Despite some shapeshifting owing to the Paris Games, the 2024 National Bank Open presented by Rogers (NBO) will get its main draw matches underway on Tuesday, August 6.
With just a few days to go, here are some of the highlights.
World No. 1 Jannik Sinner
Same tournament, same trophy.
It’s a pic that’s likely to be duplicated. A year after winning his first Masters 1000 in Toronto, 22-year-old Jannik Sinner landed in Montréal as the favourite.
Because he’s the World No. 1, of course.
And because he’s very, very well rested.
Read also: Sinner Preparing for Biggest Title Defence
As heartbreaking as the news of his withdrawal from the Olympics was, the tonsillitis that knocked him out meant the young Italian could recharge his battery and fully recover following the grass season.
He was welcomed at the airport by tournament director Valérie Tétreault on July 30.
After taking home his first Slam crown from the AO in January, he clawed his way to No.1 with an awe-inspiring 42-4 record.
Unfortunately for his opponents, the courts at IGA Stadium should suit his game perfectly.
And the rest of the Top 10
In addition to Sinner, the Top 10 is pretty impressive. Even without the Djoker and world no. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, there's still No. 4 Alexander Zverev and No. 5 Daniil Medvedev—two giants of the same generation with respectively 22 and 20 titles apiece.
Also in the mix are de Minaur, Rublev, Ruud and Dimitrov.
Read also: Meet the ATP Top 10
As for No. 7 Hubert Hurkacz, who made it all the way to the final in 2022 in Montréal, he’s skipping the Olympics to rehab a knee injury he suffered on July 4 in his match against Arthur Fils at Wimbledon. Hopefully things will be on track for him at the NBO.
A mighty Canadian contingent
No. 19 Félix Auger-Aliassime, who found his way back to the Top 20 a few months ago, will be aiming to extend his 24th birthday celebrations on August 8 with a solid showing beyond his career-best quarterfinal appearance at home in 2022.
In Montréal and Toronto, the NBO sets aside wild cards for its homegrown heroes.
So that means No. 139 Denis Shapovalov, No. 177 Milos Raonic and No. 148 Gabriel Diallo will all be competing in the main draw. Diallo will be making his second appearance in the main draw of a Masters 1000 after his two matches at the NBO in Toronto. Last year, he defeated Daniel Evans in the opening round but fell to eventual finalist Alex de Minaur (6-4, 7-5).
As far as wild cards go, the Montrealer has more than earned his. Despite enduring a series of losses after matching his career-high ranking at the start of 2024, Diallo blazed through the Chicago Challenger without dropping a set and claimed the title with a win over No. 147 Yunchaokete Bu, (6-3, 7-6 (3)). His fantastic week of tennis put him back in the Top 150 and helped build his confidence going into his home event.
Read also: The Canadians gear up for their home Masters
Diallo’s former teammate on the University of Kentucky Wildcats men’s tennis team No. 271 Liam Draxl will fight it out in the qualifying rounds along with No. 882 Taha Baadi, No. 232 Alexis Galarneau and the nation’s top junior Nicolas Arseneault.
Valérie, year 2
Despite her many years of experience at the NBO, Valérie Tétreault should have an easier time of it on her second go-around as tournament director in Montréal.
Practice makes perfect, and that certainly goes for the people who oversee world-class sports competitions. In 2023, Mother Nature didn’t go easy on Valérie and her team, but it’s doubtful meteorological misfortunes would give organizers similar headaches two years running.
Read also: Top Storylines to Watch at the 2024 National Bank Open in Toronto
But regardless of who’s here and who’s not, the NBO always guarantees a show of the highest calibre.
And maybe even a new attendance record.
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 : Paul Rivard
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