If you thought Family Weekend was the only big celebration at the National Bank Open, think again.
Over the next few days TennisFest will take over the grounds at Sobeys Stadium. It’s a party you won’t want to miss. All the while, the tennis itself keeps ramping up as we are down to the last sixteen.
Here’s what to expect on Friday at the 2025 National Bank Open in Toronto.
On-Court Action
The defending champion will look to make it nine wins in a row in Canada on Saturday night. Alexei Popyrin will kick off the night session against fifth seed Holger Rune. The Dane won their lone previous meeting two years ago on clay in Rome in three tight sets. The winner of that match could face top seed Alexander Zverev if the 2017 Montreal champion gets past 14th seed Francisco Cerundolo in the second match of the night session.
26th seed Alex Michelsen will look to back-up his upset of third seed Lorenzo Musetti once again in the opening match of the day on Centre Court. He will take on fellow American Learner Tien.
Read also: Shelton Outlasts Nakashima in Epic
Eighth seed Casper Ruud and 11th seed Karen Khachanov will clash in the second match of the day session. The Norwegian has won both of their previous meetings, although the two have not played since the 2022 US Open.
Canada’s last remaining doubles team, Liam Draxl and Cleeve Harper, will be looking to back up their first ATP Tour win which they scored on Thursday. They will face Guido Andreozzi and Sander Arends, who beat the all-Canadian squad of Nicolas Arseneault and Justin Boulais in round one, in the third match on Motorola razr Grandstand court, not before 5:30 pm.
Read also: Even in Defeat, Draxl Makes Dream a Reality in National Bank Open Debut
There are three doubles matches on the Grandstand on Saturday and one on Court 1.
Around the Grounds
For the first time ever, there is a middle weekend at the National Bank Open. That means it’s time for the inaugural TennisFest!
Similar to Family Weekend, there will be extra activities and music on site to up the vibes at Sobeys.
CLICK HERE for more information about TennisFest.
Fittingly for TennisFest, there is an extra-special edition of Tennis Talk with Arash Madani at 4:00 pm on the TC Main Stage. Arash will be joined by 12-time Grand Slam champion Daniel Nestor and current Canadian Davis Cup Captain Frank Dancevic.
Read also: Last Canadian out in Toronto as Diallo falls to Fritz
At 2:30 pm, there is a Have-A-Go Wheelchair Tennis session on Court 5. Fans can give wheelchair tennis a try ahead of the inaugural wheelchair tennis tournament at the National Bank Open, which begins on Sunday.
Saturday night will be Retro Night presented by Iris. Make sure to grab your retro headbands on your way in at the main gate. And make sure not get run over on site by the retro stilt walkers.
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 : Peter Power
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