<h3>Zverev, Djokovic shocked early</h3>
Top-seeded Alexander Zverev was shocked in the second round of the BNP Paribas Open by Tallon Griekspoor 4-6, 7-6 (5), 7-6 (4). It’s the second consecutive tournament that Zverev has been upset as the No. 1 seed after he lost to teenager Learner Tien in the Round of 16 in Acapulco.
“At the end of the day, I'm just not playing good tennis at the moment,” said Zverev. “It's as simple as that. I'm not playing a level that I want to play, definitely not playing anywhere near what I played in Australia. I'm just disappointed with my game. That's No. 1 thing for me.”
The world No. 2 is scheduled to get back on the court next week in Miami.
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JdzVwQbSsCA" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Sixth-seeded Novak Djokovic was also eliminated in his first match at Indian Wells, falling 6-2, 3-6, 6-1 to Botic van de Zandschulp.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner has now suffered three straight defeats, having lost to Matteo Berrettini in Qatar and Zverev (via retirement) at the Australian Open. It’s the first time since 2018 that the world No. 7 has lost three matches in a row.
Van de Zandschulp, one of the tournament’s lucky losers, will take on Francisco Cerundolo in the third round.
Read Also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/atp-power-rankings-door-open-sunshine-double" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ATP Power Rankings - Door Open at the Sunshine Double</a>
<h3>Rough second round for Canadians</h3>
Four Canadians entered the singles draw at Indian Wells but only one remains after the second round. 
<a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/shapovalov-advances-auger-aliassime-fernandez-ousted-at-indian-wells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denis Shapovalov cruised to victory</a> in round two, defeating qualifier Adam Walton 6-3, 6-2. He will battle second-seeded Carlos Alcaraz in the next round on Monday. 
Félix Auger-Aliassime could not continue his early 2025 momentum, dropping his opening match to Jenson Brooksby in straight sets 6-4, 6-2, while Leylah Annie Fernandez lost to Jaqueline Cristian 5-7, 7-6 (5), 6-3 in a hard-fought three-set match. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QiG94yrCsZA" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Gabriel Diallo had his run at Indian Wells come to an end on Friday after he was <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/diallos-luck-runs-out-against-fils-in-indian-well-round-two/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bounced by 20th seed Arthur Fils</a> in the second round in straight sets 6-2, 6-2. The Montreal native got into the main draw as the lucky loser and advanced to the second round following a <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/diallo-seizes-lucky-loser-opportunity-for-first-indian-wells-win/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">three-set win over Zhizhen Zhang</a>.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/shapovalov-advances-auger-aliassime-fernandez-ousted-at-indian-wells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shapovalov advances, Auger-Aliassime, Fernandez ousted at Indian Wells</a>
<h3>Raducanu returns to the court</h3>
Former US Open champion Emma Raducanu returned to the court in Indian Wells for the first time following an incident with a fan at the Dubai Open Championships. 
The 22-year-old had been approached by a man at the Dubai event where he left her a note, took her photograph, and engaged in behaviour that caused her distress, the government of Dubai’s media office said. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Lp5hQKS62IA" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
The man was ejected from the venue and banned from all WTA events. 
She lost 6-3 6-2 to Moyuka Uchijima but said the events in Dubai did not affect her form at Indian Wells. 
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/wta-power-rankings-big-names-look-get-back-on-track-sunshine-double" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WTA Power Rankings - Big Names Look to Get Back On Track at Sunshine Double</a>
"I didn't have what happened in Dubai in my head at all today. If anything, [it was] a bit of a lack of preparation on the tennis court, playing someone who played pretty good in these extremely awkward conditions,” Raducanu said following the match. "I think it depends what sort of frame of mind you are in. I think all the players will say, if they are feeling good, it's great. If they are not, it can be more difficult and challenging.”
In 2022, while Raducanu was still a teenager, a man in Britain was convicted of stalking her.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/team-canada-set-to-host-israel-in-2025-davis-cup-world-group/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Team Canada set to host Israel in 2025 Davis Cup World Group I</a>
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: Peter Staples/ATP Tour

This Week in Tennis: Indian Wells Rolls On

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!

Well, mostly. 
The hard-court events in 2024 were mostly dominated by one man and he will not be in Indian Wells or Miami over the next month, meaning the rest of the tour have a chance to score some big wins in the American sun. 
So who do we think will take advantage of the opportunity? The National Bank Open Power Rankings breaks down the field at the Sunshine Double. 
(Brackets indicate change in position since <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/atp-power-rankings-sinner-looks-stay-dominant-australian-open" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the last edition of the Power Rankings</a> from before the Australian Open.) 
<h3>1) Carlos Alcaraz (+1) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 3 </li><li>2025 Record: 11-2 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: ATP 500 Rotterdam Champion </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Result: Indian Wells (Twice) and Miami (2022) Champion </li></ul>
While Jannik Sinner was the king of the hard courts in 2024, Indian Wells was where his biggest rival got the better of him. Carlos Alcaraz won their semifinal clash in Tennis Paradise a year ago and went on to successfully defend his title. The Spaniard has a great record in Indian Wells, having reached at least the semifinals in three straight years and, of course, winning the last two titles. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lN0wkSJGbe8" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
It is worth noting though that the surface has changed this year in the desert and is reportedly playing faster. That being said, it is more similar to the surface used in Miami, which Alcaraz also won in 2022. The Spaniard, a two-time Wimbledon champion, does enjoy fast courts too. He just won his first indoor title in February, after all. 
<h3>2) Alexander Zverev (+1) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 2 </li><li>2025 Record: 12-4 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: Australian Open Runner-Up </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Result: Miami Runner-Up (2018) </li></ul>
Alexander Zverev is the top seed this week in Indian Wells and, assuming he plays, will be in Miami too. The German has had a bit of an odd run up to the Sunshine Double, electing to play most of February on clay in South America. He lost in the second round of his one warm-up hard-court event in Acapulco, although he reportedly was one of many players at that event suffering from food poisoning. 
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/wta-power-rankings-big-names-look-get-back-on-track-sunshine-double" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">WTA Power Rankings - Big Names Look to Get Back On Track at Sunshine Double</a>
Considering his generally strong performances on hard courts throughout his career, the Sunshine Double has been trickier for Zverev. He reached the Miami final in 2018 but has not been back and has never even reached the semis in Indian Wells. 
<h3>3) Novak Djokovic (+1) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 7 </li><li>2025 Record: 7-3 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: Australian Open SF </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Result: Indian Wells (five times) and Miami (six times) Champion </li></ul>
Novak Djokovic has finally started to show his age in 2025 but, as always, doubt him at your own peril. He still made the semifinals of the Australian Open before pulling out with an injury, although he also has not won a match since Melbourne. His lone appearance in between was a first-round loss in Doha. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Up7jxaRYt1o" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
On the one hand, Djokovic is the most successful player at these two 1000 events in the 21st century but also has not won either since he completed his third Sunshine Double sweep in a row in 2016. In fact, he has not even been past the fourth round over that span, although he has only made one appearance at either event since 2019 (a third-round loss in Indian Wells last year). 
<h3>4) Andrey Rublev (+6) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 8 </li><li>2025 Record: 9-5 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: ATP 500 Doha Champion </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Result: Indian Wells (2022) and Miami (2021) SF </li></ul>
Andrey Rublev has had a pretty good run since his first-round loss at the Australian Open, reaching the quarter-finals or better at three of four events including a title in Doha where he battled through a tough draw that included Alexander Bublik, Nuno Borges, Alex de Minaur, Félix Auger-Aliassime and Jack Draper. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/o_ZszGc-u2g" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
While his best Masters 1000 results have been on clay, he has been no slouch on the hard courts either, having reached three finals in the latter half of the season. Success at the Sunshine Double has eluded him but with the right draw, the tenacious Rublev is not someone any opponent will want to face. 
<h3>5) Stefanos Tsitsipas (New) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 9 </li><li>2025 Record: 8-4 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: ATP 500 Dubai Champion </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Result: Indian Wells and Miami QF (2021) </li></ul>
One of the stranger streaks in the men’s game was finally snapped last month. Despite being a multi-Masters 1000 champion and two-time Grand Slam runner-up, Stefanos Tsitsipas needed 12 tries to win an ATP 500 final. He did so <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-pegula-tsitsipas-claim-first-2025-titles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">with a win in Dubai</a> at the end of February. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_g4A_4KodaM" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Now he will hope to finally have a breakthrough at the Sunshine Double. Tsitsipas has reached the semifinals or better at every other Masters 1000 event on the calendar but has never been past the quarter-finals of either Indian Wells or Miami. If he’s in a mood for breaking droughts, 2025 could be the year.
<h3>6) Taylor Fritz (-1) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 4 </li><li>2025 Record: 8-4 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: ATP 250 Delray Beach QF </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Result: Indian Wells Champion (2022) </li></ul>
After helping the United States to the United Cup title to start the season, Taylor Fritz has struggled to string together wins. Six of his eight victories came in a row in January and he has not won back-to-back matches since the Australian Open. 
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/introducing-road-nbo-tennis-canada-award-wild-card-canadian-winner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Introducing the Road to the NBO - Tennis Canada to Award Wild Card to Canadian Winner</a>
But Fritz knows how to win in the desert. He claimed the biggest title of his career in Indian Wells back in 2022 (on a severely injured ankle no less). The BNP Paribas Open is also the only “big” tournament (Masters 1000 or Grand Slam) where the American No. 1 has reached at least the quarter-finals three times. 
<h3>7) Félix Auger-Aliassime (New) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 18 </li><li>2025 Record: 16-5 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/auger-aliassime-battles-to-second-title-of-2025-in-montpellier/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ATP 250 Montpellier Champion</a> </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Result: Miami SF (2019) </li></ul>
Félix Auger-Aliassime leads the ATP Tour in match wins (16), titles (two), and finals (three) so far in 2025. He has reached the quarter-finals or better at four of his six regular tour events, with one of the two early losses being a retirement. He also had <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/auger-aliassime-fernandezs-big-wins-not-enough-for-canada-at-united-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a Top 5 win over Fritz at the United Cup</a>. 
That’s a long way of saying Auger-Aliassime has had a phenomenal start to 2025. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/yNLmvxhN7ZA" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Now he just needs to prove he can get the job done with the biggest names in the game in the draw. The Australian Open was his lone real flop so far this year when he lost from two sets up in the second round. But apart from that, he has done a great job of finding ways to win. The Montrealer has an impressive 10-2 record in three-set matches this season. 
<h3>8) Daniil Medvedev (-2) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 6 </li><li>2025 Record: 8-5 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: ATP 250 Marseille SF </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Result: Miami Champion (2023) </li></ul>
Is this the year Daniil Medvedev finally solves Indian Wells? He certainly will like his chances if he can avoid Alcaraz, who beat him in the last two finals in Tennis Paradise. 
If there is one player more than any other who should like the surface change in the desert, it’s Medvedev, who has famously criticized the court surface in the past. Although not that it stopped him from reaching a pair of finals. But if Indian Wells does play more like Miami, the self-proclaimed “hard-court specialist” should be happy since he won on that surface two years ago. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lNLA8_hsiTg" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Medvedev has been one of the best players in the world on hard courts over the last five-plus years but has struggled to find his feet so far in 2025. Maybe some time in the sun is just what the former US Open champion needs. 
<h3>9) Alex de Minaur (-2) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 10 </li><li>2025 Record: 13-4 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: ATP 500 Rotterdam Runner-Up </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Result: Indian Wells (three times) and Miami (2024) SF </li></ul>
The Demon has settled in to being a very consistent player in the Top 10 over the last year or so. So far in 2025, he has reached the quarter-finals or better at three out of four regular tour events he has played, including on home soil at the Australian Open and a finals run in Rotterdam where he pushed Alcaraz to three sets. 
Read also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/tebbutt-indian-wells-is-a-cool-place/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Indian Wells is a "Cool" Place</a>
De Minaur has not had a ton of success at the Masters 1000 level in his career, apart from his finals run in Toronto in 2023. He actually has more Grand Slam quarter-finals on his record than Masters 1000s. But if we know one thing about the Aussie, it’s that he is going to chase down every single ball. And in the southern US heat, or at least in the Miami humidity since temperatures are quite cool in Indian Wells this year, his fitness should serve him well. 
<h3>10) Casper Ruud (-1) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 5 </li><li>2025 Record: 10-2 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: ATP 500 Dallas Runner-Up </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Result: Miami Runner-Up (2022) </li></ul>
Apart from his disappointing result at the Australian Open, Casper Ruud has been fairly solid so far in 2025 when he has played. Djokovic is the only player on this list with fewer matches on his record than the Norwegian, although part of that is Ruud’s choice to represent his country whenever possible. He played both United Cup and Davis Cup, which limited the number of matches he could play. But he also won all four of them. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KY5Ui_TMtrY" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
His three tour results have been a bit odd: a second-round loss in Melbourne followed by a runner-up finish in Dallas (where he lost to the red-hot Denis Shapovalov), only to get sick and pull out in Acapulco. 
While his best Masters 1000 results have mostly been on clay, he did get to the last sixteen at both Indian Wells and Miami last year and reached his first Masters 1000 final on any surface in Miami back in 2022. So don’t write him off just because the surface over the next month is solid. 

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><li><a href="https://x.com/raviubha" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ravi Ubha</a> - Content Contributor, Tennis Canada</li></ul>
<h4>Bold Prediction for the Sunshine Double:</h4>
<ul><li>Pete: Despite the apparently speedier court surface in Indian Wells, Daniil Medvedev will voice his frustration with it. </li><li>Mel: Alex de Minaur will reach his first Masters 1000 final since Toronto in 2023 during the Sunshine Double. </li><li>Jonathan: Unimpeded by bees, Carlos Alcaraz goes back-to-back to win both legs of the Sunshine Double </li><li>Eddie: Joao Fonseca’s debut in the sunshine doubles will result in a QF appearance at both tournaments. </li><li>Pat: Ben Shelton not only reaches his first 1000 semis, but will win his maiden Masters title. </li><li>Ravi: Carlos Alcaraz repeats at Indian Wells </li></ul>
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>
Feature Photo: Antoine Couvercelle/FFT

Experts

ATP Power Rankings: Door Open at the Sunshine Double

Now the intensity ramps up another notch with two of the most well-known non-Grand Slam events on the calendar: Indian Wells and Miami. Is this the moment when the WTA’s stars step up and reassert themselves? Or are there more surprises in store?
The National Bank Open Power Rankings are here to tee up the Sunshine Double. 
(Brackets indicate change in position since <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/wta-power-rankings-a-new-york-breakthrough-horizon" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the last edition of the Power Rankings</a> from before the Australian Open.) 
<h3>1. Aryna Sabalenka (-) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 1 </li><li>2025 Record: 12-3 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: Australian Open Runner-Up </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Result: Indian Wells Runner-Up (2023) </li></ul>



It would be fair to say that Aryna Sabalenka has not had the start to 2025 that some may have expected. A major and two 1000 events have passed by, all on hard courts, and she did not win any of them. <figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/OFQL0qiyiNg" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
However, she still reached her third Australian Open final in a row and practically every big name struggled at the Middle East 1000s so it was not just the world No. 1 who had a tough go. The fact remains that Sabalenka has been the best player on hard courts for the better part of the last two years and as long as the surface under her feet is solid, she is the favourite. 
<h3>2. Iga Swiatek (+1) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 2 </li><li>2025 Record: 14-4 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: WTA 1000 Doha SF </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Results: Indian Wells (Twice) and Miami Champion (2022) </li></ul>



For the first time since 2019, Iga Swiatek arrives in Indian Wells without a title so far in the season (excluding 2020 when the tournament was cancelled). She did not reach the final at one of the WTA 1000 events in the Middle East for the first time since 2021. <figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/usso7JsbFzY" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
But despite the lack of trophies, Swiatek has been very consistent to start 2025. She has reached the quarter-finals or better at all three big events this year, the only woman on tour to do so, and lost to the eventual champion at two of those tournaments (Madison Keys in Australia, Mirra Andreeva in Dubai) so some understandable losses. 
Perhaps most importantly, Swiatek is the defending champion in Indian Wells, having reached three straight semifinals in Tennis Paradise and lifting the trophy twice. She did not drop a set in her title run a year ago. 
<h3>3. Coco Gauff (-1) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 3 </li><li>2025 Record: 9-3 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: Australian Open QF </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Result: Indian Wells SF (2024) </li></ul>



Gauff returns to home soil looking to snap a three-match losing streak dating back to her quarter-final loss at the Australian Open. She lost her opening matches in both Doha and Dubai in straight sets. 
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/introducing-road-nbo-tennis-canada-award-wild-card-canadian-winner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Introducing the Road to the NBO - Tennis Canada to Award Wild Card to Canadian Winner</a>
However, this current losing streak was preceded by an 11-match winning streak and she is 22-5 overall since the US Open. She has reached the quarter-finals or better each of the last two years in Indian Wells and will have the home crowd advantage which has helped the American to two of her three biggest titles (US Open and Cincinnati in 2023). 
<h3>4. Madison Keys (New) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 5 </li><li>2025 Record:14-1 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: Australian Open Champion </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Results: Indian Wells (2022) and Miami (2016) QF </li></ul>



What does Madison Keys have in store for an encore? 
The Australian Open champion will be competing in her first event since <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-keys-sinner-win-australian-open-singles-titles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">winning her maiden Grand Slam title</a> over the coming weeks. She is on a 12-match winning streak that includes wins over Sabalenka, Swiatek, Elena Rybakina, Jessica Pegula, Danielle Collins, Daria Kasatkina, and Jelena Ostapenko. <figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ChUTsgpgxts" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
She has been off for quite a while so it will be interesting to see if she is rusty or if the momentum gained in Melbourne is still there. She has made the quarter-finals once each in Indian Wells and Miami. Her quarter-final run in Indian Wells back in 2022 was also following a deep run at the Australian Open. 
<h3>5. Jessica Pegula (+1) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 4 </li><li>2025 Record: 13-4 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: WTA 250 Dallas Champion </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Result: Miami SF (Twice) </li></ul>



Pegula arrives hot on the heels of her first title since <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">winning in Toronto</a> last August, claiming the title in Dallas. She also reached the final of Adelaide earlier in the year, losing to Keys. 
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>
So far in 2025, Pegula has been able to pick up wins but has yet to go on a run at a big tournament. She did not win more than two matches at the Australian Open or either WTA 1000 event. 
It is worth noting how well Pegula plays in North America. She has reached the quarter-finals or better at the last four WTA 1000 or Grand Slam events in her home continent, including three straight finals (Toronto, Cincinnati, US Open). 
<h3>6. Mirra Andreeva (+3) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 11 </li><li>2025 Record: 13-3 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: WTA 1000 Dubai Champion </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Result: Indian Wells R1 (2024) </li></ul>



Mirra Andreeva has been dubbed a future star for years, but probably the word “future” can be dropped from that moniker. The 17-year-old became the youngest WTA 1000 winner since the format began in 2009 when she <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-andreeva-leaps-top-10-win-dubai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lifted the trophy last month in Dubai</a>. Her title run included wins over Swiatek and Rybakina. <figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nPc_qP1fwbU" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
It is also worth noting that two of her three losses this season came at the hands of the world No. 1 Sabalenka. 
Now the pressure will be on the teen to back up her big result. She will only be making her second appearance in Indian Wells and her debut in Miami. 
<h3>7. Paula Badosa (+3) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 10 </li><li>2025 Record: 10-7 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: Australian Open SF </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Result: Indian Wells Champion (2021) </li></ul>



Paula Badosa seems close to getting her top form back, the form that saw her win Indian Wells back in 2021. While she had disappointing results in Doha and Dubai, prior to that she had reached the quarter-finals or better at four straight WTA 1000 and Grand Slam events. 
Read also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/tebbutt-indian-wells-is-a-cool-place/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tebbutt - Indian Wells is a Cool Place</a>
Additionally, most of her losses so far in 2025 have been to the best players. She was beaten by Sabalenka in Australia, eventual champion Amanda Anisimova in Doha, and Rybakina in Dubai. No shame in any of those results. It takes a lot to beat Badosa these days, although it was a bit concerning to see her retire in her most-recent event in Merida, Mexico. 
<h3>8. Elena Rybakina (-4) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 7 </li><li>2025 Record: 13-5 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: WTA 1000 Dubai SF </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Result: Indian Wells Champion (2023) </li></ul>



After Swiatek, Rybakina has arguably been the next most consistent player on tour this year. She has won at least two matches in every tournament she’s played this year and has reached the quarter-finals or better at her last three events in a row, including both WTA 1000 events in Doha and Dubai. Rybakina has also lost to the eventual champion in three of the four regular tour events she has played this year. <figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nR4B4eSPMgM" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
But even with all her consistency, the former Wimbledon champion has yet to reach a final in 2025. In fact, she has not reached a final since Miami last year. 
That being said, the Kazakhstani plays very well during the Sunshine Double. She won Indian Wells the last time she played there in 2023 and has reached the last two finals in Miami. 
<h3>9. Emma Navarro (New) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 8 </li><li>2025 Record: 10-5 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: WTA 500 Merida Champion </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Result: Indian Wells QF (2024) </li></ul>



In Indian Wells a year ago, Navarro had her first deep run at a big event, reaching the quarter-finals. She has continued to improve since, adding a semifinal in Toronto and three consecutive Grand Slam quarter-finals or better dating back to Wimbledon. 
She also arrives fresh off a dominant title run in Merida which was capped off with a double-bagel in the final. <figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zlBGcSubvLM" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
One area to keep an eye on with Navarro though is her performances in big matches. She played two qualifiers and a wild card in Merida and only has one win over an opponent ranked inside the Top 25 this year, although that was a Top 10 win over Daria Kasatkina at the Australian Open. 
<h3>10. Karolina Muchova (-2) </h3>
<ul><li>Actual Ranking: 15 </li><li>2025 Record: 9-5 </li><li>Notable Recent Results: WTA 1000 Dubai SF </li><li>Best Sunshine Double Result: Indian Wells QF (2023) </li></ul>



After injuries sidelined her for the first half of 2024, Karolina Muchova finished the year with a bang which led to high expectations going into 2025. She got off to a slow start but has been picking up steam, reaching the semifinals of her last two events including the WTA 1000 in Dubai. 
While big titles have eluded her, Muchova is no stranger to the late rounds of big events, having reached a pair of WTA 1000 finals in her career, four Grand Slam semifinals, and of course the 2023 Roland-Garros final. She has only played Indian Wells once before but reached the quarter-finals in that lone appearance. 
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><li><a href="https://x.com/raviubha" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ravi Ubha</a> - Content Contributor, Tennis Canada</li></ul>
<h4>Bold Prediction for the Sunshine Double: </h4>





<ul><li>Pete: After wildly unpredictable 1000 events in the Middle East, both Sunshine Double events will be won by previous WTA 1000 winners. </li><li>Mel: After winning Indian Wells in 2023, Elena Rybakina will complete her Sunshine Double trophy collection by winning Miami in 2025. </li><li>Sarah-Jade: Serena Williams will award the WTA trophy to the winner after all her history in Indian Wells. </li><li>Jonathan: Paula Badosa wins her second Indian Wells title. </li><li>Pat: A qualifier reaches the final four at one of the events. </li><li>Ravi: Swiatek repeats as Indian Wells champion. </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 : BNP Paribas Open

WTA Power Rankings: Big Names Look to Get Back On Track at Sunshine Double

<h3>Tsitsipas denies Auger-Aliassime third title in 2025</h3>
Stefanos Tsitsipas <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/auger-aliassime-denied-another-title-by-tsitsipas-in-dubai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">defeated Canadian Félix Auger-Aliassime</a> 6-3, 6-3 to win the Dubai Tennis Championships, denying the Montreal native what would have been his third ATP title of 2025.
It’s the first title of the season for the 26-year-old native of Greece, who will make his way back into the Top 10 after claiming the 500-level event. Tsitsipas had been struggling through a slow start to the season, having lost in the first round in Doha and at the Australian Open. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_g4A_4KodaM" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Despite the loss, Auger-Aliassime will jump to No. 18 on the ATP Tour, his first time in the Top 20 since Oct. 2024. The 24-year-old entered Saturday leading the ATP tour with 16 wins this season.
Elsewhere on the ATP tour, Tomas Mahac claimed the first tour-level title of his career, defeating Alejandro Davidovich Fokina 7-6 (6), 6-2 to win the Mexican Open. The 24-year-old will make his Top-20 debut thanks to the victory. 
Canadian <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/shapovalov-cant-hold-off-davidovich-fokina-in-acapulco-semis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Denis Shapovalov reached the semis</a> in Acapulco but fell to Davidovich Fokina 7-6 (3), 7-6 (1) in a heartbreaking semifinal loss.
<a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/monday-digest-auger-aliassime-shapovalov-arrive-in-indian-wells-in-form/">Click here for more news about Canadian tennis players.</a>
Read Also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/introducing-road-nbo-tennis-canada-award-wild-card-canadian-winner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Introducing the Road to the NBO: Tennis Canada to Award Wild Card to Canadian Winner</a>
<h3>Pegula wins her first title of the season</h3>
American Jessica Pegula won her first title of the 2025 season, defeating McCartney Kessler 7-5, 6-2 in the final of the ATX Open in Austin. 
It’s the seventh career title for the world No. 4 and first since <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">winning the National Bank Open last August in Toronto.</a>
Pegula had previously lost three finals in a row, once this season to Madison Keys in Adelaide, and twice to world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka last year at the US Open and in Cincinnati. 
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1Pa01-ykN3I" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
Top-seeded Emma Navarro cruised to her first title of the year, defeating qualifier Emiliana Arango 6-0, 6-0 in the final of the Mérida Open. It’s the first 500-level tournament win for the American and second title of her career after she claimed the WTA 250 Hobart International last year.
Navarro did not drop a set throughout the tournament and became the fifth player since 2000 to win a WTA final without losing a game, joining Iga Swiatek (Rome 2021), Simona Halep (Bucharest 2016), Agnieszka Radwanska (Sydney 2013), and Marion Bartoli (Quebec 2006).
Navarro climbs to No. 8 in the world following the win. 
Read also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/tetreault-happy-to-inspire-progress-for-women-in-tennis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tétreault Happy to Inspire Progress for Women in Tennis</a>
All winners from last week:
ATP 500 Dubai
<ul><li>Men’s Singles: Stefanos Tsitsipas *(1/12) d. Félix Auger-Aliassime</li><li>Men’s Doubles: Yuki Bhambri/Alexei Popyrin</li></ul>
ATP 500 Acapulco
<ul><li>Men’s Singles: Tomas Mahac *(1/1) d. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina</li><li>Men’s Doubles: Christian Harrison/Evan King</li></ul>
WTA 500 Mérida 

<ul><li>Women’s Singles: Emma Navarro *(1 /2) d. Emiliana Arango</li><li>Women’s Doubles: Mayar Sherif/Katarzyna Piter</li></ul>
WTA 250 Austin 

<ul><li>Women’s Singles: Jessica Pegula *(1/7) d. McCartney Kessler</li><li>Women’s Doubles: Yue Yuan/Anna Blinkova</li></ul>
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: @JPegula

This Week in Tennis: Pegula, Tsitsipas Claim First 2025 Titles

For the first time, a singles main-draw wild card to the NBO will be awarded to the Canadian man and woman who have accumulated the most points in <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/tennis-canada-unveils-first-part-of-2025-national-event-calendar/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the national events</a> preceding Canada’s premier international tennis tournament. The 2025 edition of the NBO will be held from July 26 to August 7 with the WTA heading to Montreal and Toronto hosting the ATP.
“This new competition is sure to build the excitement in the months leading up to the 2025 National Bank Open, and we can’t wait to see how it translates onto the court,” said Valérie Tétreault, Tournament Director of the NBO in Montreal.
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>
“Not only do we believe that this is a fantastic way to elevate our Canadian events, but it will also create some interesting and inspiring storylines in the run-up to our biggest tournament of the year. For the players themselves, the Road to the NBO offers a unique opportunity to showcase their skills on home soil and ultimately gives everyone an equal chance of earning a spot in the main draw of our world-class event.”
So, how does the Road to the NBO work? 
<h3>ROAD TO THE NBO FORMAT</h3>
The Road to the NBO is already underway, as professional events organized after the 2024 edition of the NBO have been factored into the current standings. Therefore, the competition kicked off for the women the week of August 19, 2024, while the men started their wild-card race the week of October 7, 2024. Kayla Cross currently sits atop the standings for the Montreal wild card with 120 points, and Liam Draxl leads the men’s competition with 72 points.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio" style="margin:0px 0px 24px;padding:16px 0px 0px;width:auto;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:DINPro, sans-serif;font-size:medium;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;word-spacing:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;"><div class="js-reframe" style="margin:0px;padding:381.031px 0px 0px;width:678px;"><iframe title="Draxl &amp; Pospisil's post-match press | Conférence de presse de Draxl &amp; Pospisil - 02/02/2025" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" class="optanon-category-C0004 ot-vscat-C0004" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/X-wx1A8kgfg?feature=oembed" style="margin:0px;padding:0px;border:0px;max-width:100%;width:678px;height:381.031px;"></iframe></div></div></figure>
The points system used to determine the standings is based on the ATP and WTA singles ranking points earned by each participant at the dedicated events. To add to the anticipation and to reward in-form players come summertime, the events held in July will be worth double the points. In the event of a tie, the player who is ranked the highest following the update on July 21, 2025, will receive the wild card. If the player at the top of the standings by the end of the competition cannot participate at the NBO, or has already received direct entry into the tournament, the wild card will be allocated to the next player with the most points.

<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12271642/EN-Road-to-NBO-Graphics-FINAL.webp" alt="" /></figure>
 
In addition, the player with the second-most points in the men’s Road to the NBO standings will receive a wild card into the NBO qualifiers. On the women’s side, given the high level of competition among players, Tennis Canada has confirmed its intention to host a pre-qualifying tournament to determine two more wild cards for the NBO. The player who finishes first will receive a wild card into the singles main draw, while the runner-up will receive a qualifying wild card. The 2025 Road to the NBO champion will not take part in the event. More details regarding the pre-qualifying tournament will be announced in due course.
Here are the current standings as of Feb. 24, 2025: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large" style="margin:0px 0px 24px;padding:16px 0px 0px;width:auto;color:rgb(0,0,0);font-family:DINPro, sans-serif;font-size:medium;font-style:normal;font-weight:400;letter-spacing:normal;text-indent:0px;text-transform:none;word-spacing:0px;white-space:normal;text-decoration-thickness:initial;text-decoration-style:initial;text-decoration-color:initial;"><img width="1024" height="611" src="https://www.tenniscanada.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/Screenshot-2025-02-26-161224-1024x611.png" alt="" class="wp-image-64134" /></figure>
“The National Bank Open is entering a new era, with its expanded 12-day format and 96-player main draw, which has opened the door for us to explore different and creative ways of allocating our wild cards,” said Guillaume Marx, Vice-President of High Performance at Tennis Canada.
Read also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/university-update-rouge-et-or-in-command-of-quebec/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University Update – Rouge et Or in Command of Quebec</a>
“We now have eight main-draw wild cards for the WTA event and five on the ATP side, giving us the opportunity to create the Road to the NBO, a concept we’ve considered doing for many years. One thing we’ve always said is how important our Canadian professional events are to the growth of the game and the professional pipeline in our country, and this competition only reinforces that belief. Players will now have even more reasons to play at home, and we can’t wait to see how things unfold as the summer approaches.”
<h4>Women’s Road to the NBO (Montreal)</h4>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/canadians-cross-kupres-arseneault-sweep-saskatoon/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">W35 Saskatoon</a> (August 19-25, 2024)</li><li><a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/draxl-doubles-up-as-canadians-reign-in-edmonton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edmonton National Bank Challenger</a> (October 7-13, 2024)</li><li><a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/marino-cross-victorious-at-calgary-national-bank-challenger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Calgary National Bank Challenger</a> (October 14-20, 2024)</li><li><a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/croatias-petra-marcinko-takes-the-title-in-saguenay/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saguenay National Bank Challenger</a> (October 20-27, 2024)</li><li><a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/veteran-chirico-captures-the-tevlin-challenger-defeating-cross-in-the-final/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tevlin Challenger</a> (October 27-November 3, 2024)</li><li>W15 Trois-Rivières (March 3-9, 2025)</li><li>W15 Montreal (March 11-17, 2025)</li><li>Granby National Bank Championships (July 13-20, 2025)*</li></ul>
<h4>Men’s Road to the NBO (Toronto)</h4>
<ul><li><a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/draxl-doubles-up-as-canadians-reign-in-edmonton/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Edmonton National Bank Challenger</a> (October 7-13, 2024)</li><li><a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/marino-cross-victorious-at-calgary-national-bank-challenger/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Calgary National Bank Challenger</a> (October 14-20, 2024)</li><li><a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/draxl-beats-galarneau-in-all-canadian-saint-augustin-final/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">M25 Saint-August</a> (November 4-10, 2024)</li><li><a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/mayo-wins-first-pro-title-in-drummondville-draxl-and-harper-place-runner-up-in-doubles/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Drummondville National Bank Challenger</a> (November 11-17, 2024)</li><li>M15 Sherbrooke (March 2-9, 2025)</li><li>M15 Montreal (March 11-17, 2025)</li><li>M25 Laval (June 30-July 6, 2025)*</li><li>Winnipeg National Bank Challenger (July 7-14, 2025)*</li><li>Granby National Bank Championships (July 13-20, 2025)*</li></ul>
*Tournaments are worth double points in the Road to the NBO standings. 
The next events that will count in the Road to the NBO will take place the first week of March, with the men competing in Sherbrooke, QC and the women in Trois-Rivières, QC. 
To view the current standings and to follow the Road to the NBO, click <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/pro-tennis/road-to-the-nbo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.
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: Arianne Bergeron/Penguin

Tour Results

Introducing the Road to the NBO: Tennis Canada to Award Wild Card to Canadian Winner

<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>Rublev 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

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

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>.

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

<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

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This year, the best men's tennis players are back in Toronto with the biggest field in tournament history. Hale breaks down the goings-on so far this year on the ATP Tour and explains why the expanded format will be a boon for tennis fans.
*The following interview has been edited purely for clarity and flow purposes.
<h3>Tennis Canada: What are your thoughts on the Australian Open and what you've seen so far this season on the ATP Tour?</h3>
Karl Hale: One of the things you see with the top players is that everybody was surprised that Novak Djokovic beat Carlos Alcaraz. Everybody thought that Carlos, especially after losing to him at the Olympics, would be really geared up and at the top of his game and Novak just neutralized him and beat him. So a lot of players are really, really surprised by that result. 
As far as Jannik Sinner, he is showing <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-keys-sinner-win-australian-open-singles-titles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">absolute dominance above the field</a>. He's just at a level we haven't seen since those top guys dominated for the years they did. He has really taken the torch from the Big Three as the leader at this time and I think the players have a lot of work to do to catch up to him because he's just so far ahead as far as physicality, ball speed, his mental capacity, his shot selection. He's just really dominating everybody on all grounds. And he's got a great coach, Darren Cahill behind him. So great season to start off.
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-auger-aliassime-wins-second-title-season" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Auger-Aliassime wins second title of the season</a>
And then obviously with our Canadians, it's amazing to see Denis not just <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/shapovalov-tops-ruud-and-is-crowned-dallas-open-champion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">win a tournament</a> but to beat three Top 10 guys back-to-back-to-back which is where we all expected him to be years ago so it's good to see him turn it around. 
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And Felix is the same. They're finding their way back to that Top 10 level. I think over the next few months, we'll see them have more good results like that and the key is against the top players, can they compete with the top players which is what they are showing they can do.
<h3>Tennis Canada: What are you most looking forward to about the new 2025 format?</h3>
Karl Hale: It's a 96 draw so there's a lot more players, a lot more variety for our fans to see some of their favourites. We used to have a 56 draw so the added benefit is that you're going to see more of these up-and-comers who are ranked 70-80 in the world that are on their way to the top rankings. You're going to see some veterans that have dropped in the rankings that are still trying to get their way back up. You're going to see some really great early-round matches. I’m really looking forward to seeing more variety in our tournament.
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Also one of the things that is really exciting is our format finishing on Thursday. We're only having night matches from Monday to Thursday so it will be a really great atmosphere for those nights.
Obviously, the Canadians are playing so well. We've always wanted a Canadian champion and this year looks like the year where the players are playing at a level where that is possible.
<h3>Tennis Canada: Who are some up-and-coming players who might be playing in Toronto that will be new to the tournament that fans should keep an eye on?</h3>
Karl Hale: Joao Fonseca just won the tournament in Argentina. Last year, he came on the radar, he won the NextGen Finals, and he's really stepping up as the next guy that looks like he can do something. He would be the one at this point that you can look out for.
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<h3>Tennis Canada: How is the preparation going for the tournament this summer? Anything you can share with us?</h3>
Karl Hale: There are a lot of first-time things this year: the tournament starts on a Saturday for the first time and it’s a one-day qualifying, main draw starts on Sunday, finishing on night matches from Monday to Thursday.
Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/introducing-road-nbo-tennis-canada-award-wild-card-canadian-winner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Introducing the Road to the NBO - Tennis Canada to Award Wild Card to Canadian Winner</a>
There's a lot of activations that we have coming that fans will learn about soon. On site at Sobeys Stadium, we will have Canadiana-themed areas that will act as cheering sections where our fans can cheer on our Canadian players.
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XRHHc9rmpPM" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
We're going to have great, great food and beverage areas, much improved this year. We've improved it a lot over the last four years and we're going to continue to improve. We have great prices in the food and beverage areas, the best in the sports business we feel.
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>
We want to be really good to our fans, to make them enjoy the experience at an affordable cost. We have really affordable tickets to reach out to all of our fans, especially in the early sessions. Those are good dates for fans that want to get affordable tickets to watch the top players.
We're going to see a lot of great results in the next four-five months and it will lead well into Toronto.
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> 
Feature Photo: Tyler Anderson

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