Saturday, August 1 Toronto Preview: Qualifiers Seek Spot in 2026 National Bank Open Main Draw

Following Friday’s draw ceremony, 16 spots are left unfilled in wait for Saturday's qualifying results. Toronto’s opening day will also have fun for the whole family as the 407 ETR Family Weekend kicks off, with loads of free activities at Sobeys Stadium.

Here’s what Day 1 of the 2026 National Bank Open has in store.

On-Court Action

One win is all it takes for the 32 players vying for a place in the main draw. The first and only round of qualifying begins at 11 am.

A pair of former Grand Slam champions take to Grandstand as Sloane Stephens and Sofia Kenin look to add to the American contingent in Toronto. Stephens – a 2017 US Open titlist – plays compatriot Katie Volynets, while 2020 Australian Open champion Kenin meets Lucrezia Stefanini of Italy.

With eight Canadians already in the singles main draw, that number could go up to 11 by the end of Saturday. Torontonians Ana Grubor and Isabella Marton must each upset a top-three seed to qualify for their first WTA 1000, battling Maya Joint (1) and Tatjana Maria (3), respectively. Avery Alexander rounds out the Canucks in qualifying. The 16-year-old from Sudbury faces world No. 108 Polina Kudermetova of Uzbekistan.

Other notable matches include former world No. 4 Qinwen Zheng against qualifying second-seed Lanlana Tararudee, and 2025 Roland-Garros semifinalist Loïs Boisson against Emiliana Arango, who made the quarters in her WTA 1000 debut in 2023. Both matches will also take place on Grandstand.

CLICK HERE for Saturday's full order of play.

Around the Grounds

Let the free activities begin! 

Saturday will mark the opening day of 407 ETR Family Weekend in association with LEGO Canada, Montellier, Nintendo, and Sobeys. 

Let your creative side shine at our Arts and Crafts Station, before turning into the canvas with our facepainting and air-brush tattoo artists. Also, don’t forget to have an animal in mind for our Balloon Twister.

Keep an eye out for everyone’s favourite guests as Smash, the NBO’s official mascot, who will be roaming Sobeys Stadium along with Bluey and Bingo, who will be doing a Meet and Greet on the main stage.

Read also: Kayla Cross clinches National Bank Open wild card after winning the Road to the NBO

How about the chance to sing along with Canada’s highest seed in Toronto, Leylah Annie Fernandez? The world No. 34 will be doing karaoke at the Merchant of Tennis, in collaboration with Babolat, so be sure to warm up your vocal cords. Countrywoman Kayla Cross will also be making an appearance around the grounds, playing in Tennis Canada Games on Rogers First Set Tennis Court in the morning. Toronto-native Rebecca Marino will be at the 407 ETA Fastest-Serve Cage at noon.

The WTA’s top players will be signing autographs as well, like Grand Slam champions Aryna Sabalenka at Electrolit (1:30 pm), Coco Gauff at the National Bank Activation (1:45 pm), and Madison Keys at the Merchant of Tennis thanks to Yonex (1:00 pm).

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 : Rosanna U Photography