Sunday, August 2 Toronto Preview: Williams,…

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So, it begins. The 2026 National Bank Open presented by Rogers main draw is set and will get underway on Sunday, with four Canadians in action.

Centre Court will feature a pair of former Grand Slam champions and will have an extra tint of red when the Canucks take to the court. A few locals will also be making their Toronto debuts on Grandstand.

Here’s a look at the first day of the 2026 main draw.

On-court Action

One of tennis’ greats is part of the first match on Centre Court. Former world No. 1 Venus Williams is set to make her 11^th National Bank Open appearance, opening against Kamilla Rakhimova at 12:30pm. The seven-time major titlist reached the Montreal final in 2014.

Following the match, Centre Court’s Canadian content begins with Toronto-native Katherine Sebov, who returns to the main draw for the first time since 2022. Sebov will meet Japanese qualifier Aoi Ito.

Opening night’s slate starts with 2019 NBO champion Bianca Andreescu against Nikola Bartunkova. The Mississaugan said in a press conference on Aug. 1, “I feel good. I’m super healthy, that’s been the main priority for me. I’ve been managing everything around me quite well. So, I’m just ready to bring it.”

Listen: Toronto in 10 - Qualifying and On-Site Food Options

Andreescu last NBO stint ended in a withdrawal after powering through her first-round match in Montreal 2025.

The day truly gets started with one match at 11 am as Ariana Arseneault takes on 2025 NBO quarter-finalist Jessica Bouzas Maneiro on Grandstand. The 24-year-old, who grew up in the Toronto suburb of Richmond Hill, will make her first appearance in the Ontario capital, following her WTA debut in Montreal last year.

Cadence Brace will play in her WTA 1000 main-draw debut not before 5pm on Grandstand. The Torontonian battles reigning NBO doubles champion McCartney Kessler.

Other notable matches include:

Yulia Putinseva (KAZ) vs Shuai Zhang (CHN) – second on Centre Court in the Night Session
[Q] Loïs Boisson (FRA) vs Sara Bejlek (CZE) – second on Court 4
Talia Gibson (AUS) vs Elisabetta Cocciaretto (ITA) – fourth on Court 1

Around the Grounds

The 407 ETR Family Weekend continues with more free activities for the whole family, plus appearances by Gabby from Gabby’s Dollhouse and members of Paw Patrol on main stage.

The LEGO Wall is all built so be sure to check out their latest brick creation as well.

Bring out your “Red Again” and support the Canadians for Centre Court’s opening night. Foam fingers, rally towels, and signs will be available on the 300 level to ramp up the atmosphere, and the fan of the night will even receive tickets to the 2026 National Bank Open final.

If you want to add to your collection of red, Tennis Canada jerseys will be for sale, with the opportunity to get your favourite Canadian player’s name printed on the back.

Before play starts on Centre Court, the first episode of Tennis Talk kick starts opening night. Hear what Tennis Canada coaches Noëlle van Lottum and Sharon Fichman have to say on main stage, along with 2026 Olympic gold medalist in big air, Megan Oldham.

The WTA's best return to Toronto for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers Aug 1 to 13 at Sobeys Stadium. Get your tickets today!

Feature Photo : Mark Blinch/Wick Photography for National Bank Open