<p>As of Mar. 17, the two frontrunners continue to hold big leads heading into the final events. But, especially on the men’s side, it’s not over yet as all the remaining tournaments in the <em><a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/introducing-road-nbo-tennis-canada-award-wild-card-canadian-winner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Road to the NBO</a></em> will count double. </p>
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12275816/Screenshot-2025-03-18-154532.webp" alt="" /></figure>
<p>Liam Draxl did not compete at the two M15 events in <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/martin-wins-in-sherbrooke-canadians-shut-out-in-trois-rivieres/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sherbrooke</a> and <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/lacasse-scores-doubles-title-at-itf-event-in-montreal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montreal</a> earlier in March but he still finds himself out front in the men’s standings after titles last fall in Edmonton and Saint-Augustin. He has twice as many points as second-place Alexis Galarneau with three events to play.</p>
<p>However, as all three of those tournaments count for double points, there is still plenty of room for the field to catch up to the man from Newmarket. </p>
<p><strong>Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/q-a-nbo-toronto-tournament-director-karl-hale-why-12-day-format-will-great-fans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Q and A - NBO Toronto Tournament Director Karl Hale on Why the 12-Day Format Will be Great for Fans</a></strong></p>
<p>Joshua Lapadat picked up the most ground during the March events in Quebec. He did not participate in any of the fall tournaments that counted towards the <em><a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/introducing-road-nbo-tennis-canada-award-wild-card-canadian-winner" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Road to the NBO</a></em> but now sits in third place behind Draxl and Galarneau after reaching the final in Montreal. He also got a point for reaching the second round in Sherbrooke. </p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/hIfNVNIRQfA" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>There are still as many as 350 points up for grabs if a player were to win all three remaining events ahead of the National Bank Open. The M25 event in Laval, QC, is next up on the calendar beginning on June 30. It will be followed by back-to-back M75s in Winnipeg, MB, and Granby, QC.</p>
<p>With so many points up for grabs at the remaining events, there is still plenty of time for a shakeup in the men’s standings. </p>
<p>The same cannot be said for the women. The two W15 events did little to shake up the race as Kayla Cross continues to hold a commanding lead in the standings. Despite not playing in either <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/martin-wins-in-sherbrooke-canadians-shut-out-in-trois-rivieres/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trois-Rivieres</a> or <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/lacasse-scores-doubles-title-at-itf-event-in-montreal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Montreal</a>, the 19-year-old is in the pole position with one event to go, leading Rebecca Marino by 45 points. </p>
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12275817/Screenshot-2025-03-18-155305.webp" alt="" /><figcaption style="text-align:center;">Photo : @kayla_tennis_1</figcaption></figure>
<p>Only four women picked up points at the March ITF events: Ariana Arseneault (6), Clémence Mercier (3), Nadia Lagaev (1), and Raphaelle Lacasse (1). As a result of<a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/lacasse-scores-doubles-title-at-itf-event-in-montreal/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> her semifinal run in Montreal</a>, Arseneault was able to climb past Cadence Brace into fourth in the standings but is still 65 points back of Cross.</p>
<p>The W75 event in Granby, QC, July 13-20, will be the last chance for anyone to catch Cross. With the points counting double in Granby, theoretically any player could still sneak up and catch the Londoner if they won the title, which is worth 150 points.</p>
<p><strong>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"><strong>Q and A - NBO Montreal Tournament Director Valérie Tétreault on Keys, Halep, and Planning for a 12-Day Format</strong></a></strong></p>
<p>Only six women can catch Cross without winning the title: Marino, Stacey Fung, Arseneault, Brace, Katherine Sebov, and Mia Kupres. Marino and Fung need to at least reach the semifinals, while the other four all have to reach the final to even have a chance of catching Cross.</p>
<p>But that is without taking Cross’ result into account, as she controls her own fate, as much as a tennis player can at least, heading into the final event. The 19-year-old <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/arseneault-kupres-reign-at-home-in-granby/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reached the Granby final last year</a> and would clinch the wildcard by winning the title. If she reaches the final again, only Marino could snatch it away by winning the title. If Cross gets to the semifinals, she would eliminate everyone except Marino, Fung, Arseneault and Brace.  </p>
<p>  </p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/pro-tennis/road-to-the-nbo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CLICK HERE</a></strong> for the latest standings in the <em>Road to the NBO</em>.</p>
<p><strong><em>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></em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>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></em></strong></p>
<p>Feature Photo : Pascal Ratthe</p>

Tournament News

Road to the NBO Update: Draxl, Cross Continue to Lead After March ITF Events

<p>With his first Masters 1000 title, the current No.62 will move up in the rankings to No.23. </p>
<p>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.  </p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.  </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p><strong>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></strong><br /><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p><strong>Popyrin stays the course</strong></p>

<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><em>Featured photo by: Pascal Ratthé</em></p>

Peroni

NBO Results

Peroni Refresh: Alexei Popyrin’s extraordinary feat!

<p>The rebrand includes a new logo and <a href="https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4224466/wta-unveils-bold-new-brand-identity-with-call-to-rally-the-world" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a call to </a><em><a href="https://www.wtatennis.com/news/4224466/wta-unveils-bold-new-brand-identity-with-call-to-rally-the-world" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rally the World</a></em> meant to “captivate fans, forge new heroes, inspire generations and leave a legacy through the power of tennis.” Their marketing campaign tells the players’ stories in an authentic way and what motivates them to rally the world. One of the players prominently featured in the campaign is Canada’s own Gabriela Dabrowski. The doubles star, who recently revealed her inspiring breast cancer journey, is fittingly presented as not only <a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/DGly_MPNO-b/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&amp;igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a voice of resilience</a> but also a champion of women’s health, reinforcing the Tour’s commitment to have a positive impact beyond the sport and to be an advocate for women’s empowerment.</p>
<p> “We’re putting our hearts on the line and our souls on the line, and I think it takes a lot of courage to do that week in and week out,” Dabrowski said in an <a href="https://www.tennis.com/baseline/articles/gabriela-dabrowski-perseverance-wta-rebrand-doubles-tennis-channel-2-second-serve" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">interview with Tennis Channel</a> during the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells. “I think that the rebrand is going to capture a lot of these new stories being told. More players are being featured. Not just top singles players, but lower-ranked singles players and doubles players. It’s a more inclusive campaign, and so I’m really excited about the future of the WTA.”</p><figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/kwSusQV21Uk" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure><br /><p>The new brand identity comes in the midst of a remarkable women’s sports movement that has captured worldwide attention with professional leagues like the WNBA and the PWHL enjoying unprecedented growth and women athletes setting the bar higher than ever. The WTA is a significant part of the movement as well thanks to the global stage that women’s tennis occupies and the popularity of the players that wow fans on the court from tournament to tournament with their talent and charisma. Off the court, The WTA is home to 11 of the world’s 20 highest-earning female athletes <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/brettknight/2024/12/18/the-worlds-highest-paid-female-athletes-2024/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">according to Forbes</a>. </p>
<p><strong>READ: <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></strong></p>
<p>Recently, Tennis Canada published its <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/tennis-canada-and-national-bank-publish-game-set-equity-impact-report-two-years-into-long-term-gender-equity-strategy/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Game. Set. Equity. Impact Report</a> that highlights the considerable progress that has been made in advancing gender equity in tennis across the country and having the opportunity to host the WTA’s biggest stars every year in our own backyard is a major catalyst for the impactful change that has been felt by women and girls in the sport and those who want to get involved.</p>
<p><em>Feature photo by: Gyles Dias/Tennis Canada </em></p>

The WTA Ushers in a New Era with Powerful Rally the World Brand Identity

<h3>Andreeva keeps rolling</h3>
<p>Teenage sensation Mirra Andreeva won her second-consecutive WTA 1000 title, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 in Indian Wells.</p>
<p>Andreeva’s WTA rank leaps to a career-best No. 6 after winning back-to-back 1000 titles in Indian Wells and <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-andreeva-leaps-top-10-win-dubai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">in Dubai last month</a>.</p>
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12275753/Screenshot-2025-03-17-104540.webp" alt="" /></figure>
<p><br /></p>
<p>The teen also defeated second-seed Iga Swiatek, Elina Svitolina, and Elena Rybakina en route to the title. She has now won five consecutive matches against Top 10 opponents and 12 straight overall.</p>
<p>The 17-year-old became the tournament’s youngest champion since Serena Williams in 1999. With her wins over No.1 Sabalenka and No. 2 Swiatek, Andreeva became the first woman under age 18 to beat the No. 1 and No. 2 at the same tournament since Williams defeated Lindsay Davenport and Martina Hingis at the 1999 U.S. Open.</p>
<p><strong><strong>Read Also:</strong> <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/alcaraz-beats-shapovalov-last-canadian-out-of-indian-wells/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Alcaraz Beats Shapovalov, Last Canadian Out of Indian Wells</a></strong></p>
<h3>Draper wins first 1000 Title</h3>
<p>Jack Draper cruised to a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Holger Rune to win the BNP Paribas Open on Sunday afternoon. </p>
<p>Draper captured his first 1000-level title and reached the Top 10 of the ATP rankings for the first time in his career, rising from No. 14 to No. 7 with his win in Indian Wells.</p>
<p><strong>Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/q-a-nbo-toronto-tournament-director-karl-hale-why-12-day-format-will-great-fans" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Q and A - NBO Toronto Tournament Director Karl Hale on Why the 12-Day Format Will be Great for Fans</a></strong></p>
<p>"I feel like I deserve it, in all honestly," Draper said of the milestone. "The amount of adversity I've been through, the amount of sacrifices, the amount of time that all the people around me have put into me and the hard work. It's an emotional feeling to know how much you've gone through and put in, and to be here now to say that I'm going be No. 7 in the world tomorrow, I can't tell you how much that means to me."</p>
<figure style="margin-left:auto;margin-right:auto;text-align:center;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12275752/Screenshot-2025-03-17-104457.webp" alt="" /></figure>
<p><br /></p>
<p>Draper dominated on his serve, smashing 10 aces, and did not allow Rune to earn a single break point. The 23-year-old Brit defeated a strong field on his way to the final, winning matches over two-time defending champion Carlos Alcaraz, Ben Shelton, and Taylor Fritz,</p>
<p>It is the third career title for Draper, who won a pair of championships in Vienna and Stuttgart in 2024.</p>
<p><strong><strong>Read Also:</strong> <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/marino-stakusic-mboko-cross-and-arseneault-set-to-represent-team-canada-at-billie-jean-king-cup-qualifiers/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Marino, Stakusic, Mboko, Cross, and Arseneault set to represent Team Canada at Billie Jean King Cup Qualifiers</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>All winners from last week:</strong></p>
<p>BNP Paribas Open - Indian Wells 1000</p>
<ul><li>Men’s Singles: Jack Draper (1/3) d. Holger Rune</li><li>Women’s Singles: Mirra Andreeva (2/3) d. Aryna Sabalenka</li><li>Men’s Doubles: Mate Pavic/Marcelo Arevalo</li><li>Women’s Doubles: Demi Schuurs/Asia Muhammad</li></ul>
<p>* 2025 Titles/Career Titles</p>
<p><strong><a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/monday-digest-canadians-look-for-reset-in-miami/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here for more news about Canadian tennis players.</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>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></em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>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></em></strong></p>
<p>Feature Photo : ATP Tour</p>

This Week in Tennis: Draper, Andreeva Take Indian Wells

<p>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.</p>
<p><em>*The following interview has been edited purely for clarity and flow purposes.</em></p>
<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>
<p>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.<br /></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>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. </p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XaLhCFpOH8s" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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.</p>
<h3>Tennis Canada: What are you most looking forward to about the new 2025 format?</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/yNLmvxhN7ZA" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<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>
<p>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.</p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/dW85cU6rbkw" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<h3>Tennis Canada: How is the preparation going for the tournament this summer? Anything you can share with us?</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/XRHHc9rmpPM" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>We're going to see a lot of great results in the next four-five months and it will lead well into Toronto.</p>
<p><strong><em>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></em></strong><strong><br /></strong></p>
<p>Feature Photo: Tyler Anderson</p>

Q and A: NBO Toronto Tournament Director Karl Hale on Why the 12-Day Format Will be Great for Fans

<h3>Zverev, Djokovic shocked early</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.”</p>
<p>The world No. 2 is scheduled to get back on the court next week in Miami.</p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/JdzVwQbSsCA" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>Van de Zandschulp, one of the tournament’s lucky losers, will take on Francisco Cerundolo in the third round.</p>
<p><strong><strong>Read Also:</strong> <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></strong></p>
<h3>Rough second round for Canadians</h3>
<p>Four Canadians entered the singles draw at Indian Wells but only one remains after the second round. </p>
<p><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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/QiG94yrCsZA" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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>.</p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<h3>Raducanu returns to the court</h3>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Lp5hQKS62IA" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>The man was ejected from the venue and banned from all WTA events. </p>
<p>She lost 6-3 6-2 to Moyuka Uchijima but said the events in Dubai did not affect her form at Indian Wells. </p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>"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.”</p>
<p>In 2022, while Raducanu was still a teenager, a man in Britain was convicted of stalking her.</p>
<p><strong><strong>Read Also:</strong> <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></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>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></em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>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></em></strong></p>
<p>Feature Photo: Peter Staples/ATP Tour</p>

This Week in Tennis: Indian Wells Rolls On

<p>Well, mostly. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p><em>(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.) </em></p>
<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>
<p>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. </p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lN0wkSJGbe8" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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. </p>
<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>
<p>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. </p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>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. </p>
<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>
<p>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. </p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Up7jxaRYt1o" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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). </p>
<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>
<p>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.  </p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/o_ZszGc-u2g" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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. </p>
<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>
<p>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. </p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_g4A_4KodaM" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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.</p>
<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>
<p>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. </p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>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.  </p>
<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>
<p>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>.  </p>
<p>That’s a long way of saying Auger-Aliassime has had a phenomenal start to 2025. </p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/yNLmvxhN7ZA" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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. </p>
<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>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/lNLA8_hsiTg" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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. </p>
<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>
<p>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. </p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>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. </p>
<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>
<p>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. </p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/KY5Ui_TMtrY" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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.  </p>
<p>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. </p>

<p><em>The National Bank Open Power Rankings are a group collaboration by the Power Rankings Panel which includes:</em></p>
<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>
<p><strong><em>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></em></strong></p>
<p>Feature Photo: Antoine Couvercelle/FFT</p>

Experts

ATP Power Rankings: Door Open at the Sunshine Double

<p>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?</p>
<p>The National Bank Open Power Rankings are here to tee up the Sunshine Double. </p>
<p><em>(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.) </em></p>
<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>



<p>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. </p><figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/OFQL0qiyiNg" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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. </p>
<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>



<p>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. </p><figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/usso7JsbFzY" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<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>



<p>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. </p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>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).  </p>
<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>



<p>What does Madison Keys have in store for an encore? </p>
<p>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. </p><figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ChUTsgpgxts" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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.  </p>
<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>



<p>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. </p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>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.  </p>
<p>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). </p>
<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>



<p>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. </p><figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nPc_qP1fwbU" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>It is also worth noting that two of her three losses this season came at the hands of the world No. 1 Sabalenka.  </p>
<p>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. </p>
<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>



<p>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. </p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>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. </p>
<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>



<p>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. </p><figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nR4B4eSPMgM" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.  </p>
<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>



<p>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.  </p>
<p>She also arrives fresh off a dominant title run in Merida which was capped off with a double-bagel in the final.  </p><figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/zlBGcSubvLM" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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.  </p>
<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>



<p>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. </p>
<p>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.  </p>
<p><em>The National Bank Open Power Rankings are a group collaboration by the Power Rankings Panel which includes:</em></p>
<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>
<p dir="ltr"><strong><em>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. </em><a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/montreal-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Get your tickets today!</em></a></strong></p>
<p dir="ltr">Feature Photo : BNP Paribas Open</p>

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

<h3>Tsitsipas denies Auger-Aliassime third title in 2025</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/_g4A_4KodaM" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p><strong><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></strong></p>
<p><strong>Read Also:</strong><strong> <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></strong></p>
<h3>Pegula wins her first title of the season</h3>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/1Pa01-ykN3I" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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).</p>
<p>Navarro climbs to No. 8 in the world following the win. </p>
<p><strong><strong>Read also: </strong><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></strong></p>
<p><strong>All winners from last week:</strong></p>
<p>ATP 500 Dubai</p>
<ul><li>Men’s Singles: Stefanos Tsitsipas *(1/12) d. Félix Auger-Aliassime</li><li>Men’s Doubles: Yuki Bhambri/Alexei Popyrin</li></ul>
<p>ATP 500 Acapulco</p>
<ul><li>Men’s Singles: Tomas Mahac *(1/1) d. Alejandro Davidovich Fokina</li><li>Men’s Doubles: Christian Harrison/Evan King</li></ul>
<p>WTA 500 Mérida<br />
</p>
<ul><li>Women’s Singles: Emma Navarro *(1 /2) d. Emiliana Arango</li><li>Women’s Doubles: Mayar Sherif/Katarzyna Piter</li></ul>
<p>WTA 250 Austin<br />
</p>
<ul><li>Women’s Singles: Jessica Pegula *(1/7) d. McCartney Kessler</li><li>Women’s Doubles: Yue Yuan/Anna Blinkova</li></ul>
<p><strong><em>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></em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>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></em></strong></p>
<p>Feature Photo: @JPegula</p>

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

<p>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.</p>
<p>“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.</p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>“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 <em>Road to the NBO </em>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.”</p>
<p>So, how does the <em>Road to the NBO</em> work? </p>
<h3>ROAD TO THE NBO FORMAT</h3>
<p>The <em>Road to the NBO </em>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.</p>
<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>
<p>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.</p>

<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>
<p><br /></p>
<p>In addition, the player with the second-most points in the men’s <em>Road to the NBO</em> 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 <em>Road to the NBO</em> champion will not take part in the event. More details regarding the pre-qualifying tournament will be announced in due course.</p>
<p>Here are the current standings as of Feb. 24, 2025: </p>
<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>
<p>“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.</p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>“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 <em>Road to the NBO</em>, 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.”</p>
<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>
<p><em>*Tournaments are worth double points in the Road to the NBO standings. </em></p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>To view the current standings and to follow the <em>Road to the NBO</em>, click <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/pro-tennis/road-to-the-nbo/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>.</p>
<p><strong><em>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></em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>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></em></strong></p>
<p>Feature Photo: Arianne Bergeron/Penguin</p>

Tour Results

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

<h3>Andreeva Makes Top 10 Debut</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/nPc_qP1fwbU" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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. </p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>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. </p>
<p><strong><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></strong></p>
<h3>Rublev Wins Qatar Open</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/o_ZszGc-u2g" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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>. </p>
<p><strong>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></strong></p>
<p>Despite the loss, Draper will improve to a career-high rank of No. 12.</p>
<p>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. </p>
<p><strong><strong>Read Also:</strong> <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></strong></p>
<h3>All winners from last week:</h3>
<p>WTA 1000 Dubai<br />
</p>
<ul><li>Women’s Singles: Mirra Andreeva (1 /2) d. Clara Tauson)</li><li>Women’s Doubles: Katerina Siniakova/Taylor Townsend</li></ul>
<p>ATP 500 Doha</p>
<ul><li>Men’s Singles: Andrey Rublev (1/17) d. Jack Draper</li><li>Men’s Doubles: Julian Cash/Lloyd Glasspool</li></ul>
<p>ATP 500 Rio</p>
<ul><li>Men’s Singles: Sebastian Baez (1/7) d. Alexandre Muller</li><li>Men’s Doubles: Rafael Matos/Marcelo Melo</li></ul>
<p>* (Titles in 2025/Career Titles)</p>
<p><strong><em>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></em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>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></em></strong></p>
<p>Feature Photo: US Open</p>

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

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<h3>Top Seeds Ousted Early in Miami</h3>
<p>Australian Open champion Madison Keys was upset in the third round of the 2025 Miami Open by Alexandra Eala 6-4, 6-2. Eala also upset No. 25 Jelena Ostapenko en route to the round of 16. The 19-year-old became the first Filipino player to beat a Top 10 opponent since the WTA rankings began in 1975. </p>
<p>“I don’t think I’ve had the time to process everything that’s happened,” Eala said, “so I’m taking it step by step and just focusing on what I need to do next. It’s a big thing to take in, and I’m so super proud of what I was able to accomplish, but it definitely fuels me more.</p>
<p>“I know and it's in my mind that I have a next match, but I need to stop, and I need to recognize that what I did today was really amazing.”</p>
<p><strong>Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/the-wta-ushers-new-era-powerful-rally-world-brand-identity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The WTA Ushers in a New Era with Powerful Rally the World Brand Identity</a></strong></p>
<p>Indian Wells and Dubai champion Mirra Andreeva saw her 13-match win streak snapped in the third round, falling to Amanda Anisimova in a three-set thriller 7-6(5), 2-6, 6-3.</p>
<p>No. 7 Elena Rybakina was ousted in the second round by unseeded Ashlyn Krueger 6-4, 2-6, 6-4, while eighth seed Emma Navarro, who won the Akron Open at the beginning of the month, dropped her opening match to Emma Raducanu 7-6(6), 2-6, 7-6(3).</p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/rK9CLjVv_dY" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>Both ATP finalists from Indian Wells were eliminated early at the Miami Open.</p>
<p>BNP Paribas Open champion Jack Draper went down in the second round 7-6(2), 7-6(3) to Jakub Mensik. Runner-up, No. 11 seed Holger Rune, was unable to keep up his momentum, falling to unseeded Reilly Opelka 4-6, 6-3. 7-6(5) in the second round.</p>
<p>No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz fell in a stunning second-round upset to David Goffin 5-7, 6-4, 6-3. Alcaraz was shut out at the Sunshine Double for the first time since 2021. Eighth-seeded Andrey Rublev was also eliminated in his first Miami matchup, falling to Zizou Bergs in straight sets 7-5, 6-4. </p>
<p><strong><strong>Read Also:</strong> <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/victoria-mboko-stepping-into-the-spotlight-after-incredible-start-to-2025/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Victoria Mboko Stepping Into the Spotlight After Incredible Start to 2025</a></strong></p>
<h3>Mboko Makes Waves</h3>
<p>Canadian teenager Victoria Mboko had a big week in Miami, earning her <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/mboko-claims-first-wta-tour-win-in-miami-debut/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first WTA main draw victory</a> with a 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 win over world No. 54 Camila Osorio. </p>
<p>In her second-round match, the 18-year-old gave 10<sup>th</sup> seed Paula Badosa all she could handle before <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/mboko-pushes-but-loses-thriller-to-badosa-in-miami/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">falling 7-5, 1-6, 7-6 (3)</a>. </p>
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/H2l9yWwyrSo" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
<p>Mboko was given a wild-card entry to the Miami Open after starting the ITF season with a 22-match win streak where she did not drop a set. She reached a career-high rank of No. 162 entering Miami and will reach new heights with her promising performance.</p>
<p>Fellow Canadians Felix Auger-Aliassime and Leylah Annie Fernandez were unable to advance past the round of 32. <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/auger-aliassime-cant-hold-off-musetti-in-miami-round-three/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Auger-Aliassime fell to No. 15 Lorenzo Musetti 4-6, 6-2, 6-3</a>, while Fernandez was defeated by Ashlyn Krueger 6-1, 7-5. </p>
<p>Denis Shapovalov is the lone Canadian remaining in the single draw and will face third-seeded Taylor Fritz in his third-round match on Monday.</p>
<p><strong><strong>Read also:</strong> <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/shapovalov-fernandez-diallo-2025-miami-saturday/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fernandez, Diallo Out of Miami</a></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>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></em></strong></p>
<p><strong><em>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></em></strong></p>
<p>Feature Photo : Miami Open</p>

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