Road to the NBO - Leylah enters Wimbledon in strong form

We’re just over a month away from action at the National Bank Open in Toronto, and with the excitement building, the most prestigious tennis event in the world is underway.

Action has already begun at the All England Club as the best in tennis compete for glory at the Wimbledon Championships.

Let’s look at a few storylines of late on the grass, with our third major of the season underway:

Fernandez reaches first grass final in Eastbourne, Kasatkina prevails

It’s been a breakthrough grass court campaign for Canadian Leylah Annie Fernandez.

The 21-year-old continues to make strides on the low bouncing surface, achieving a milestone last week by reaching her first career final on grass.

Fernandez notched impressive wins on the week, toppling former French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova in a tough first round match, and ousting eight-time WTA titlist Madison Keys in a compelling semifinal.

Daria Kasatkina proved too savvy and skillful in the finals, as she defeated the Canadian 6-3, 6-4 to win her seventh career WTA title and first on grass.

Both competitors should be capable of a deep major run at Wimbledon, as Kasatkina is a former quarterfinalist at the event.

Fernandez, who is now 7-2 on the surface after a first-round win at the All England Club, needs just one more victory for a career best result at the Grand Slam.

Read more: Fernandez ousts Bronzetti to reach second round of Wimbledon

The 30^th seed is one of two Canadians still in the field in singles, alongside Bianca Andreescu.

Withdrawals create wide open Wimbledon field

“All I know is that I know nothing”

While those words from Greek philosopher Socrates likely had little to do with tennis, they could apply to this year’s edition of the Wimbledon Championships.

There are more questions than answers when looking at the women’s field. Last year’s champion Marketa Vondrousova already suffered an opening round exit to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Two-time Australian Open champion and world number two Aryna Sabalenka has pulled out of the event due to a shoulder injury.

16^th seed Victoria Azarenka also withdrew because of an injury, and Aussie Open finalist Qinwen Zheng was knocked out by a qualifier in her first-round tilt.

Tunisia’s Ons Jabeur, twice a runner-up at the All England Club, has navigated health issues all season but remains a contender.

American Coco Gauff has notched two easy wins to begin her campaign at the major in looks to be poised for a run. Meanwhile her doubles partner and fifth Jessica Pegula was a quarterfinalist here just last season.

Then of course, there is world number one Iga Swiatek, who dominated at Roland Garros just a month ago, seizing her fifth career Grand Slam title.

Iga has now won 20 consecutive matches dating back to the clay. Can the Polish superstar finally figure out the tricky surface?

The WTA's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open August 4 to 12 at Sobeys Stadium. Tickets are on sale. Get your tickets today!