Versatile host Blair Henley, who took in the action in Riyadh, joins Ben and Mike to recap the end-of-year championship which featured a first-time win from Coco Gauff, and an electric final against Qinwen Zheng.
Meanwhile, Ben and Mike also look back on a huge week for Canadian tennis!
Gaby Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe notched the doubles crown in Riyadh, while Denis Shapovalov won his second career title at the Belgrade Open, and Rebecca Marino triumphed in Midland.
The hosts also preview ATP Finals action and look ahead to the BJK Cup Finals.
All of that and more on the latest episode of MPC!
Listen to the podcast on your favourite platforms: 
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7N1Z2khrWbo8VBN1XOWyhD" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spotify</a><a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/matchpointcanadatcpn?selected=ADV7315373409" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Megaphone </a><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/match-point-canada/id1370718758" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Podcasts</a><figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/X97Vu9WjDmg" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>

Podcast

Match Point Canada

Match Point Canada Episode 38: WTA Finals recap with Blair Henley

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

Tournament News

NBO Results

Peroni Refresh: Alexei Popyrin’s extraordinary feat!

Canadian tennis great Daniel Nestor returns to Match Point Canada, on the heels of his recent induction to Canada's Sports Hall of Fame and receiving the Order of Sport.
Nestor reflects on some of his top career highlights, why he feels he hasn't gotten a spot in the International Tennis Hall of Fame yet, competing against the Bryan Brothers, his variety of doubles partners and more.
Hosts Ben and Mike look back at the Paris Masters, preview the action now underway at the WTA Finals, and also breakdown the recent Tevlin Challenger in Toronto.
 Listen to the podcast on your favourite platforms: 
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7N1Z2khrWbo8VBN1XOWyhD" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spotify</a><a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/matchpointcanadatcpn?selected=ADV7315373409" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Megaphone </a><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/match-point-canada/id1370718758" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Podcasts </a><figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/LAD6q-unkzg" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>

Match Point Canada Episode 37: Daniel Nestor

Rather it came at the close of the semifinal of the WTA 1000 China Open in Beijing, where no fewer than six Top 10 players including Aryna Sabalenka (2), Jessica Pegula (3) and Zheng (7) went head-to-head. 
Back in 2010, who would have predicted six players from China in the women’s Top 10?! But here they are thanks to the ascension of two-time Slam champion Na Li (Paris 2011, Melbourne 2014). 
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12240251/Li-Na-RG-2011-RG.webp" alt="" /><figcaption style="text-align:center;">Photo : Roland-Garros</figcaption></figure>
Let’s pause here and turn our gaze westward, to Canada.
After many, many years in the Top 100, our nation saw two of its own break into the Top 5s. Eugenie Bouchard, No. 5 in 2014, and Milos Raonic, No. 3 in 2016, were examples and motivators for their young compatriots Félix Auger-Aliassime, Denis Shapovalov, Bianca Andreescu and Leylah Annie Fernandez. 
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12240254/Montage-Félix-Denis-Bianca-Leylah-Sportskeeda.webp" alt="" /><figcaption style="text-align:center;">Photos : Sportskeeda</figcaption></figure>
Now, back to China.
Ten years later, Na Li’s triumphs have inspired players like Shuai Peng, Shuai Zhang and Saisai Zheng and especially Qinwen Zheng. 
Since mid-July, Zheng has been putting together an impressive 24-4 record. 
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>
The girl who grew up marvelling at Li Na soared to the upper reaches of the sport and became the first Chinese woman since Na to reach the milestone of 40 wins in a single season. 
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12240256/Quiwen-Zheng-Beijing-2024-practice-VCG.webp" alt="" /><figcaption style="text-align:center;">Photo : VCG</figcaption></figure>
Last January, Zheng even got to celebrate her AO success with a surprise visit from her idol.
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12240260/Screenshot-2024-10-23-142828.webp" alt="" /></figure>
And it’s happening in the ATP, too. No. 46 Zhizhen Zhang is a good case in point.
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12240259/Zhizhen-Zhang-Hangzhou-2024-ATP.webp" alt="" /><figcaption style="text-align:center;">Photo : ATP</figcaption></figure>
At the ripe old age of 28, this late bloomer has achieved several firsts, including becoming the first Chinese man to break into the Top 100. In no time, he was joined by his countrymen No. 76 Yunchaokete Bu and the very promising teen No. 47 Juncheng Shang, whose friends call him Jerry.
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12240250/Juncheng-Shang-Chengdu-2024-AFP.webp" alt="" /><figcaption style="text-align:center;">Photo : AFP</figcaption></figure>
Jerry’s actually the second Chinese man to win an ATP tournament. He follows in the footsteps of 25-year-old Yibing Wu who claimed the title in Dallas last year—the very same Wu who spent a year away from tennis nursing an injury and still managed to claw his way back to No. 54.
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12240255/Qinwen-Zheng-gold-medal-Paris-2024-Beinsports.com.webp" alt="" /><figcaption style="text-align:center;">Photo : Beinsports.com</figcaption></figure>
And there’s no better proof than these two pics of Olympic mixed doubles silver medallists Wang and Zhang and gold medallist Qinwen Zheng!
<h3>The new rising stars</h3>
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12240249/Fils-et-Andreeva-2024-montage-AP-AFP.webp" alt="" /><figcaption style="text-align:center;">Photo : AFP/AP</figcaption></figure>
Gauff, Swiatek, Sinner, Alcaraz: four prodigies who took control of the tennis universe when they were barely out of their teens.
But who’s waiting in the wings to take their place? 
<h4>Mirra Andreeva </h4>
She’s the player most likely to be described as a sure thing. 
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12240253/Mirra-Andreeva-US-Open-2024-USOpen.webp" alt="" /><figcaption style="text-align:center;">Photo : US Open</figcaption></figure>
Mirra Andreeva, who’s six months shy of her 18th birthday, just broke into the Top 20 as the new No.17. She’s the first 17-year-old to join the elite group since Nicole Vaidisova in 2006.
But she’s by no means the youngest, since Martina Hingis, Monica Seles and Tracy Austin each pocketed a Slam before their 17th birthday. 
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/coaching-carousel-continues-wta-tour" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Coaching Carousel Continues on the WTA Tour</a>
If she were to win her first Slam in Melbourne next year, Andreeva would do so at the age of 17 years, 215 days and become the sixth youngest player in history to pull off the feat, ahead of none other than Serena Williams. 
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12240252/Mirra-Andreeva-selfie-Beijing-2024-WTA.webp" alt="" /><figcaption style="text-align:center;">Photo : WTA</figcaption></figure>
Joining Mirra on the list are No. 27 Linda Noskova of Czechia, 19, who won the WTA 500 in Monterrey in August, and three of her countrywomen: sisters Linda and Brenda Fruhvirtova, who are respectively 19 and 17, and 16-year-old Laura Samson. And let’s not forget 15-year-olds Hannah Klugman and Mika Stojsavljevic of Great Britain.
<h4>King Arthur </h4>
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12240248/Arthur-Fils-Wimbledon-2024-Reuters.webp" alt="" /><figcaption style="text-align:center;">Photo : Reuters</figcaption></figure>
Meanwhile in the ATP, the youngest potential members of the new next gen are all around 18 years old.
Arthur Fils of France leads the pack, and for good reason since he’s already starting to make a name for himself. The 20-year-old No. 20 is being tipped as the future French no.1 and possibly the next one to land in the Top 10.  

Read also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/monday-digest-diallo-into-top-100-after-almaty-final-run/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diallo Into Top 100 After Almaty Final Run</a>
Hot on his heels are 20-year-old No. 43 Alex Michelsen, No. 47 Jerry Shang and No. 51 Jakub Mensik, 19.
The youngest of the rookies and the seventh in line for the throne is No. 154 Joao Fonseca of Brazil, who just turned 18.
The WTA's best return to Montreal next 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>
The ATP's best return to Toronto next 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: Reuters

Features

Qinwen Zheng and the emergence of Chinese tennis

Karolina Pliskova returns to Match Point Canada, as she spoke with Mike from the National Bank Open about her signature weapon, the serve, challenges in staying healthy, tennis in Czech Republic, and future goals.
Meanwhile, Canadian Gabriel Diallo enjoyed a breakthrough week, reaching his first career ATP final. Hosts Ben and Mike discuss his huge result, a coaching hire by Iga Swiatek, Aryna Sabalenka taking the new No. 1 ranking and much more.
All of that on our latest episode of MPC! <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7N1Z2khrWbo8VBN1XOWyhD" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spotify</a> <a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/matchpointcanadatcpn?selected=ADV7315373409" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Megaphone</a>

<a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/matchpointcanadatcpn?selected=ADV7315373409" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> </a><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/match-point-canada/id1370718758" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Podcasts</a> 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/UR7w2ZbcjkI" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>

Match Point Canada - Episode 36: Karolina Pliskova

Rafael Nadal has officially announced his upcoming retirement from tennis at the end of the season, and author and regular guest Christopher Clarey joins Match Point Canada this week to reflect on his incredible career and legacy.
Clarey chats with Mike and Ben about the timing of the decision, his meaning to tennis, and expectations for Davis Cup.
Meanwhile, the hosts also cover Jannik Sinner's latest title in Shanghai, Aryna Sabalenka's win in Wuhan and her chase for world no. 1 and much more.
All of that on the latest episode of MPC! Listen to the podcast on your favourite platforms: 
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7N1Z2khrWbo8VBN1XOWyhD" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spotify</a><a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/matchpointcanadatcpn?selected=ADV7315373409" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Megaphone </a><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/match-point-canada/id1370718758" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Podcasts </a> <figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/45aq5WmOyqU" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>

Match Point Canada - Episode 35: Remembering Rafa with Christopher Clarey

In his legendary career, which will end in November at the Davis Cup Finals, the raging bull from Mallorca won 25 titles on hard courts. Five were in Canada, 20 per cent of his total on the surface. The National Bank Open was his most successful hard-court event. 
Not only was it the tournament he won the most times in his career, it is the only non-clay event he ever successfully defended. He is the winningest player, male or female, in Canada in the 21st century. 
As the sporting world celebrates one of the greatest athletes of all time, let’s visit his five triumphs in Canada. 
<h3>2005 – Montreal </h3>
<ul><li>Seeding: 1 </li><li>Final: d. Andre Agassi (4) 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 </li><li>Seeds Beaten: 2 </li><li>Sets Lost: 2 </li><li>Games Lost: 47 </li></ul>
Nadal made his debut in Canada in 2004 in Toronto ranked 62nd in the world, losing in the first round to two-time major champion Lleyton Hewitt. When he returned to Canada a year later, <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/rafael-nadals-unforgettable-first-montreal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this time in Montreal</a>, he was the top seed with a Grand Slam title under his belt. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/p2NkaqziCsQ" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
While he had already won eight titles in 2005 (nine overall in his career), he had yet to lift a trophy off of clay. 
He survived an early scare in the first round against fellow Mallorcan and future coach Carlos Moja before finding his stride. Nadal lost just 15 games in his next three matches and defeated Paul-Henri Mathieu in straight sets to book his place in the final. 
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2023/rafael-nadals-generational-battles-canada" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rafael Nadal’s Generational Battles in Canada</a>
Standing across the net was one of the greatest hard-court players of all time, the legendary veteran Andre Agassi. No easy task for a youngster trying to win his first title on a hard court. 
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;width:475px;max-width:475px;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12170933/Nadal-Montreal-2005-AP.webp" width="475" height="290" alt="" /><figcaption style="text-align:center;">Photo : AP</figcaption></figure>
But Nadal sent a message that he was not to be just a clay-court specialist, <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2023/rafael-nadals-generational-battles-canada" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">grinding past the eight-time major champion</a> in three sets for his first title away from his favourite surface. 
<h3>2008 – Toronto </h3>
<ul><li>Seeding: 2 </li><li>Final: d. Nicolas Kiefer 6-3, 6-2 </li><li>Seeds Beaten: 2 </li><li>Sets Lost: 1 </li><li>Games Lost: 38 </li></ul>
Nadal arrived in Toronto in July 2008 on a 24-match winning streak and was contesting his first event since his historic victory at Wimbledon, defeating Roger Federer in what is widely considered to be the greatest tennis match of all time. 
A surface change did little to slow the Spaniard down. His only blip that week in Ontario’s capital came in the quarter-finals when Richard Gasquet edged out a first-set tiebreak 14-12, but Nadal responded in dominant fashion by taking the next two sets 6-2, 6-1. 
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2023/examining-federer-nadal-djokovic-murrays-wimbledon-dominance" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Examining Federer, Nadal, Djokovic and Murray’s Wimbledon Dominance</a>
After beating Andy Murray in straight sets, the Spaniard easily defeated surprise finalist Nicolas Kiefer to win his second title in Canada. In the process, he became the first man in the 21st century and only active player at the time to have won the Canadian title in both Montreal and Toronto. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Kii5XO_j5Wc" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
The victory also extended his winning streak to 29 matches. He would stretch it to 32 before finally falling in the semifinals of Cincinnati the following week. That streak began on clay in Hamburg, included a perfect season on the grass, and then extended onto the hard courts. 
As of Nadal’s retirement in the fall of 2024, it remains the longest winning streak across three surfaces (with a minimum of eight wins per surface) by a man in tennis history. 
<h3>2013 – Montreal </h3>
<ul><li>Seeding: 4 </li><li>Final: d. Milos Raonic (11) 6-2, 6-2 </li><li>Seeds Beaten: 3 </li><li>Sets Lost: 1 </li><li>Games Lost: 38 </li></ul>
2013 was arguably Nadal’s best season overall, but it was certainly his peak on hard courts. He won his first 26 matches of the year on the surface, not suffering a defeat until October. The run saw him win his first four tournaments played on a hard court, all at the Masters 1000 or Grand Slam level, the second of which was in Montreal. 
Nadal came into the National Bank Open having just failed to reach the final of a tournament for the first time in 2013 in his previous event (he had reached the title match in his first nine tournaments of the year, winning seven of them). He proved that his first-round loss at Wimbledon was just a blip as he stormed through the draw in Canada. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/pwoaQYNPqBU" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
He only lost one set in the tournament and of the 11 sets he played, in five of them he dropped just two or fewer games. His one true test came in the semifinals against the world No. 1 Novak Djokovic and was one of the greatest matches in the history of the National Bank Open. The Serb won the second set, the only set Nadal lost at the tournament, and the match came down to a third-set tiebreak. When the tension was at its highest, Nadal rose to the occasion, dominating the breaker to defeat his rival in a statement victory. 
Read also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/milos-raonic-to-join-team-canada-for-davis-cup-final-8-replacing-felix-auger-aliassime/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Milos Raonic to Join Team Canada for Davis Cup Final 8</a>
In the final, Nadal played the role of spoiler for the home nation, defeating Canada’s Milos Raonic in straight sets. It was a returning masterclass by the Spaniard as he broke one of the best serves on tour four times, converting every break point he had. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/-AL1Dn1CuOY" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
The victory in Canada kicked off a historic summer for Nadal as he became just the third man to <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/the-canada-cincinnati-double-champions-agassi-rafter-roddick-nadal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">complete the “Summer Slam”</a> by winning Canada, Cincinnati, and the US Open in a row. 
<h3>2018 – Toronto </h3>
<ul><li>Seeding: 1 </li><li>Final: d. Stefanos Tsitsipas 6-2, 7-6(4) </li><li>Seeds Beaten: 1 </li><li>Sets Lost: 1 </li><li>Games Lost: 48 </li></ul>
While Nadal had been his usual dominant self on clay in 2018, winning four titles in five events in the spring, he had barely played on hard courts, having retired at the Australian Open and not returning until the clay. 
Still, he arrived in Toronto in form after an 11th title at Roland-Garros and a semifinal appearance at Wimbledon. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/7k7bfyA7K2M" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Little rust was visible for Nadal on the hard courts at Sobeys Stadium as he was able to grind through a draw full of challenging opponents including major champions Stan Wawrinka and Marin Cilic, who seemed primed to upset the top seed in the quarter-finals when he blasted him off the court in the opening set, only for the Spaniard to wear him down. 
A clever tactical win over Karen Khachanov sent Nadal into the final where he met a young Stefanos Tsitsipas, who was contesting his first Masters 1000 final after <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2023/top-five-cinderella-runs-toronto-national-bank-open" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">having beaten four Top 10 opponents in a row</a>. 
Nadal was not about to become the fifth. He eased through the first set and seemed on his way to a routine victory when he led 5-3 in the second set on Tsitsipas’ serve. In a bizarre twist, the Spaniard’s own classiness broke his momentum as Tsitsipas missed a first serve at 30-15 when a fan shouted during his toss. The Greek appealed for a let to the umpire and Nadal jumped in to insist the youngster get his first serve back. The umpire agreed and Tsitsipas went on to hold serve. 
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2023/flashback-2018-the-last-normal-atp-national-bank-open-toronto" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Flashback to 2018: The Last “Normal” ATP National Bank Open in Toronto</a>
That moment seemed to give Tsitsipas life as he broke the Spaniard when he served for the title in the following game. He was then able to force Nadal to a tiebreak, but that was where the upset bid ended as Nadal slammed the door for his fourth title in Canada. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/oImbpNQ4nJU" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
With the win, Canada became Nadal’s most-successful hard-court event, breaking a tie with Indian Wells and the US Open. After the final, he said in press with a smirk, “Canada is a place that I feel comfortable. I play well. And I played with the Canada colours during the whole event,” referencing the red-and-white kit he donned at the 2018 event. 
Toronto was the only hard-court tournament Nadal got through without injury in 2018. He did not lose a completed match on the surface that year, as he only played three tournaments and retired with injuries in the other two (Australian Open and US Open). 
<h3>2019 – Montreal </h3>
<ul><li>Seeding: 1 </li><li>Final: d. Medvedev (8) 6-3, 6-0 </li><li>Seeds Beaten: 2* (plus one walkover) </li><li>Sets Lost: 1 </li><li>Games Lost: 29* (plus one walkover) </li></ul>
2019 was Nadal’s 19th season as a professional tennis player but despite everything he had accomplished up to that point, there was still one thing he had never done: defend a title on hard court. 
The National Bank Open provided him with an opportunity as he was the top seed at the event he had already won more times than any other non-clay tournament. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/DooJgpflgTw" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
His run was similar to the previous year in Toronto, where he only dropped one set, that being the first set of his quarter-final against a veteran opponent 6-2, and then beating a rising star in the final. 
Fabio Fognini gave the Spaniard trouble in the last eight, playing lights out in the opening set to create a potential upset. But Nadal was able to out-wait the volatile Italian and dropped just three games in the last two sets. 
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/highlights-from-2024-national-bank-open-montreal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Highlights from the 2024 National Bank Open in Montréal </a>
Gael Monfils was unable to contest their semifinal, granting the defending champion a walkover meaning he would be well-rested for his final against the in-form Daniil Medvedev. Nadal was not about to let his shot at finally winning back-to-back hard-court titles slip away. He easily defeated the future world No. 1 in just over an hour to complete his first and only non-clay title defence. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/4r4lMQjoyfA" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Like 2013, a title in Canada precipitated a victory at the US Open where he also defeated Medvedev, albeit in a far tighter final. 
Nadal’s five titles in Canada are the second most by a man all time. He is one of six men to win Toronto and Montreal back-to-back. He won the National Bank Open 38 per cent of the times he played (5/13) and, as he has not played in Canada since winning back-to-back titles in 2018-19, he will retire on a nine-match winning streak in Canada. 
Thanks for the memories, Rafa. VAMOS! 
The ATP's best return to Toronto next 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 : Tennis Canada

Tournament Throwback

King of Canada: Revisiting Rafael Nadal’s Five Titles at the National Bank Open

One move that players have available is to part ways with their coach and try to find a new voice that can help unlock the best version of themselves. 
In recent weeks on the WTA Tour, three major coaching changes have made headlines. 
Things got started on Sep. 14 when four-time Grand Slam champion and former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka announced that she was parting ways with long-time coach Wim Fissette. Ranked 75th at the time the news broke, Osaka shared the following to her fans on Instagram:
"4 years, 2 Slams and a whole lot of memories. Thanks Wim for being a great coach and an even greater person, wishing you all the best." <figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Paq5M3il5R4" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
The pair had begun their partnership prior to the 2020 season, parted ways during the summer of 2022, and then reunited when she began training for her return post-maternity leave. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/naomi-osaka-thriving-on-off-court" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">There was progress this year for Osaka</a> but clearly not at the rate she had hoped for. 
Osaka quickly revealed that she will begin immediately working with high-profile coach Patrick Mouratoglou, former coach of Serena Williams, who most recently worked with rising ATP star Holger Rune. The Frenchman worked wonders with Serena in the later stages of her career so it stands to reason that he might be the best coach to help Osaka make the most of her second phase on tour. 
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/sprint-finish-line" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sprint to the finish line</a>
Fissette is well positioned to bounce back in short order as his coaching resume includes working with the likes of Victoria Azarenka, Kim Clijsters, Simona Halep and Angelique Kerber. <figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/A1XTRVmDXlU" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Mere days after that major coaching announcement, 20-year-old American Coco Gauff made the decision to end her very successful 14-month-long partnership with Brad Gilbert. The two had immediate success when they teamed up at the start of the summer in 2023, winning titles in Washington DC, Cincinnati, and at the US Open for her maiden Grand Slam title. Gauff rose as high as No. 2 in the world but <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/diana-shnaider-continues-2024-breakout-upset-gauff" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">this summer she seemed to stagnate in her progress</a>, ultimately leading to the coaching change. 
Gauff has started working with Matt Daly and they have hit the ground running with a title this past week in Beijing, where she defeated Karolina Muchova 6-1, 6-3 in the final. 
Read also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/monday-digest-dabrowski-and-routliffe-qualify-for-wta-finals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dabrowski and Routliffe Qualify for WTA Finals</a>
The young American shared the following about the decision to change coaches at this early stage of her career.
“What a coach has to offer, I think it depends on what point in your career you’re at, what you’re looking for,” she said. “Obviously right now I’m very young, so I’m looking just for someone to help me develop in the long-term process, try to help make my game as complete as I can be.”<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_d27p4wk9Cc" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
The 63-year-old Gilbert can return to maximizing his time as one of the top television commentators in the sport or find a new charge in short order should he choose. The list of players he’s worked with is lengthy in terms of all-time greats including Andre Agassi, Andy Roddick and Andy Murray. 
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/canadian-doubles-steal-show-toronto" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Canadian Doubles Steal the Show in Toronto</a>
The final major coaching shake-up of the fall so far happened a week ago when World No. 1 Iga Swiatek opted to make a change. It’s not all that often that the top-ranked player decides to part ways with their coach. 
Swiatek had been working with fellow Pole Tomasz Wiktorowski for the past three years, a stretch that has seen her take control of the No. 1 ranking and accumulate four of her five major titles. The Pole has not found a replacement just yet.<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/bX7mKlcUWQw" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
All three of the aforementioned players could have continued on with their previous coaches and possibly figured out how to get back on their usual track. However, they weren’t content to let their slumps hold them back any longer. 
For now, let’s see how new arrivals like Mouratoglou and Daly can help as well as the 2024 season nears its conclusion. 
The WTA's best return to Montreal next summer for the National Bank Open July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at IGA Stadium. 2024 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

Coaching Carousel Continues on the WTA Tour

Genie Bouchard returns to Match Point Canada for the first time in a few years, and reflects on great memories including the 10 year anniversary of her run to the Wimbledon finals back in 2014.
She also discusses working within the media landscape and what she still has left to give to the game.
Meanwhile, Ben and Mike break down Carlos Alcaraz's debut at the Laver Cup, and get set for the indoor hard court season with action in Beijing.
All of that and more on the latest episode of MPC! 
Listen to the podcast on your favourite platforms: 
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7N1Z2khrWbo8VBN1XOWyhD" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spotify</a><a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/matchpointcanadatcpn?selected=ADV7315373409" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Megaphone </a><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/match-point-canada/id1370718758" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Podcasts</a> 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kZRQbYKKKFE" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>

Match Point Canada - Episode 33: Genie Bouchard

Team Canada enjoyed a big week in Manchester, winning Group D and booking their spot in the Davis Cup Finals this November.
Tumaini Carayol, journalist from The Guardian, joins Ben and Mike to recap the action, including big performances from Denis Shapovalov and Felix Auger-Aliassime.
The hosts also discuss a coaching change for Naomi Osaka, Novak Djokovic's priorities, and a big performance from Marina Stakusic in Guadalajara.
All of that and more on the latest episode of MPC. 
Listen to the podcast on your favourite platforms: 
<a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/7N1Z2khrWbo8VBN1XOWyhD" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spotify</a><a href="https://cms.megaphone.fm/channel/matchpointcanadatcpn?selected=ADV7315373409" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Megaphone </a><a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/match-point-canada/id1370718758" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Podcasts</a><figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ZSqm8CHCiYw" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>

Match Point Canada - Episode 32: Davis Cup recap with Tumaini Carayol

<h3>Iga or Aryna?</h3>
If she stays healthy, World No.1 Iga Swiatek should extend her reign until the year wraps up. Her five crowns including the French Slam guarantee her WTA Finals berth, but will she lead the elite eight into Riyadh? 
<figure><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/_default/12234442/Picture-paul-blog.webp" alt="" /></figure>
Source : WTA That’s a trick question since Aryna Sabalenka, who’s been blazing through 2024 with three titles including two majors, trails Iga by only 400 points with three key tournaments (two WTA 1000 and one WTA 500) still on the calendar. 
Among the new faces who could be in the mix in Saudi Arabia are Jasmine Paolini, Emma Navarro and Qinwen Zheng.
<h3>Sinner flying solo</h3>
Meanwhile in the ATP, the real race is between the no.2 and the no.3 since Jannik Sinner has a 3,000-point lead over his closest rivals. Separated by about 100 points, Alexander Zverev and Carlos Alcaraz head into Turin far ahead of no.4 Daniil Medvedev.
<a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/canada-britain-2024-davis-cup-finals-group-stage/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Read more: Canada defeats Britain to win Group D at Davis Cup</a>
Also hotly contested is the no.8 spot. The GOAT currently sits at no.9 but could close the gap of less than 50 points between him and the current no.8 Alex de Minaur. 
<figure><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/_default/12234444/novak-paul-blog.webp" alt="" /></figure>
Photo : Tennis365
Surprisingly though, Djokovic isn’t putting too much pressure on himself to make that happen. Since winning Olympic gold in Paris—the only significant title that had eluded him—he’s recalibrated his priorities. 
“Torino is not my goal at all, to be honest. I am not chasing ATP Finals, I am not chasing the rankings,” he told reporters after helping Serbia overtake Greece in the Davis Cup World Group I tie in Belgrade. “As far as I am concerned, I am done with those tournaments for my career. Whether I will play other tournaments this year or in the future, I can’t say right now.” =================
<h3>Laver Cup: advantage Europe (again) </h3>
The seventh edition of the Laver Cup runs from September 20 to 22 at Uber Arena in Berlin, Germany.
A sign of the times, zero of the Big Three will be on the court or behind the bench, though Roger Federer should be in attendance as the event’s cofounder. 

<figure><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/_default/12234443/Picture3-laver-cup-blog-paul.webp" alt="" /></figure>
 Photo : Laver Cup
This year, the teams get new captains as Yannick Noah and Andre Agassi take over from Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe.
The tournament has lost some of the newness of its pre-pandemic beginnings, but it remains one of my favourites. Exhibition tennis that’s serious and competitive. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QfKoVvEZCVE" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
As in every edition (except 2023), a glance at the teams reveals the chasm between them when it comes to the competitors’ ATP rankings. Team World vs. Team Europe is a timid David vs. Goliath. 
<figure><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/_default/12234445/laver-cup-Picture4-paul-blog.webp" alt="" /></figure>
Photo : Laver Cup
Europe World
Zverev (2) Fritz (7)
Alcaraz (3) Tiafoe (16)
Medvedev (5) Shelton (17)
Ruud (9) Tabilo (22)
Dimitrov (10) Cerundolo (31)
Tsitsipas (12) Kokkinakis (78)
When everyone on the blue team is a member of the Top 12 compared to only one guy on the reds, the odds are that the Laver Cup will find its way back to Europe for the fifth time. 
Still, the Laver Cup’s unique format leaves room for a few surprises. In 2022, after four straight losses, Team World with the help of Félix Auger-Aliassime in the best year of his career, finally raised the Laver Cup. And last year in Vancouver, the red team won by a landslide. 
2017 Europe 15 World 9
2018 Europe 13 World 8
2019 Europe 13 World 11
2020 ------------
2021 Europe 14 World 1 
2022 World 13 Europe 8
2023 World 13 Europe 2
So no Félix, no Roger, no Rafa and no Novak this year. Will David keep taunting Goliath, or will the old continent rise up once again? 
Das werden wir in Berlin sehen!

Tour Results

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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/12240354/OBN_Tournament_Calendar.webp" width="826" height="594" 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>

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

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Match Point Canada - Episode 33: Genie Bouchard

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