Montreal Day 13 Recap Served Up by IGA: Thank…

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Finals night at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers also means that Tournament Director Valérie Tétreault held court with the media for her end-of-tournament press conference.

She addressed a variety of topics prior to the crowning of Ben Shelton as the 2026 singles champion, who successfully defended his NBO crown, and Orlando Luz and Rafael Matos as the doubles winners on Centre Court at IGA Stadium in Montreal.

She discussed the improvement of the food and beverage options in the players lounge, which was applauded by the ATP, the need for more practice courts on-site and to continue modernizing our infrastructure at Jarry Park.

But the subject that comes up most year after year, the aspect of the tournament that everyone takes notice of is the fans, their loyalty to the event, and how well they are received by staff. Total attendance over the 13 days hit the 300K mark for the first time at 309, 492 with six sold out sessions on Centre Court and five on Rogers Court.

“I continue to be very grateful and to admire the strength of our fans,” Tétreault said. “It really doesn’t go unnoticed. We hear it year after year from the players and from tours (ATP and WTA) as well. It’s become a hallmark of the Montreal tournament that the stadium is always packed. The fans are able to appreciate the high level of tennis they’re watching.”

When asked about competing with the popularity of the Formula 1 Grand Prix in Montreal, Tétreault says that the NBO is getting close to galvanizing the city in the same way.

“We don't necessarily attract maybe as many tourists as of right now than the F1 Grand Prix, she explained. “But I think that's where with the retractable roof that would change a little bit, maybe, those numbers as well, because again, if you are going to travel, whether it's by car or by plane, to go to a sporting event, well, you want to have the guarantee that you're going to get to see some matches.”

On the heels of a record-breaking 2026 tournament, Tétreault and her team are already looking forward to welcoming the best of women’s tennis next August, including for one extra special reason.

“I’m selfishly looking forward to welcoming the women next year in what will be the first year that we have equal prize money, Tétreault added. “I think that will be a very important milestone, obviously, for our tournament. And so, I'm excited that it is happening in Montreal.”

A Trio of Habs Take in the Singles Final

Ivan Demidov, Jakub Dobes, and Jacob Fowler of the Montreal Canadiens were in attendance on Thursday evening to enjoy some tennis before their preparation for the new NHL season kicks into high gear.

Photo: Sarah-Jäde Champagne