Roses (women's soccer) to Montreal and how their popularity will positively impact the return of the WTA to the NBO this summer?
Valérie Tétreault: You could see it as a threat that we're all ultimately competing for attention or media coverage, we're all competing to get people to buy tickets to come and watch the games, but in the end, I don't see it that way at all. It's the beginning of a movement. Tennis has always played a pioneering role in the world of women's sports and now it's good to see that there have been great victories, great progress for other sports, I think the need was there. 
<figure><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12268282/rsz_2unmatched-c-0124.webp" alt="UNMATCHED 2024_PWHL Players" /><figcaption>Photo: Melissa Di Pasquale</figcaption></figure>
I've always said that for women's sports to have the place they deserve, it takes a collective effort. It's a bit like a wheel that turns, and in the end, I like to see it that way, in the sense that it's everyone's responsibility if we want women's sports to succeed. And at the same time, I have the impression, to be quite honest, that this is leading the WTA to question its positioning and to want to be a little more vocal in celebrating the victories of their past, the state of women's tennis today, and I think I see that positively too, because we've never stopped saying that we have to keep moving forward. I think everything that's happening just makes it possible for things to accelerate with the ultimate end goal of equality. 
Tennis Canada: Take us behind the scenes with the organizing committee, what are you working on right now to get ready for the tournament? Anything fun you can share with us? 
Valérie Tétreault: We've been preparing for this transition for several years, but now it's here! We need to think through the logistics of our operations to ensure, for example, that we have the right number of volunteers. One example among many.
SIGN UP NOW: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/volunteers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Become a volunteer in Montreal</a>  
But after that, on the strategic side of things, there's a lot to develop. We have a lot more sessions, so that comes with the challenge of attracting new customers, people who may have never come to the tournament before. So how do we attract them and make them want to experience the National Bank Open?
We want to make our mark. We want people, when they come to the NBO this summer, to feel that we've made this transition and that we're in a different place. We like to say that we want to redefine the tournament experience, and that requires a lot of heavy lifting. For example, the new format gives us a second weekend and we're working on what we want to offer that weekend. We'd like to provide some kind of free access to the site, so as to benefit as many people as possible. We're working with new caterers because we want to have a food offering that truly reflects the image of Montreal. As any self-respecting Montrealer knows, we like to eat well!
Tennis Canada: Can you touch on the early-season success of Canada's young players (including the likes of Cadence Brace, Carson Branstine, Kayla Cross, Victoria Mboko, and Marina Stakusic) at the pro level and the prospect of seeing them play in Montreal this year?
Valérie Tétreault: I remember when their group was here at the National Centre, we thought at the time that we had a great crop of six young girls who were doing well on the junior circuit, and it's nice to see in their transition to the pros, which was started by Marina Stakusic, that those prospects are still in the pipeline. That was always part of the mission and the challenge. When we started having success, we had to make sure that it wasn't an exception and that it was a cycle that kept on going.
I think the new tournament format gives our players more opportunities to play high-level matches, which will often give them a good benchmark for where they are in their development. 
We're up to eight wildcards this year, which is huge, and for most of these young players, that will mean a chance to play in the main draw of a WTA 1000 tournament. It's an incredibly valuable experience. 
Tennis Canada: Simona Halep recently announced her retirement. She's a three-time NBO champion with two of her titles coming in Montreal. What will you remember most about her and what kind of legacy has she left on the tournament? 
Valérie Tétreault: I was impressed by her work ethic, she never cut corners. She was very demanding of herself, perhaps a little too much at times! She was a player who remained very charismatic, and when Simona Halep was at her best, she was a player I really enjoyed watching. Her tenacity on the court, her style of play. I think I identified a little with her, given that she was smaller in stature. I also think that she has become a role model for many players. In a way, what Justine Henin was able to create several years ago, we were able to find in Simona.
READ: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/revisiting-simona-haleps-three-titles-national-bank-open" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Revisiting Simona Halep’s Three Titles at the National Bank Open</a>
I think what was remarkable, and we experienced it here in Montreal, was how, no matter where she played, it felt like she was playing at home in Romania. A Simona match guaranteed a great atmosphere on your Centre Court. 
When we had special requests, especially when it involved promoting tennis for kids, it was something close to her heart. She understood her role as an ambassador and was always accessible.
Don’t miss our next catch up with Valérie in the spring! And don’t miss your chance to witness the next chapter of the National Bank Open, <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/montreal-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">get your tickets now</a>.

Tournament News

Q and A: NBO Montreal Tournament Director Valérie Tétreault on Keys, Halep, and Planning for a 12-Day Format

With his first Masters 1000 title, the current No.62 will move up in the rankings to No.23. 
Not only was his play practically perfect, Popyrin made the most of the opportunities he got from Rublev, who was way out of his comfort zone. 
READ: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/granollers-zeballos-reign-supreme-doubles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Granollers and Zeballos reign supreme in doubles</a>
Rublev got things started by dropping the first seven points and giving Popyrin a 2-0 lead. What happened to Rublev? It was one of two things: he was half asleep or the stakes were too high. It’s happened before. He’s disappeared from four Slam quarterfinals and has never won a Masters 1000 on a hard court. 
It’s a crack he’s talked openly about. He’s an ultra-emotional player who hasn’t yet learned to access his best tennis in high-pressure situations. 
After giving away two breaks in the first set, Rublev found himself down 1-3 in the second. Then, a sudden burst of energy helped him break back and even things out. 
READ: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/catching-up-acclaimed-musician-tennis-fan-alexandra-streliski" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Catching up with acclaimed musician and tennis fan Alexandra Stréliski</a> 
Popyrin stays the course

The reversal of fortune didn’t last. He was broken again and had trouble handling his rival’s laser-focused shots. A string of errors then put the match beyond his reach. 
The numbers don’t lie. In the end, Popyrin racked up 72 points, 10 aces and 3 double faults versus 54 points, 4 aces and 5 double faults for his opponent. 
Alexei Popyrin adds the most prestigious title of his career to the two ATP 250 championships already in his trophy case. For his efforts and the surprise he caused, he’ll pocket US$1,040,460, while Rublev will have to make do with US$573,090.
Featured photo by: Pascal Ratthé

Peroni

NBO Results

Peroni Refresh: Alexei Popyrin’s extraordinary feat!

<h3>Anisimova wins first 1000-level title</h3>
Amanda Anisimova defeated Jelena Ostapenko in straight sets 6-4, 6-3 in the Qatar Open final to claim her first WTA1000 title and third overall in her career. 
With the win, the 23-year-old will move into the Top 20 for the first time in her career. The American continues to rise in the ranks after taking an eight-month break from tennis due to burnout in 2023. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Qc1j8gdZIz8" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Canadians Leylah Annie Fernandez and Gabriela Dabrowski <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/fernandez-and-dabrowski-out-in-doha/">fell early in Doha</a>, with Fernandez dropping her third-round match to Anisimova 6-3, 6-0. Dabrowski and partner Erin Routliffe, the tournament's top seeds, lost to Mirra Andreeva and Diana Shnaider 6-2, 6-1 in the second round.
Elsewhere in the WTA, Emiliana Arango defeated Canadian qualifier Carson Branstine 6-2, 6-1 to win the WTA 125 Cancun Open.
Branstine, who was born in California but represents Canada on the international stage, beat sixth-seeded Ena Shibahara, and the No. 3 seed Maya Joint en route to the final. Despite the loss, it was still a career-best finish for Branstine as it was her first WTA 125 final.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/a-short-stay-for-fernandez-in-dubai-branstine-posts-career-best-result-in-cancun/">A Short Stay for Fernandez in Dubai; Branstine Posts Career-Best Result in Cancun</a>
<a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/monday-digest-branstine-breakthrough-in-cancun/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here for more news about Canadian tennis players.</a>
<h3>Sinner accepts three-month suspension</h3>
Jannik Sinner accepted a three-month suspension in a settlement with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), ending a case that began after the world No. 1 had two positive doping tests nearly a year ago.
Sinner will be eligible to return on May 4, in time for the next Grand Slam on the calendar, Roland-Garros, which is set to begin on May 25. It’s possible the 23-year-old could make his return at the Italian Open in Rome, his home tournament, on May 7. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/F5B1QpU0Evo" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
"This case had been hanging over me now for nearly a year and the process still had a long time to run with a decision maybe only at the end of the year,” Sinner, <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-keys-sinner-win-australian-open-singles-titles">the reigning Australian Open champion</a>, said in a statement. “I have always accepted that I am responsible for my team and realize WADA’s strict rules are an important protection for the sport I love. On that basis, I have accepted WADA’s offer to resolve these proceedings on the basis of a three-month sanction.”
WADA had previously wanted Sinner suspended for one year and had challenged the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s decision not to suspend Sinner for what was judged to be accidental contamination by a banned anabolic steroid last March.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/canadas-davis-cup-team-relying-on-ncaa-alumni/">Canada’s Davis Cup Team Relying on NCAA Alumni</a>
<h3>Humbert goes back-to-back in Marseille</h3>
Ugo Humbert defeated Hamad Medjedovic 7-6 (4), 6-4 to win the Open 13 Provence in Marseille for the second straight year. The 26-year-old becomes the first Frenchman to ever go back-to-back in Marseille. 
Humbert improved to 18-1 in his past 19 indoor matches in France, including the title in Metz in 2023, back-to-back titles in Marseille and a run to the ATP 1000 final in Paris last year. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/IjS0arJHvgI" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Elsewhere on the ATP tour, Miomir Kecmanovic swept the Delray Beach Open, defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina to claim the singles title while also winning the doubles championship alongside Brandon Nakashima.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/sharon-fichman-retires-from-professional-tennis-joins-tennis-canada-in-coaching-role/">Sharon Fichman retires from professional tennis, joins Tennis Canada in coaching role</a>
All winners from last week:
WTA 1000 Doha 

<ul><li>Women’s Singles: Amanda Anisimova (1/3)* d. Jelena Ostapenko</li><li>Women’s Doubles: Jasmine Paolini/Sera Errani</li></ul>
ATP 250 Marseille
<ul><li>Men’s Singles: Ugo Humbert (1/7)* d. Hamad Medjedovic</li><li>Men’s Doubles: Pierre-Hughes Herbert/Benjamin Bonzi</li></ul>
ATP 250 Delray
<ul><li>Men’s Singles: Miomir Kecmanovic (1/2)* d. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina</li><li>Men’s Doubles: Miomir Kecmanovic/Brandon Nakashima</li></ul>
ATP 250 Buenos Aires
<ul><li>Men’s Singles: Joao Fonseca (1/1)* d. Francisco Cerundolo</li><li>Men’s Doubles: Guido Andreozzi/Theo Arribage</li></ul>
WTA 125 Cancun 
<ul><li>Women’s Singles: Emiliana Arango (1/1)* d. Carson Branstine</li><li>Women’s Doubles: Maya Joint/Taylah Preston</li></ul>
* (Titles in 2025/Career Titles)
The ATP's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 27 to Aug. 7, 2025 at Sobeys Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/toronto/toronto-tickets-packages">Get your tickets today!</a>
The WTA's best return to Montreal this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at IGA Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/montreal-tickets-packages">Get your tickets today!</a>
Feature Photo: USTA

This Week in Tennis: Anisimova Breaks Through for Biggest Title

<h3>Alcaraz, Bencic win first titles in 2025</h3>
Carlos Alcaraz secured the first title of the season and 17th of his career by defeating Alex de Minaur 6-4, 3-6, 6-2 to win the Rotterdam Open on Sunday.
The world No. 3 earned the first indoor title of his career and became the first Spanish player to win in Rotterdam in the 52-year history of the tournament.
de Minaur saw his rank rise to No. 6 for the first time since July 2024 following the finals appearance.
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/2_gliKdp7ro" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic defeated Ashlyn Krueger 4-6, 6-1, 6-1 in the final of the Abu Dhabi Open to win her ninth career title and first since becoming a mother.
The 27-year-old earned her first title in two years, just 10 months after the arrival of her first child and four months after returning to the court.
Bencic first returned to tennis in October with her world ranking at 1,213 after more than a year away. After reaching the fourth round at the Australian Open and her victory in Abu Dhabi, the former Olympic Champion’s singles rank is back in the top 100 at No. 65. 
"I was working really hard to even play, coming back. So to also win a title in front of my family, it's really special,” Bencic said post-match. "To my husband and my daughter Bella, I love you so much. It was a big dream for me to come back and play in front of her and to win a tournament."
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_nhZj3XNS-4" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/monday-digest-fernandez-sets-up-navarro-clash-in-doha/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Monday Digest: Fernandez Sets Up Navarro Clash in Doha</a>
<h3>Shapo takes Dallas</h3>
<a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/shapovalov-tops-ruud-and-is-crowned-dallas-open-champion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denis Shapovalov won his first title of the season</a> on Sunday, defeating second-seeded Casper Ruud 7-6 (5), 6-3 to claim the Dallas Open.
It’s the third title of Shapovalov’s career and first ATP 500-level championship. 
The 25-year-old took down the top three seeds over the week, earning wins over top seed, and world No. 4, Taylor Fritz in the round of 16, as well as the third seed and world No. 9 Tommy Paul in the semifinal. 
Shapovalov’s rank soared 22 spots and he now sits at world No. 32 following the victory. 
Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/fernandez-tripped-up-by-kruger-in-abu-dhabi-quarter-finals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fernandez Tripped Up by Krueger in Abu Dhabi Quarter-Finals </a>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KY5Ui_TMtrY" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
 
<h3>Two-time Grand Slam Winner Halep retires</h3>
Simona Halep called it a career at age 33 after her first-round loss at the Transylvania Open in her home country of Romania. It was the first match of the year for Halep, who struggled to play this season due to knee and shoulder injuries.
“I don’t know if it’s with sadness or joy — I think I’m feeling both — but my soul is at peace with this decision, and I’ve always been realistic with myself. My body can no longer handle as much as it used to, to get me where I probably once was," Halep said, using a microphone to address the crowd in Cluj, Romania.
“It’s very hard to reach that level, and I know what it takes to get there. That’s why I wanted to be here today, in Cluj, to play in front of you and say goodbye on the tennis court, even if my performance wasn’t great.”
The former World No. 1 won two Grand Slam titles in her career, at Wimbledon in 2019, where she beat Serena Williams, and at Roland-Garros in 2018. 
“I don’t want to cry — this is something beautiful. I reached world No. 1, I won Grand Slams, it’s everything I ever wanted.”
Read Also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/revisiting-simona-haleps-three-titles-national-bank-open" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Revisiting Simona Halep’s Three Titles at the National Bank Open</a>
 
All winners from last week:
ATP 500 Rotterdam
<ul><li dir="ltr">Men’s Singles: Carlos Alcaraz (1/17)* d. Alex de Minaur</li><li dir="ltr">Men’s Doubles: Simone Bolelli/Andrea Vavassori</li></ul>
ATP 500 Dallas
<ul><li dir="ltr">Men’s Singles: Denis Shapovalov (1/3)* d. Casper Ruud</li><li dir="ltr">Men’s Doubles: Christian Harrison/Evan King</li></ul>
WTA 500 Abu Dhabi
<ul><li dir="ltr">Women’s Singles: Belinda Bencic (1/9)* d. Ashlyn Krueger</li><li dir="ltr">Women’s Doubles: Jelena Ostapenko/Ellen Perez</li></ul>
WTA 250 Transylvania
<ul><li dir="ltr">Women’s Singles: Anastasia Potapova (1/3)* d. Lucia Bronzetti</li><li dir="ltr">Women’s Doubles: Anna Siskova/Magali Kempen</li></ul>
WTA 125 Mumbai
<ul><li dir="ltr">Women’s Singles: Jil Teichmann (1/3)* d. Mananchaya Sawangkaew</li><li dir="ltr">Women’s Doubles: Elena Pridankina/Amina Anshba</li></ul>
* (Titles in 2025/Career Titles)

The ATP's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 27 to Aug. 7, 2025 at Sobeys Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/toronto/toronto-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets today!</a>
The WTA's best return to Montreal this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at IGA Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/montreal-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets today!</a>
Feature Photo: Abu Dhabi Open

This Week in Tennis: Alcaraz, Bencic win first titles this season

That’s pretty illustrious company. 
Halep also has an edge over Williams as the most successful woman at the Canadian 1000 event in the 21st century, as she is the only woman since 2000 to have won at least one title in both Toronto and Montreal. Her three wins at the National Bank Open were her most at any tournament. 
On Monday, the 33-year-old Romanian announced her retirement following a first-round loss on home soil in Cluj-Napoca. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4fsUrgtFDlk" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
In honour of the former world No. 1 and two-time major champion, let’s revisit her three titles at the National Bank Open.
<h3>2016 – Montreal </h3>
<ul><li>Seeding: 5 </li><li>Final: d. Madison Keys (10) 7-6(2), 6-3 </li><li>Seeds Beaten: 4 </li><li>Sets Lost: 2 </li><li>Games Lost: 36 </li></ul>
In 2015, Halep was forced to retire in the National Bank Open final against the surprise teen finalist Belinda Bencic. A year later, in Montreal and healthy, the Romanian was not to be denied. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/jz5zr9lMGYQ" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
The draw was not kind to Halep that year as she faced future world No. 1 Karolina Pliskova in the third round, two-time major champion Svetlana Kuznetsova in the quarter-finals, and the best player in the world that year Angelique Kerber in the semifinals. It was not easy, with the latter two pushing Halep to three sets, but the Romanian managed to fight her way into the final.
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/king-canada-revisiting-rafael-nadals-five-titles-national-bank-open" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">King of Canada - Revisiting Rafael Nadal’s Five Titles at the National Bank Open</a>
There, she met <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-keys-sinner-win-australian-open-singles-titles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">another up-and-comer,</a> 21-year-old Madison Keys, but Halep was not going to let another final be taken from her. She defeated the young American in straight sets to win her second WTA 1000 (then Premier 5) title of the season and first in Canada. 
<h3>2018 – Montreal </h3>
<ul><li>Seeding: 1 </li><li>Final: d. Sloane Stephens 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-4 </li><li>Seeds Beaten: 4 </li><li>Sets Lost: 2 </li><li>Games Lost: 48 </li></ul>
Halep’s bid for the Montreal-Toronto double came up short in the semifinals in the Big Smoke in 2017, but she was primed to defend her title in Quebec as she entered the 2018 event as the top seed. 
Once again, the Romanian faced a brutal draw in Montreal and she found herself up against it right from the start. Her opening match against future Roland-Garros runner-up Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova was a thriller that Halep barely scraped through 7-6(9), 4-6, 7-5. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/eKyN9ttChWI" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
From there, she settled in with wins over the great Venus Williams, future Top 5 player Caroline Garcia, and future world No. 1/three-time major champion Ashleigh Barty to reach her third final in Canada in four years.
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-auger-aliassime-wins-second-title-season" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This Week in Tennis - Auger-Aliassime wins second title of the season</a>
In the final, Halep was up against the third seed and reigning US Open champion Sloane Stephens, a rematch of that year’s Roland-Garros final, won by Halep. The title match followed a similar script to the Romanian’s opening match, with Halep winning a tight first-set tiebreak, dropping the second, only to hang on and narrowly edge out the third to lift the trophy. 
<h3>2022 – Toronto </h3>
<ul><li>Seeding: 15 </li><li>Final: d. Beatriz Haddad Maia 6-3, 2-6, 6-3</li><li>Seeds Beaten: 2 </li><li>Sets Lost: 2 </li><li>Games Lost: 50 </li></ul>
Halep’s 10-match winning streak in Montreal came to an end in 2021 at the hands of Danielle Collins in the second round. By the time she arrived in Toronto the following summer, she had slid down the rankings and came into the event seeded 15th, her lowest ranking heading into the National Bank Open since 2012. 
Read also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pospisil-passes-the-davis-cup-torch-in-montreal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pospisil Passes the Davis Cup Torch in Montreal</a>
Also for the first time since 2012, Halep did not have a first-round bye in Canada, but that did not seem to bother the Romanian. She did not drop a set on her way to the semifinals, including a quarter-final win over rising star Coco Gauff in the quarter-finals. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/MJJH0QnmH9w" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
The challenge ratcheted up in the semis, where she rallied from a set down against future champion Jessica Pegula, handing the current two-time defending National Bank Open champion (as of Halep’s retirement in February 2025) her most recent loss in Canada.
Read also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/2025-davis-cup-montreal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Relive Canada’s Davis Cup Qualifiers Tie with Hungary</a>
The final against unseeded surprise Beatriz Haddad Maia, who had beaten Leylah Annie Fernandez, world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, Belinda Bencic, and Karolina Pliskova on her way to the title match, was a thriller. Halep managed to hold off the Brazilian’s comeback bid to finally get her hands on the trophy in Toronto. 
By adding a Toronto title to her two wins in Montreal, Halep became the sixth woman to win the National Bank Open at least once in each city, joining legends of the game Martina Navratilova, Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, Monica Seles, and Martina Hingis. 
The victory in Toronto ended up being Halep’s last final and title on the WTA Tour. 
The WTA's best return to Montreal this summer for the National Bank Open July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at IGA Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/montreal-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets today!</a>
Feature Photo : Peter Power

Tournament Throwback

Revisiting Simona Halep’s Three Titles at the National Bank Open

<h3> Auger-Aliassime takes the Open Occitanie</h3>
Félix Auger-Alissime continued his strong start to the year, defeating Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-2, 6-7 (7), 7-6 (2) to <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/auger-aliassime-battles-to-second-title-of-2025-in-montpellier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">win the Open Occitanie on Sunday</a>.
The Montreal native defeated Arthur Cazaux, Yunchaokete Bu, and Jesper de Jong en route to the final in Montpellier. 
It’s the <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/auger-aliassime-wins-adelaide-title-for-dream-start-to-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second title of the young season</a> for Auger-Aliassime after he won the Adelaide International in January.
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/yNLmvxhN7ZA" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
 
The 24-year-old faces a quick turnaround for the ABN AMRO Open in Rotterdam with his first-round match against Andrea Vavassori scheduled for Tuesday. <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/the-wait-is-over-felix-auger-aliassime-captures-his-first-atp-title/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Auger-Aliassime won the title in Rotterdam in 2022</a>, defeating the top-seeded Stefanos Tsitsipas in straight sets for his first ATP title. 
Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/auger-aliassime-battles-to-second-title-of-2025-in-montpellier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Auger-Aliassime Battles to Second Title of 2025 in Montpellier</a>
<a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/monday-digest-2025-trophy-cabinet-filling-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here for more news about Canadian tennis players.</a>
<h3>Canadian comeback falls short at Davis Cup Qualifier</h3>
Canada nearly completed an epic comeback against Hungary in the first-round qualifier at the Davis Cup. 
<a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/canada-hungary-2025-davis-cup-qualifiers-saturday/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Singles losses by Alexis Galarneau and Gabriel Diallo on Saturday</a> put Canada in a 2-0 hole in the best-of-five format. Vasek Pospisil and Liam Draxl opened Sunday’s action by defeating Mate Valkusz and Peter Fajta 7-6 (2), 6-4 in a must-win doubles match. 
Diallo, the highest-ranked singles player on Canada’s roster at No. 85, evened the score at 2-2 with a win over Fabian Marozsan 6-1, 6-3, giving Galarneau a chance to complete the comeback against Marton Fucsovics. 
However, it was not meant to be for the Laval, Que., native as <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/canada-hungary-2025-davis-cup-qualifers-sunday/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">he lost a hard-fought 7-6 (8), 6-4 match</a> in front of his home crowd at IGA Stadium in Montreal.
"I felt proud to represent Canada, to have the chance to complete the comeback. To go from 0-2 to 3-2 would have been incredible,” said Galarneau. “After losing, you come down pretty quickly. But that's tennis sometimes."
With the loss Canada is relegated to the World Group 1 level, where it will need to beat a yet-to-be-determined opponent to earn a spot in the Davis Cup first round next year.
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/3P7WJj62MQE" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
 
 Read Also:  <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/canada-gave-it-everything-at-davis-cup-now-a-tough-road-begins/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canada Gave It Everything at Davis Cup, Now a Tough Road Begins</a> 

<h3>Pospisil plays final Davis Cup match, announces 2025 will be final season of tennis</h3>
Following his doubles win on Sunday, Vasker Pospisil announced that he had played his final Davis Cup match and will retire from tennis sometime this year.
“There were a lot of emotions before the match. I didn't want to talk about it before, didn't want it to be a distraction for the team,” Pospisil said at the post-match news conference. “Just the best memories of my career, playing with the team. Davis Cup means so much to me and these guys meant so much, and playing for your country.
“It just had such a huge, big impact on my career and life.”
The Vernon, B.C., native has represented Canada at the Davis Cup for over 14 years, making his first appearance in 2008. He went 5-2 combined in singles and doubles action in 2022 to help Canada to its first-ever Davis Cup title.
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/X-wx1A8kgfg" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
“I’ll make a decision on when I’ll be done with tennis completely. It’s not exactly clear, but today is definitely the last Davis Cup match of my career,” he said. “There are young players coming who are playing really well, and I need to think about the next steps in my life.
“I’ve played a lot of years in tennis, so for me, this is the right time to stop.”
Pospisil held a career-high singles rank of No. 25 on the ATP tour in 2014. He won the Doubles title at Wimbledon with American teammate Jack Sock in 2014. 
Read Also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-keys-sinner-win-australian-open-singles-titles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Keys, Sinner Win Australian Open Singles Titles</a>
<h4>All winners from last week:</h4>
WTA 500 Linz
<ul><li>Women's Singles: Ekaterina Alexandrova (1/5) d. Dayana Yastremska</li><li>Women's Doubles: Timea Babos/Luisa Stefani</li></ul>
ATP 250 Montpellier
<ul><li>Men's Singles: Félix Auger-Alissime (2/7) d. Aleksandar Kovacevic</li><li>Men's Doubles: Robin Haase/Botic van de Zandschulp</li></ul>
WTA 250 Singapore
<ul><li>Women's Singles: Elise Mertens d. Ann Li</li><li>Women's Doubles: Desirae Krawczyk/Giuliana Olmos</li></ul>
*(Titles in 2025/Career Titles) 
The ATP's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open July 27 to Aug. 7, 2025 at Sobeys Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/toronto/toronto-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets today!</a>
The WTA's best return to Montreal this summer for the National Bank Open July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at IGA Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/montreal-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets today!</a>
Feature Photo: JB Autissier

Team Canada

This Week in Tennis: Auger-Aliassime wins second title of the season

<h3>Sinner wins second straight Australian Open</h3>
No. 1 seed Jannik Sinner dominated No. 2 Alexander Zverev 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3 early Sunday morning to earn his second consecutive Australian Open title.
The 23-year-old Italian faced zero break points in the match and accumulated more winners and fewer unforced errors than his opponent. Zverev had high praise for Sinner, who has held the world No. 1 rank since last June.
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-canadians-crash-out-australian-open-singles-draw" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadians crash out of Australian Open singles draw</a> 
“I’m serving better than him, but that’s it. He does everything else better than me. He moves better than me. He hits his forehand better than me. He hits his backhand better than me. He returns better than me. He volleys better than me,” Zverev said. “At the end of the day, tennis has five or six massive shots — like, massive factors — and he does four or five of them better than me. That’s the reason why he won.”
Sinner became the youngest man to win back-to-back Australian Opens since Jim Courier in 1992-93.
He is now 3-0 in Grand Slam finals, including a US Open title last September.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/denis-shapovalov-withdraws-from-davis-cup-qualifier-against-hungary-in-montreal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denis Shapovalov Withdraws From Davis Cup Qualifier Against Hungary In Montreal</a>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/F5B1QpU0Evo" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure><h3>Keys Makes Magical Run in Melbourne</h3>
American Madison Keys won the first Grand Slam title of her career, defeating two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 6-3, 2-6, 7-5 early Saturday morning to capture the Australian Open title.
Keys ran through a gauntlet of seeded opponents on her way to the final, defeating 10th seed Danielle Collins, No. 6 Elena Rybakina, 28th seed Elina Svitolina and world No. 2 Iga Świątek to reach the finals in Melbourne for the first time at the tournament, and her first Slam final since the 2017 US Open. 
The 29-year-old became the first player since Svetlana Kuznetsova at Roland-Garros in 2009 to win a Grand Slam title after defeating both the World No. 1 and World No. 2. With the victory, Keys’ ranking will soar to No. 7, matching the career-best she achieved in 2016.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/canada-seeks-second-straight-davis-cup-win-in-montreal-meet-the-team/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canada Seeks Second Straight Davis Cup Win in Montreal: Meet the Team</a>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ChUTsgpgxts" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure><h3>Dabrowski stopped short</h3>
Canadian Gabriela Dabrowski and partner Erin Routliffe reached the semifinals at the Australian Open for a second consecutive year but were once again unable to break through, <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/dabrowski-and-routliffe-foiled-again-by-ostapenko-in-australian-open-semis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">falling to Hsieh Su-wei and Jelena Ostapenko</a>
7-6, 3-6, 6-3.
“Honestly, we could have gone out in the first or the second round, so I'm really proud that we made it to the semifinals with not a lot of prep,” Dabrowski said. “I think we did amazing, considering.”
Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/shaw-eliminated-in-semis-again-at-elusive-australian-open/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shaw Eliminated in Semis Again at Elusive Australian Open</a>
The duo was short on training time ahead of the tournament due to a rib injury to Routliffe that carried through the offseason. As a result, they were not able to train or enter a warm-up tournament. 
The pair will likely compete in two WTA 1000 events in Doha and Dubai next month.
<a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/monday-digest-canadians-in-form-ahead-of-davis-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here for more news about Canadian tennis players.</a>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/z2_F7bstS8c" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
All winners from last week:
Australian Open
<ul><li>Men’s singles: Jannik Sinner (1/3/19) d. Alexander Zverev</li><li>Women’s singles: Madison Keys (2/1/10) d. Aryna Sabalenka</li><li>Men’s doubles: Harri Heliovaara/Henry Patten</li><li>Women’s doubles: Katerina Siniakova/Taylor Townsend</li><li>Mixed doubles: Olivia Gadecki/John Peers</li></ul>




*(Titles in 2025/Grand Slam Titles/Career Titles)
The ATP's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open July 27 to Aug. 7, 2025 at Sobeys Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/toronto/toronto-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets today!</a>
The WTA's best return to Montreal this summer for the National Bank Open July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at IGA Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/montreal-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets today!</a>
Feature Photo : Martin Sidorjak

This Week in Tennis: Keys, Sinner Win Australian Open Singles Titles

<h3>Canadians fall early in Melbourne </h3>
Gabriela Dabrowski is the only Canadian remaining at the Australian Open.
She and Erin Routliffe advanced to the quarter-finals with a hard-fought win over Beatriz Haddad Maia and Laura Siegemund 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4. The pair have come back from down a set in each of their three wins in the tournament. The reigning WTA Finals champions will take on Miyu Kato and Renata Zarazua in the quarters.
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/neUaGTUOXfk" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
The five Canadians in the singles draw fell early in the season’s first Grand Slam.
Leylah Annie Fernandez found the most success in Melbourne Park, winning her first match against Yuliia Starodubtseva 7-5, 6-4 and her <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/fernandez-finally-reaches-australian-open-third-round-auger-aliassime-slips-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second-round match against Cristina Bucsa</a> 3-6, 6-4, 6-4. Her run would end in the third round as she <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/fernandez-bested-by-gauff-in-australian-open-third-round/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fell to No. 3 Coco Gauff</a>, one of the tournament favourites, 6-4, 6-2.
Despite the early exit, it was the most successful Australian Open of Fernandez’s career, as she reached the third round for the first time in six entries.
Rebecca Marino was the only other Canadian in the women’s draw but <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/shapovalov-rallies-to-beat-bautista-agut-marino-upset-bid-falls-short-at-australian-open/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">dropped her first-round match to the 22nd seed Katie Boulter</a> 6-4, 3-6, 7-5.
Things did not go better for the Canadians on the men’s side.
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/A1VLn65O0_I" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Félix Auger-Aliassime rode into the Australian Open on a high, taking a five-match win streak into the tournament after winning the Adelaide International. Unfortunately for the Montreal native, he was <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/fernandez-finally-reaches-australian-open-third-round-auger-aliassime-slips-up/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bounced in the second round by Alejandro Davidovich Fokina</a>. Auger-Aliassime went up two sets to love but could not put away the Spaniard, who stormed back to take the match 6-7 (7), 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-1, 6-3.
Denis Shapovalov beat veteran Roberto Bautista Agut 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, 7-6 (8) in his first-round match but was unable to overcome a tough draw, <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/shapovalov-diallo-eliminated-by-seeds-in-round-two-of-australian-open/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">falling to 2024 Olympic bronze medallist and No. 16 seed Lorenzo Musetti</a> 7-6(3), 7-6(6), 6-2.
Gabriel Diallo faced a familiar foe in his second-round matchup but was <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/shapovalov-diallo-eliminated-by-seeds-in-round-two-of-australian-open/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beaten by No. 19 Karen Khachanov</a> for the third time in six months 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3, 6-3.
Fernandez saw her stay in Melbourne end on Sunday night after she and partner Nadiia Kichenok lost their third-round doubles match 6-3, 6-0 to Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova.
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/edhoeP5TrR8" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/monday-digest-dabrowski-shaw-the-focus-at-australian-open/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click Here for more news about Canadian tennis. </a>
<h3>Marquee matchups headline quarters</h3>
The top seeds cruised through the draw on the men’s side and a marquee matchup between Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic will headline the quarter-finals. Djokovic is looking to win his 11th Australian Open title, while Alcaraz is searching for the one Grand Slam he’s yet to win.
The two have faced off seven times in their careers, with Djokovic holding a 4-3 advantage. However, Alcaraz has won the two most recent Grand Slam matches between the two, conquering Djokovic in the 2023 and 2024 Wimbledon finals.
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/atp-power-rankings-sinner-looks-stay-dominant-australian-open" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ATP Power Rankings - Sinner Looks to Stay Dominant at Australian Open</a>
Other men’s quarter-final matches include No. 1 Jannik Sinner against Alex de Minaur, Tommy Paul taking on No. 2 Alexander Zverev, and No. 21 Ben Shelton against unseeded Lorenzo Sonego.
On the women’s side, two-time defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has yet to drop a set as she heads into her quarter-final match against No. 27 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova. The other quarter-final matchups will see No. 3 Coco Gauff face off with No. 11 Paula Badosa, No. 19 Madison Keys battling No. 28 Elina Svitolina, and No. 8 Emma Navarro taking on No. 2 Iga Swiatek.
The ATP's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open July 27 to Aug. 7, 2025 at Sobeys Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/toronto/toronto-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets today!</a>
The WTA's best return to Montreal this summer for the National Bank Open July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at IGA Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/montreal-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets today!</a>
Feature Photo : Martin Sidorjak

This Week in Tennis: Canadians crash out of Australian Open singles draw

<h3>Auger-Aliassime wins Adelaide International</h3>
Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime will take plenty of momentum into the Australian Open after winning the Adelaide International on Saturday morning. The Montreal-native defeated American Sebastian Korda 6-3, 3-6, 6-1 in the final tune-up before the season’s first Grand Slam.
Related: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/auger-aliassime-wins-adelaide-title-for-dream-start-to-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Auger-Aliassime Wins Adelaide Title for Dream Start to 2025 </a>
The 24-year-old put together a strong tournament in Adelaide, beating Arthur Cazaux, Marcos Giron, and the tournament’s top seed, American Tommy Paul before beating the second-seeded Korda in the final.
Adelaide marks the sixth ATP singles title of Auger-Aliassime’s career and the first on outdoor hard courts. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/p4cdU0pUV60" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<h3>Canadians kick off Australian Open</h3>
Leylah Annie Fernandez got the Canadian contingent off to a good start at the Australian Open, winning her first-round match against Ukraine's Yuliia Starodubtseva 7-5, 6-4. The 30th-seeded Fernandez will face off against Spain's Cristina Bucsa in second-round action on Tuesday.
Related: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/fernandez-hangs-on-for-opening-win-at-australian-open/">Fernandez Hangs On for Opening Win at Australian Open</a>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/9t8uktQhOyw" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Auger-Aliassime kept his momentum going in the first round at Melbourne Park, beating Jan Lennard Struff 6-3, 6-0, 4-6, 6-1 early Monday morning. He will take on Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the second round. 
Related: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/auger-aliassime-carries-momentum-to-australian-open-beats-struff-in-opener/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Auger-Aliassime Carries Momentum to Australian Open, Beats Struff in Opener</a>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/wyvKIhCuhcg" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/monday-digest-canadians-opening-2025-with-big-results/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here for more news about Canadian tennis players.</a>
<h3>Monfils becomes oldest player to win ATP singles title</h3>
French veteran Gael Monfils became the oldest player to win an ATP Tour singles title when he defeated Zizou Bergs 6-3, 6-4 to win the ASB Classic on Saturday.
Monfils captured the 13th title of his career at 38 years and 132 days, surpassing the previous record holder, Roger Federer, who won the final tour title of his career at 38 years and 74 days in 2019.
Related: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/wta-power-rankings-sabalenka-eyeing-three-peat-australian-open" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WTA Power Rankings: Sabalenka Eyeing Three-Peat at Australian Open</a>
“I love tennis. I love what I’m doing so of course all the sacrifices you do, they are a little bit easier. When you love something, it’s easier to keep pushing," Monfils said following the victory. “I’ve been enjoying myself since the first day I played tennis and (at) 60 years old I will still have this joy. Practice, it’s easy. It’s in the DNA. Stay in shape, it’s easy. It’s more the travel.”
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/79H7iahx-D0" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<h4>All winners from last week:</h4>
WTA 500 Adelaide
<ul><li>Singles Champion: Madison Keys (1/9)</li><li>Doubles Champions: Hanyu Guo/Alexandra Panova</li></ul>
ATP 250 Adelaide
<ul><li>Singles Champion: Félix Auger-Aliassime (1/6)</li><li>Doubles Champions: Simone Bolelli/Andrea Vavassori</li></ul>
ATP 250 Auckland
<ul><li>Singles Champion: Gael Monfils (1/13)</li><li>Doubles Champions: Nikola Metkic/Michael Venus</li></ul>
WTA 250 Hobart:
<ul><li>Singles Champion: McCartney Kessler (1/2)</li><li>Doubles Champions: Xinyu Jiang/Fang Hsien Wu</li></ul>
*(Titles in 2025/Career Titles)
The ATP's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open July 27 to Aug. 7, 2025 at Sobeys Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/toronto/toronto-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets today!</a>
The WTA's best return to Montreal this summer for the National Bank Open July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at IGA Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/montreal-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets today!</a>
Feature Photo : Martin Sidorjak

This Week in Tennis: The Australian Open Begins

Now he and the rest of the ATP Tour are back in Melbourne and the landscape feels completely different from a year ago. Rather than wondering “is a new generation ready to wrestle control of the tour away from Novak Djokovic?” the question on people’s minds is “can anyone challenge Jannik Sinner at a big hard-court event?” 
The National Bank Open Power Rankings are back for 2025 and in the first ranking of the year, we examine who is best positioned to challenge the Italian star at the year’s first major. 
<h3>1. Jannik Sinner </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 1</li><li>2024 Record: 73-6</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Champion (2024) </li></ul>
Jannik Sinner’s 2024 dominance was historic. It was the third-best season ever on hard courts. His 94.6 per cent winning percentage, a 53-3 record, trailed only Roger Federer in 2005 and 2006. <figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/b90INDbXX7Y" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
The world number one started the year by winning his first major at the Australian Open and never really let up on the hard courts. In 2024 he won both hard court majors, three Masters 1000s, the ATP Finals, and the Davis Cup on the surface. 
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/sinner-takes-torch-best-atp-stories-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sinner Takes the Torch - Best ATP Stories of 2024</a>
He also enters 2025 on a 14-match winning streak and is 29-1 since the National Bank Open last August. Sinner has been the best hard-court player in the world for a while now and, especially as defending champion, he is the clear favourite in Melbourne. 
<h3>2. Carlos Alcaraz </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 3</li><li>2024 Record: 54-13</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Quarter-Final (2024) </li></ul>
Although Jannik Sinner dominated the tour on hard courts in 2024, he did have one problem, and that problem’s name was Carlos Alcaraz. 
Two of the Italian’s three defeats on the surface were to the four-time major champion. Alcaraz also won their French Open semifinal on clay to go 3-0 overall against Sinner in 2024. If there is anyone who can stop the world No. 1 in Melbourne, is it probably the electric Spaniard. <figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Kv_obyZNKl4" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Alcaraz has extra motivation going into the Australian Open. A title would make him the youngest player ever to complete the career Grand Slam.
<h3>3. Alexander Zverev </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 2</li><li>2024 Record: 69-21</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Semifinal (Twice) </li></ul>
Despite not winning a major, Alexander Zverev managed to finish 2024 as the No. 2 player in the ATP Rankings courtesy of two Masters 1000 titles, including near season’s end in Paris, a runner-up appearance at Roland-Garros, and the second-most match wins on tour behind only Sinner. 
Read also : <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/wta-power-rankings-sabalenka-eyeing-three-peat-australian-open" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WTA Power Rankings - Sabalenka Eyeing Three-Peat at Australian Open</a>
When healthy, Zverev has always been hyper-consistent and a safe bet to reach the later stages of big tournaments. Last year, he was just a set away from the final in Melbourne and was as close as two points in the fourth set tiebreak of his semifinal against Daniil Medvedev. 
<h3>4. Novak Djokovic </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 7</li><li>2024 Record: 37-9</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Champion (10 times) </li></ul>
For the first time in a long time, Novak Djokovic arrives at the Australian not the heavy favourite to win the title. He is coming off his worst season in over a decade where he only won one title (albeit the one he coveted most at the Olympics) and did not win a major for the first time since 2017. <figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/d8ICgsnZHrU" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
The Serbian called it a season in early October last year after losing to Sinner in the Shanghai final and only just returned to action last week in Brisbane. That result was hardly encouraging as he was blown away by Reilly Opelka in the quarter-finals. 
All that being said, this is Djokovic at the Australian Open. No man has dominated at Melbourne Park like the Serbian, who has more than twice as many titles as the next best players (Federer and Andre Agassi both have four to Djokovic’s 10). He knows how to win here and Djokovic has a penchant for defying expectations. 
<h3>5. Taylor Fritz </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 4</li><li>2024 Record: 53-23</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Quarter-final (2024) </li></ul>
At the final major of 2024, Taylor Fritz reached his first Grand Slam singles final on home soil at the US Open. Now he will be looking to take the next step in Melbourne. 
Read also : <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-road-australian-open" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This Week in Tennis - Road to the Australian Open</a>
2024 was a big year for the American No. 1. He reached the fourth round or better at all four majors and added a pair of Masters 1000 semifinals, including late in the season in Shanghai. He has been making steady progress over the last few years and is now a solid contender at every tournament he enters. 
Fritz also is off to a strong start to 2025, going 4-1 at the United Cup and helping the United States to the title. 
<h3>6. Daniil Medvedev </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 5</li><li>2024 Record: 46-21</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Runner-up (Three times) </li></ul>
Among active players, only Novak Djokovic has reached more Grand Slam men’s singles finals and men’s singles finals at the Australian Open than Daniil Medvedev. 
While 2024 was a down year for Medvedev, with his win total on hard courts being his lowest in a full season (2020 excluded) since 2017, he remains one of the best and most reliable players on the surface on tour. Even in a down year, he reached the quarter-finals or better at both hard court majors and at three Masters 1000s. <figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12253801/Screenshot-2025-01-09-153514.webp" alt="" /></figure>
He has been particularly strong in Melbourne, having reached three of the last four finals at the Australian Open. Although he has yet to lift the Norman Brookes Challenge Cup, he has been a set away twice, leading two sets to love in both the 2022 and 2024 finals.
Read also : <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/2024-atp-awards-nbo-power-rankings-panels-version" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024 ATP Awards - NBO Power Rankings Panel’s Version</a>
Also, congratulations to Daniil and his wife Daria Chernyshkova on the birth of their second child, which Medvedev announced on Jan. 7. It could be worth noting that when his first child was born in October 2022, Medvedev won the first tournament he played as a new father. 
<h3>7. Alex de Minaur </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 8</li><li>2024 Record: 47-21</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Fourth Round (three times) </li></ul>
“The Demon” made a jump in 2024, entering the Top 10 for the first time in his career and qualified for the ATP Finals. While injuries limited him in the second half of the season, he was one of the best players on tour when playing in the big events. 
De Minaur reached at least the round of sixteen in all but one “big” tournament (Grand Slam and Masters 1000) that he entered in 2024, including making the quarter-finals at three of the four majors. <figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hOJub8Q3nIs" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
The one major where the speedy Aussie has yet to reach the last eight is his home slam, where he has fallen in the round of sixteen for three straight years. He is already off to a quick start in 2025, winning both of his matches at the United Cup in straight sets. 
<h3>8. Grigor Dimitrov </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 10</li><li>2024 Record: 46-18</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Semifinal (2017) </li></ul>
2024 was a renaissance year for the former world No. 3. Dimitrov reached a pair of Grand Slam quarter-finals, his first trip to the last eight of a major since 2021 and the first time in a decade that he did it at two Slams in the same year, while also reaching the final of the Masters 1000 event in Miami. <figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8sURU9bssQc" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
His quarter-final at Roland-Garros added him to the list of players to reach the last eight at all four majors. Both his overall record and year-end ranking were his best since 2017. 
The Australian Open has historically been Dimitrov’s best major, with three quarter-finals and a semifinal appearance on his record, making it the only major where he has reached the last eight more than twice. 
<h3>9. Casper Ruud </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 6</li><li>2024 Record: 51-25</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Fourth Round (2021) </li></ul>
Casper Ruud bounced back nicely last year after a down season in 2023, winning a pair of titles and clambering back into the Top 10. While Ruud has historically had his best results on clay, he has reached a Grand Slam final on hard courts before at the US Open in 2022 and reached the quarter-finals of Indian Wells and semifinals of the ATP Finals on hard courts last year. 
Read also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/five-canadians-face-tricky-paths-at-australian-open-draw-analysis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Five Canadians Face Tricky Paths at Australian Open</a>
While Norway went out in the group stage of the United Cup, it was not for lack of results from Ruud, who won both of his singles matches over two opponents who thrive on quick surfaces, Tomas Machac and Hubert Hurkacz. 
<h3>10. Andrey Rublev </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 9</li><li>2024 Record: 43-26</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Quarter-final (three times) </li></ul>
Will 2025 be the year when Andrey Rublev finally breaks the quarter-final curse? 
The perennial Top 10 player has reached 10 quarter-finals at Grand Slam events, including three of the last four years at the Australian Open, but has fallen short of the semis each time. <figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4NSlAnETrRg" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Early in 2024 it seemed like Rublev might be primed to finally break through, only for his season to turn into a rollercoaster that included multiple month-long losing streaks but also included a pair of Masters 1000 finals, including a title in Madrid. 
There is no doubt that Rublev has the game and intensity to make a run, it’s just a question of putting it all together at the right time. 
The National Bank Open Power Rankings are a group collaboration by the Power Rankings Panel which includes:
<ul><li><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/peteb93.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pete Borkowski</a> – Manager of Editorial and Player Coverage, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/boydmel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Melissa Boyd</a> – Content Writer, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/ChampagneSJade" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sarah-Jade Champagne</a> – Content Specialist, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://x.com/JChan_811" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jonathan Chan</a> - Content Contributor, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/EddieJonesLee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edward Lee</a> – Content Contributor, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/hulight" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hugues Leger</a> – Producer, Podcast Sur La Ligne</li><li><a href="https://x.com/Charobillardmi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlotte Robillard-Millette</a> – Communications Coordinator, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/SanterreAbraham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abraham Santerre</a> – Content Creator, Podcast Sur La Ligne</li><li>Patrick Steski - Content Contributor, Tennis Canada</li></ul>
<h3>Australian Open 2024 Predictions </h3>
Champion: 
<ul><li>Pete: Jannik Sinner </li><li>Mel: Jannik Sinner </li><li>Abraham: Carlos Alcaraz </li><li>Eddie: Jannik Sinner </li><li>Jonathan: Jannik Sinner </li><li>Pat: Jannik Sinner </li><li>Sarah-Jade: Jannik Sinner </li><li>Charlotte: Jannik Sinner </li><li>Hugues: Jannik Sinner </li></ul>








Dark Horse: 
<ul><li>Pete: Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard </li><li>Mel: Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard </li><li>Abraham: Jiri Lehecka </li><li>Eddie: Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard </li><li>Jonathan: Ben Shelton </li><li>Pat: Nick Kyrgios </li><li>Sarah-Jade: Sebastian Korda </li><li>Charlotte: Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard </li><li>Hugues: Giovanni Mpetshi Perricard </li></ul>








Bold Prediction: 
<ul><li>Pete: Novak Djokovic will not reach the quarter-finals. </li><li>Mel: Alex de Minaur will reach the first Grand Slam semifinal of his career at this home major. </li><li>Abraham: Joao Foncesca, the 2024 NextGen ATP Finals Champion, will reach the second week in Melbourne. </li><li>Eddie: Daniil Medvedev will bow out in week one. </li><li>Jonathan: Novak Djokovic’s quest for an 11th Australian Open will end in round three. </li><li>Pat: Denis Shapovalov reached his first Grand semi since 2021. </li><li>Sarah-Jade: Nick Kyrgios will reach the quarter-finals. </li><li>Charlotte: Grigor Dimitrov will reach the semis. </li><li>Hugues: Novak Djokovic is eliminated in the first week, while Nick Kyrgios reaches the second week. </li></ul>
The ATP's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open July 27 to Aug. 7, 2025 at Sobeys Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/toronto/toronto-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets today!</a>
Feature Photo :

Experts

ATP Power Rankings: Sinner Looks to Stay Dominant at Australian Open

No other tour-based sport starts the year with as much of a bang as tennis does with the Australian Open. And no player is likely happier about that than Aryna Sabalenka, who kicked off each of her last two seasons in style by lifting the trophy in Melbourne. 
Can she make it three in a row? The National Bank Open Power Rankings are back to size up the field as the 2025 season kicks into high gear at the Australian Open. 
<h3>1. Aryna Sabalenka </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 1</li><li>2024 Record: 56-14</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Champion (twice) </li></ul>
Aryna Sabalenka was the Queen of the Hard Courts in 2024, winning both majors on the surface and a pair of WTA 1000 titles. It’s been apparent for several years that the big-hitting 26-year-old is at her best on fast surfaces, but last year she was THE player to beat. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kLdkTzDbXVE" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
The world No. 1 arrives in Melbourne already with a victory under her belt, having just won the title in Brisbane. Dating back to Cincinnati, she is 28-3 overall, with two of those three losses coming at the end of what must have been an exhausting season at the WTA Finals. 
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/sabalenka-cements-top-dog-status-best-wta-stories-2024" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sabalenka Cements Top Dog Status - Best WTA Stories of 2024</a>
Sabalenka has lost just one set in the last two years in Melbourne. How can you bet against the two-time defending champion? 
<h3>2. Coco Gauff </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 3</li><li>2024 Record: 54-17</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Semifinal (2024) </li></ul>
Arguably the most in-form player in the world right now is not actually the world No. 1. 
 Coco Gauff will arrive in Melbourne on a nine-match winning streak. She finished 2024 with a bang by winning the WTA Finals, beating Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek en route, and picked up where she left off to start 2025, not dropping a set as she led the United States to victory at the United Cup. Her run included wins over Swiatek, Karolina Muchova, Donna Vekic and <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/auger-aliassime-fernandezs-big-wins-not-enough-for-canada-at-united-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Leylah Annie Fernandez.</a> 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/y1eae6wrP9Q" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
It seems over the last few months that the 20-year-old has refound her top level after a difficult summer. The former US Open champion reached the semifinals last year in Melbourne and should be full of confidence heading into the first major of 2025. 
<h3>3. Iga Swiatek </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 2</li><li>2024 Record: 64-9</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Semifinal (2022) </li></ul>
To say it has been a tough few months for Iga Swiatek would be an understatement. Between losing her grip on the No. 1 ranking, a coaching change, and a suspension for a failed drug test, the Pole is dealing with a lot right now. 
Read also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/five-canadians-face-tricky-paths-at-australian-open-draw-analysis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Five Canadians Face Tricky Paths at Australian Open</a>
Even though she was surpassed in the rankings by Sabalenka in 2024, Swiatek still managed to win her fifth major and added four WTA 1000 titles, two of them on hard courts. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/iL2u-G2GljM" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Her one event so far in 2025 was the United Cup, where on the one hand she scored an impressive victory over nemesis Elena Rybakina but lost for the second time in a row to Gauff, a rivalry the Pole has historically dominated. The Australian Open has also been Swiatek’s toughest major over the last two years, so it is hard to know what to expect from the 23-year-old. 
<h3>4. Elena Rybakina </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 6</li><li>2024 Record: 43-11</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Runner-up (2023) </li></ul>
Rybakina came out swinging to start 2025 with three dominant victories at the United Cup before running into Swiatek. 
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/2024-wta-awards-nbo-power-rankings-panels-version" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024 WTA Awards - NBO Power Rankings Panel’s Version</a>
The calculus with the Kazakhstani is pretty simple: when she is healthy, she is one of the best players in the world, but staying fully fit has been a challenge for her. 2024 was full of injury withdrawals for Rybakina but she still managed to reach the finals of Doha and Miami as well as the Wimbledon semifinals, while picking up three titles at the 500 and 250 level. 
With her big serve and powerful groundstrokes, she is someone nobody wants to face because if she is healthy... good luck. 
<h3>5. Qinwen Zheng </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 5</li><li>2024 Record: 50-18</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Runner-up (2024) </li></ul>
Qinwen Zheng returns to where it all began. 2024 was a breakthrough season for the young Chinese, who kicked things off by reaching the Australian Open final and went on to reach the finals of both the WTA 1000 event in Wuhan and the WTA Finals while claiming the gold medal at the Paris Olympics. She finished with a career-best 50 match wins and a career-high ranking of No. 5 in the world. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Zu_6wtDU6yU" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Now comes the harder part: improving on those results. 
The good news is Zheng should be confident returning to the site of her breakthrough in Melbourne after finishing the season strong at the WTA Finals. 
<h3>6. Jessica Pegula </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 7</li><li>2024 Record: 41-17</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Quarter-final (Three times) </li></ul>
Jessica Pegula finally broke through at a major in 2024, reaching the US Open final after losing her first six quarter-finals at Grand Slam events. 
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/catching-up-with-toronto-champion-how-rest-2024-went-jessica-pegula" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Catching Up With the Toronto Champion - How the Rest of 2024 Went for Jessica Pegula</a>
Three of those losses were in Melbourne, which on the bright side are her most quarter-finals at any major. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LLt5R3Zea8M" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
The American struggled in the first half of last season but picked things up in the summer, where she reached all three big finals and <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/recapitulatif-de-la-journee/2024/cashmere-wrap-jessica-pegula-defends-her-national-bank-open-title-toronto" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defended her title in Canada at the National Bank Open</a>. If she’s healthy, she will be looking for even more at the Australian Open. 
<h3>7. Jasmine Paolini </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 4</li><li>2024 Record: 39-21</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Fourth round (2024) </li></ul>
It felt like Jasmine Paolini came out of nowhere last season. Starting the year on the edge of the Top 30, she made an early statement by winning the WTA 1000 title in Dubai, just her second career title and by far the biggest, and then backed it up by reaching consecutive Grand Slam finals at Roland-Garros and Wimbledon. 
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/wta-the-flower-year" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WTA Flower of the Year - Jasmine Paolini</a>
Paolini also finished the year with a bang, helping Italy claim the Billie Jean King Cup title. The Italian proved in 2024 that she can play with the best and that under no circumstances should she be underestimated, especially in big tournaments. 
<h3>8. Karolina Muchova </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 21</li><li>2024 Record: 21-7</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Semifinal (2021) </li></ul>
Karolina Muchova only started her season in June last year and it took some time for her to get going. But once the former Roland-Garros runner-up hit her stride, she was mighty impressive. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/khnZ2zBoSQo" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
The Czech reached the semifinals or better at her last three tournaments of 2024, including the US Open and the final of the WTA 1000 in Beijing. Players she beat during those events include Paolini, Sabalenka, and Zheng. She also scored another win over Paolini at the United Cup earlier this month. 
If Muchova is still just working her way back from injury, watch out. 
<h3>9. Mirra Andreeva </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 15</li><li>2024 Record: 34-16</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Fourth Round (2024) </li></ul>
At just 17 years old, Mirra Andreeva is already firmly entrenched in the Top 20 of the WTA rankings with plenty of room to grow. Last year, she reached the semifinals of a major for the first time at Roland-Garros, beating Sabalenka in the process, and got to the quarter-finals of three WTA 1000 events. 
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-road-australian-open" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">This Week in Tennis - Road to the Australian Open</a>
The youngster kicked off her 2025 season with a semifinal run in Brisbane, losing to the world No. 1 in the final four, and now heads to Melbourne for just the second time. She reached the last sixteen in her debut last year. The sky really feels like the limit for the teen phenom. 
<h3>10. Paula Badosa </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 12</li><li>2024 Record: 37-19</li><li>Best Australian Open Result: Fourth round </li></ul>
Injuries plagued Badosa in 2023 and it took her some time in 2024 to start finding her form. But over the summer, the former world No. 2 started to look like her old self again. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/8XRI_rJu_mc" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
She won her first title in over two years in Washington and backed it up by reaching the semifinals of Cincinnati and the quarter-finals of the US Open. Overall, she reached the quarter-finals or better at five of her last six tournaments of the year, including back-to-back semifinals to finish off 2024. 
While she lost a three-setter in her season opener in Brisbane, Badosa will be looking to continue to build on the momentum she finished 2024 with. 
The National Bank Open Power Rankings are a group collaboration by the Power Rankings Panel which includes:
<ul><li><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/peteb93.bsky.social" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pete Borkowski</a> – Manager of Editorial and Player Coverage, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/boydmel" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Melissa Boyd</a> – Content Writer, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/ChampagneSJade" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sarah-Jade Champagne</a> – Content Specialist, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://x.com/JChan_811" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jonathan Chan</a> - Content Contributor, Tennis Canada </li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/EddieJonesLee" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edward Lee</a> – Content Contributor, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/hulight" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Hugues Leger</a> – Producer, Podcast Sur La Ligne</li><li><a href="https://x.com/Charobillardmi" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Charlotte Robillard-Millette</a> – Communications Coordinator, Tennis Canada </li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/SanterreAbraham" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Abraham Santerre</a> – Content Creator, Podcast Sur La Ligne</li><li>Patrick Steski - Content Contributor, Tennis Canada</li></ul>
<h3>2025 Australian Open Predictions </h3>
Champion: 
<ul><li>Pete: Aryna Sabalenka </li><li>Mel: Coco Gauff </li><li>Abraham: Iga Swiatek </li><li>Eddie: Aryna Sabalenka </li><li>Jonathan: Aryna Sabalenka </li><li>Pat: Coco Gauff </li><li>Sarah-Jade: Aryna Sabalenka </li><li>Charlotte: Aryna Sabalenka </li><li>Hugues: Aryna Sabalenka </li></ul>
Dark Horse: 
<ul><li>Mel: Ons Jabeur </li><li>Abraham: Clara Tauson </li><li>Eddie: Leylah Annie Fernandez </li><li>Pat: Maria Sakkari </li><li>Sarah-Jade: Diana Shnaider </li><li>Charlotte: Katie Boulter </li></ul>
Bold Prediction: 
<ul><li>Pete: There will be at least a seven-year age gap between the finalists </li><li>Mel: Ons Jabeur will reach her first Australian Open quarter-final since 2020. </li><li>Abraham: Paula Badosa will back up her US Open quarter-final last year, repeating the feat at the Australian Open. </li><li>Eddie: Rybakina will be upset in the second round. </li><li>Jonathan: Andreeva reaches the semis (beating Sabalenka in the quarter-final) </li><li>Pat: Coco Gauff wins both the singles AND doubles titles. </li><li>Sarah-Jade: Aryna Sabalenka becomes the first woman since Martina Hingis in the late '90s to three-peat at the Australian Open. </li><li>Charlotte: Mirra Andreeva reaches the semis. </li></ul>
The WTA's best return to Montreal this summer for the National Bank Open July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at IGA Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/montreal-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets today!</a>
Feature Photo : Martin Sidorjak

WTA Power Rankings: Sabalenka Eyeing Three-Peat at Australian Open

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<a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/nbo-redefined">Bigger, better, and redefined</a> are the words being used to describe what awaits fans next summer. Here’s just a few of the reasons why a 12-day main draw is going to be totally worth it. <figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/_default/12248596/Group-249.webp" alt="" /></figure>

*Dates, schedules, sessions, and programming are subject to change.
<h3> 1. More players, more rounds, more sessions… </h3>
More world-class tennis, need we say more? A 96-player main draw not only means that the top 32 seeds will get an opening round bye, but it also means that the tournament will feature an extra round and we did the math, that’s equal to 30% more tennis with more evening sessions, more matches scheduled in primetime, and more opportunities for the best of the best on both Tours to face off. Combine that with an enhanced on-site offering highlighted by greater variety and marquee activities (<a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/what-do-iga-stadium">Montreal</a> and <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/what-do-iga-stadium">Toronto</a>) that you’re going to want to tell your friends about, and you get an event experience that checks all the boxes. 
Some of the highlights of our revamped schedule we're adopting to accommodate 40 new singles players include: 
<ul><li>The last four sessions of the tournament from the quarter-finals onwards, will be played exclusively at night during the second week from Monday, August 4 to Thursday, August 7. </li></ul>
<ul><li>The two singles semi-finals will be contested during the same session during the evening of Wednesday, August 6.</li></ul>
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/_default/12240359/Crowd.webp" alt="" /></figure>
<h3>2. Host and engage your clients, and share your passion for tennis more often </h3>
The corporate crowd (<a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/get-full-experience/montreal-clients-colleagues">Montreal</a> and <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/toronto/get-full-experience/toronto-clients-colleagues">Toronto</a>) will continue to be well served with additional fully customizable VIP options and exclusive hospitality choices to welcome their clients in a unique setting to feel the prestige of our internationally renowned tournament. For customers with full event packages, their tickets will include six more sessions (21 instead of the usual 15) which will allow them to spread the love and expand your guest list over the 12 days. 
We’re biased, but there’s nothing quite like giving the gift of tennis. 
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/_default/12240360/Corporate.webp" alt="" /></figure>
 
<h3> 3. Choose your own tennis adventure </h3>
Just like the new format provides tournament organizers with increased schedule flexibility and the players with rest days between matches, our products will afford you the same freedom to usher in the new NBO redefined format. Case in point, every round, with the exception of the semi-finals and finals, will be played over two days. 
While many aspects of the National Bank Open will now be reminiscent of the Grand Slams, the familiarity of its welcoming nature, vibrant energy, and electric atmosphere will still make it feel like home.
So, don’t wait, book now and join us to witness the dawn of a new era for tennis in Canada. 
<a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/contact-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Contact us about the new format</a>
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/_default/12240361/Players.webp" alt="" /></figure>
<h3>Renewal Season in Montreal </h3>
The time has come for <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/tickets-packages/montreal-full-event-packages">full event package</a> ticketholders to renew their seats at IGA Stadium for the return of the WTA to Montreal from July 26 – August 7, 2025. 
Secure your place from now until December 1 and take advantage of early bird savings to enjoy 30% more tennis in 2025 with six new sessions and even more matches scheduled on our two show courts (Centre Court and Rogers Court) throughout the even with day sessions set to begin at *11 a.m. on ALL courts. Meanwhile, evening sessions on Centre Court will get underway at *7 p.m. (*6 p.m. for the semi-finals and finals), and at *6 p.m. on Rogers Court. 
Your renewal price includes the addition of the 6 new sessions. Renew now and save an average of 50% on the regular price for 21 sessions. 
Don’t forget that our resale program, which lets fans resell unused tickets and apply credits to future packages, offers added flexibility for those who can’t attend every session. 
It’s never too soon to think about renewing your tickets, especially considering how popular these premium products have become, so much so that fans have joined a waitlist to be first informed about last-minute seat availability, new products, and special offers.   
To learn more about renewal options, price adjustments, credits, our resale program, and answers to other frequently asked questions, visit <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/help-center/attendees/attendees-general-info/renewal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the Renewal section</a> in our Help Centre.
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/tickets-packages/montreal-full-event-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/_default/12240538/Montreal_Full_Event_Package_CTA.webp" width="663" height="180" alt="" /></a></figure>
<h3>Toronto Packages Now Available</h3>
Lock in the best seats at Sobeys Stadium with a full event package to celebrate the ATP Tour coming back to Toronto. 
Full event packages not only offer the best seats, but also the best value per ticket and the most exclusive perks for the entire tournament. 
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/toronto/tickets-packages/toronto-full-event-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/_default/12240541/Toronto_Full_Event_Package_CTA.webp" width="663" height="180" alt="" /></a></figure>

3 Reasons Why a 12-Day National Bank Open is Going to be a Smash

<h3>Andreeva Makes Top 10 Debut</h3>
Mirra Andreeva defeated Clara Tauson 7-6 (1), 6-1 to win the Dubai Tennis Championships. It’s the first 1000-level title for Andreeva, who at 17 years old becomes the youngest 1000-level winner in WTA Tour history. The victory will vault her into the Top 10 for the first time in her career and she becomes the first 17-year-old to reach the Top 10 since Nicole Vaidisova in 2007.
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nPc_qP1fwbU" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Andreeva stunned world No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the quarter-final and world No. 7 Elena Rybakina in the semis en route to the final. She also defeated 2023 Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the second round. 
Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/tennis-canada-unveils-first-part-of-2025-national-event-calendar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tennis Canada unveils first part of 2025 National Event Calendar</a>
In the doubles draw, top-seeded Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend defeated Jelena Ostapenko and Hsieh Su-wei 7-6, 6-4. It’s the second title of the season for the pair after they won the Australian Open last month. 
<a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/monday-digest-mboko-stays-perfect-in-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here for more news about Canadian tennis players.</a>
<h3>Rubev Wins Qatar Open</h3>
Andrey Rublev defeated Jack Draper 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 to win the Qatar Open for the second time in his career. It’s Rublev's 17th career title, and he claims his first tour-level win since the ATP Masters 1000 in Madrid last year.
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/o_ZszGc-u2g" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Rublev overcame a tough road to claim the title, winning a trio of three-set matches in three days to win the tournament. The 27-year-old defeated second seed Alex de Minaur 6-1, 3-6, 7-6 (8) in 2:39 to advance to the semis, where he then <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/auger-aliassime-denied-by-rublev-in-doha-semis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defeated Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime </a>7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (5) in 2:46 to advance to the final.
Auger-Aliassime fell to 1-6 in his career against Rublev. The Montreal native was denied the opportunity to compete for his <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-auger-aliassime-wins-second-title-season" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">third title of the season</a> after winning in <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/auger-aliassime-battles-to-second-title-of-2025-in-montpellier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montpellier</a> and <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/auger-aliassime-wins-adelaide-title-for-dream-start-to-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Adelaide</a>. 
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/q-a-nbo-montreal-tournament-director-valerie-tetreault-keys-halep-planning-12-day-format" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Q and A - NBO Montreal Tournament Director Valérie Tétreault on Keys, Halep, and Planning for a 12-Day Format</a>
Despite the loss, Draper will improve to a career-high rank of No. 12.
Elsewhere on the ATP Tour, Sebastian Baez claimed his first of the season by defeating Alexandre Muller 6-2, 6-3 to win the Rio Open. 
Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/vasek-pospisils-top-5-davis-cup-moments/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Vasek Pospisil’s Top 5 Davis Cup Moments</a>
<h3>All winners from last week:</h3>
WTA 1000 Dubai 

<ul><li>Women’s Singles: Mirra Andreeva (1 /2) d. Clara Tauson)</li><li>Women’s Doubles: Katerina Siniakova/Taylor Townsend</li></ul>
ATP 500 Doha
<ul><li>Men’s Singles: Andrey Rublev (1/17) d. Jack Draper</li><li>Men’s Doubles: Julian Cash/Lloyd Glasspool</li></ul>
ATP 500 Rio
<ul><li>Men’s Singles: Sebastian Baez (1/7) d. Alexandre Muller</li><li>Men’s Doubles: Rafael Matos/Marcelo Melo</li></ul>
* (Titles in 2025/Career Titles)
The ATP's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 27 to Aug. 7, 2025 at Sobeys Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/toronto/toronto-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets today!</a>
The WTA's best return to Montreal this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at IGA Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/montreal-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets today!</a>
Feature Photo: US Open

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This Week in Tennis: Andreeva Leaps into Top 10 with win in Dubai

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Q and A: NBO Montreal Tournament Director Valérie Tétreault on Keys, Halep, and Planning for a 12-Day Format

Revisiting Simona Halep’s Three Titles at the National Bank Open

3 Reasons Why a 12-Day National Bank Open is Going to be a Smash

Q and A: NBO Montreal Tournament Director Valérie Tétreault on Keys, Halep, and Planning for a 12-Day Format

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