Welcome to the Road to the National Bank Open. Every week, we will keep you updated on all the action on the ATP Tour as we build towards the National Bank Open in Montreal, which takes place from Aug. 3 to 12.
Days until the National Bank Open: 31
Stories to Watch
“If it was for any other tournament, I probably wouldn’t risk it. I just love Wimbledon.”
That’s what Novak Djokovic had to say after his first-round victory on Tuesday at the All England Club, less than a month removed from meniscus surgery that for the average human being likely would have required weeks of recovery.
Instead, the seven-time Wimbledon champion was miraculously able to get healthy enough in time to enter the draw and win his opening match over Vit Kopriva with the loss of just five games.
Djokovic is eyeing an eighth title at the Championships, which would tie him with Roger Federer for the most Wimbledon men’s singles victories. As well, it would be his 25th major singles title overall, which would give him the most of anyone, male or female, all-time, breaking a tie with Margaret Court.
Read also: ATP Power Rankings - Young Guns Look to Cement Top Dog Status at Wimbledon
If he is as healthy as he seems, Djokovic immediately becomes one of the top favourites for the title. The draw was generous to the Serb, who managed to avoid drawing reigning champion, and his 2023 finals conqueror, Carlos Alcaraz on his half of the draw.
Instead, the fans at the All England Club will be hoping for a rematch of the Roland-Garros semifinals between now-World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and the three-time major champion Alcaraz for the right to potentially take on Djokovic for the title.
Both youngsters won their opening matches.
It has not been all good news for former Wimbledon champions however, as two-time champion Andy Murray was forced to withdraw from singles on Tuesday morning. The man who ended Britain’s 77-year title drought in 2013 had back surgery less than two weeks ago.
Read also: A New British Hope at Wimbledon
He is still entered in the doubles with his brother, Jamie. Murray has confirmed that this will be his final appearance at his home major.
On-Court Action
The United States has some reason for optimism heading into Wimbledon after Taylor Fritz picked up the title last week in Eastbourne.
Read also: Six Canadians Competing at Wimbledon
He is now a three-time titlist on grass, all in Eastbourne, and is part of a hard-hitting American contingent that includes Queen’s Club champion Tommy Paul, serve machine Ben Shelton, and former Stuttgart champion Frances Tiafoe.
The last American man to win Wimbledon was Pete Sampras in 2000.
Seeded 13th at the All England Club, he could have a battle of the July 29th-winners against Alejandro Tabilo in SW19. The Chilean also arrives at Wimbledon hot on the heels of a title, his coming in Mallorca.
Read also: Milos Raonic Holds All the Aces
The title was the second of Tabilo’s career and first on grass. He also reached the doubles final with Diego Hidalgo but lost to Julian Cash and Robert Galloway.
Tabilo will be hoping to emulate the 2023 champion Christopher Eubanks, who followed up his Mallorca victory by reaching the quarter-finals at Wimbledon the very next week.
Fritz and Tabilo could meet in the third round of The Championships.
The ATP's best return to Montreal this summer for the National Bank Open August 3 to 12, 2024 at IGA Stadium. 2024 Tickets are on sale. Get your tickets today!
Feature Photo : Martin Sidorjak
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