Welcome to the Destination NBO by STM Every week, we will keep you updated on all the action on the WTA Tour as we build towards the National Bank Open in Montreal, which takes place from Jul. 26 to Aug. 7.
Days until National Bank Open: 46
Queen of Clay dethroned
After 26 straight wins at Roland-Garros, three-time defending champion Iga Swiatek’s reign came to an end. But if anyone was to kick the Pole off her throne, it had to be Aryna Sabalenka.
The world No. 1 defeated Swiatek to reach the French Open final for the first time, but she lost to world No. 2 Coco Gauff.
Now, can the American begin a reign of her own at Roland-Garros?
Gauff had quite the clay season, finishing as runner-up in both Madrid and Rome before becoming the first American winner at Roland-Garros since Serena Williams won her third title a decade ago. Still just 21-years-old, it’s safe to say this won’t be the last time Gauff hoists the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen.
A Grand Slam debut to remember
Loïs Boisson. A name to become familiar with after the Frenchwoman’s remarkable maiden Grand Slam main draw performance.
The 22-year-old wildcard became the first woman to reach a Grand Slam semifinal in her debut since former world No. 1 Jennifer Capriati did so at the 1990 French Open. Boisson’s historic run featured shock victories over world No. 3 Jessica Pegula and world No. 6 Mirra Andreeva en route to her semifinal loss to Gauff.
The Dijon-native climbed 296 spots to 65th in the rankings after Roland-Garros, becoming the French No. 1.
Canadian Victoria Mboko also had quite the Grand Slam main draw debut. Including qualifiers, the 18-year-old from Toronto didn’t drop a set in five-straight matches until her eventual third-round loss to world No. 7 Qinwen Zheng.
Mboko also joins Boisson as a Top-100 newcomer, jumping to 91st.
The grass begins to grow
With the conclusion of Roland-Garros comes the beginning of the grass season.
For the first time in 52 years, the prestigious Queen’s Club in London will host a women’s event with Zheng coming in as the top seed.
Read Also: Busy Start to the Grass Season for Canadians
Among the field is world No. 11 Elena Rybakina, who has looked impressive at Wimbledon in recent years. The Kazakhstani has reached at least the quarter-final in three straight years, including winning the tournament in 2022.
Defending Wimbledon champion Barbora Krejcikova will also be at the Queen’s Club, sitting one seed below fellow countrywoman Karolina Muchova.
Czech players have had some success at the All-England Club, winning the last two ladies’ singles titles. Czech No. 1 Muchova would be the favourite to complete the trifecta.
All winners from last week:
Roland-Garros
- Women’s Singles: Coco Gauff* (1/10) d. Aryna Sabalenka
- Women’s Doubles: Jasmine Paolini/Sara Errani d. Aleksandra Krunic/Anna Danilina
*(2025 titles/career titles)
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. Get your tickets today!
Feature Photo: Martin Sidorjak
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