“It’s one of the most fun weeks of the year”:… National Bank Open

When the ATP makes its biennial stop in Toronto, Denis Shapovalov gets to play the role of hometown hero.

Hailing from Richmond Hill, ON, just a few minutes down the highway from Sobeys Stadium, he is geographically the most local player in the men’s draw most years. He even played on these courts as a kid. If there were such a thing as a home tournament in tennis, Shapovalov at the National Bank Open in Toronto is a good example.

2025 is one of those years where the local boy gets to be in the spotlight and it’s an occasion he relishes.

“I’m always very excited to play in Toronto,” Shapovalov told Canadian media just before Wimbledon at the end of June. “Growing up, as a kid, I was training at those courts, always wanting to play there as a professional. So it means a lot, always, being back there, playing in front of the home fans.”

Shapovalov has had plenty of great moments in Toronto over the years. His 2016 debut, which was also just his second tournament on the ATP Tour, was a particularly memorable one.

When asked about his favourite memories of playing at home, he said, “of course, winning my first match against [Nick] Kyrgios is up there. That whole match was a little chaotic. You know how it can be against Nick. I don't think there's any normal matches against Nick, but that was definitely a special one.”

Kyrgios was the 11th seed on that occasion and the meeting kicked off the first night session of the 2016 event. Shapovalov, working the crowd and riding the fans’ energy, caused a big upset 7-6(2), 3-6, 6-3 for his first tour-level match win.

But when you come to the National Bank Open, it’s not all about the action on Centre Court. There is plenty of great tennis going on around the grounds, which Shapovalov also spoke about.

“Playing against Fabio [Fognini in the second round in 2018] as well. Winning that match on Grandstand. I think I was down like 4-0 in the second set. So to come back in that set and to win that match, I remember the crowd was really getting behind me and getting under Fabio’s skin. That was a lot of fun.”

The Canadian acknowledged that playing at home can be a bit of a double-edged sword. Sure, the fans are almost entirely on your side, but there are always extra expectations placed on the local players.

“It's a lot of pressure, in one sense, because I want to perform for everyone in Canada, but at the same time, I do really enjoy my time there and playing in front of everyone, whether I'm playing good or bad,” explained Shapovalov. “So definitely looking forward to it, for sure. It's probably one of the most fun weeks of the year for me. So I’m definitely, definitely looking forward to being back.”

Shapovalov is currently on the bubble to be seeded at the National Bank Open. He is currently ranked 30th in the ATP rankings but is projected to fall out of the Top 32 after Wimbledon. If he is not among the Top 32 players entered at the National Bank Open by July 21, he will not be seeded and will have to play a first-round match on either July 27 or 28. If he does end up with a seed, he will get a first-round bye and would play his opening match on either July 29 or 30.

The ATP's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at Sobeys Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. Get your tickets today!

Feature Photo: Tyler Anderson