Canada’s hopes for a first men’s singles title at the National Bank Open in the Open Era now rests on the shoulders of one man: Gabriel Diallo.
The giant from Montreal is the lone Canadian to reach the third round in Toronto after a victory on Wednesday, while two of his compatriots were beaten. But his path to the title faces a major roadblock in the next round against a familiar foe.
Here is the Day 5 recap served up by Sobeys.
On-Court Action
The big hitters had a good afternoon, as Ben Shelton and Diallo both advanced in straight sets during the day session. Diallo’s match had some ups and downs, including an awkwardly-timed rain delay and a few deficits in the second set. But the Canadian found a way to get past Matteo Gigante in straights.
It is the first time Diallo is seeded at a Masters 1000 event and he had a first-round bye.
Next up for the Canadian will be a rematch of his Wimbledon epic earlier this month against Taylor Fritz. The second seed at the National Bank Open wrapped up play in the night session with a win over Roberto Carballes Baena.
Read also: Following meteoric rise, Diallo ready to star in Toronto
For the third night in a row, the hosts had a disappointing opening match. After Liam Draxl and Denis Shapovalov were beaten on Monday and Tuesday respectively, Félix Auger-Aliassime suffered the same fate, losing in straight sets to Fabian Marozsan. He was one of two Canadians eliminated on Sunday as Alexis Galarneau came up just short in a thriller against Flavio Cobolli out on the Grandstand, leaving Diallo as the only Canadian left in the singles main draw.
The match of the day was the clash between seventh seed Frances Tiafoe and qualifier Yosuke Watanuki. The Japanese was in control for much of the match, outhitting his powerful opponent. But when the chips were down in the third-set tiebreak, it was the American holding his nerve to squeak out the win.
CLICK HERE to read all the results from Wednesday.
Around the Grounds
Tennis was not the only thing worth watching at Sobeys Stadium on Wednesday.
Across from the draw board on the side of Centre Court, artist Samantha Woj set up shop. She spent the day in the sun creating a tennis-themed art piece. Woj only has two fingers on each hand but has never let that hold her back. She finds unique ways to create her art and did something special for the National Bank Open.
Woj created the above masterpiece using just tennis racquets and tennis balls. Yes, she really painted that with tennis equipment.
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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