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Montreal: August 1 - August 13, 2026
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Toronto: August 1 - August 13, 2026
Montreal : August 1 - August 13, 2026
|
Toronto : August 1 - August 13, 2026

What Makes the National Bank Open Unique

The 2026 National Bank Open presented by Rogers is officially 100 days away, and it’s time to dive into what the tournament shine.

With there being a handful of ATP Masters and WTA 1000 events, the National Bank Open still manages to give the players and fans a unique experience when stepping foot on the grounds of IGA Stadium in Montreal and Sobeys Stadium in Toronto.

Here is what makes the National Bank Open truly special.

Two Host Cities

One of the most unique aspects of the National Bank Open was just alluded to earlier. The event is the only one on tour with two host cities, alternating between ATP and WTA hosting duties.

Montreal’s IGA Stadium hosts the men’s draw in 2026, following Ben Shelton’s crowning moment last season as he hoisted his maiden ATP Masters 1000 trophy on Canadian soil. It will also be a homecoming for two of Canada’s top players – Montreal-natives Félix Auger-Aliassime and Gabriel Diallo.

Toronto’s Sobeys Stadium welcomes the best from the WTA this year. Torontonian Victoria Mboko will enter as the defending champion after her extraordinary run in 2025, and she is sure to get quite the ovation again in her hometown.

Read also: National Tourism Week - The National Bank Open at the heart of Montreal, Toronto and Canada’s appeal

Having two host cities offers players and visitors a bit of variety – from the bustling, modern-feel of Toronto to the historic charm of Montreal. However, what both places share is a passion for tennis.

Long-Standing History

The National Bank Open is a part of tennis history. First held back in 1881 – 145 years ago – the event is the third-oldest active tournament behind Wimbledon and the US Open. It was even contested on clay until it’s switch to the concrete in 1979 and it is currently one of five ATP Masters 1000 events played on an outdoor hard court.

The National Bank Open also made history just last year as Toronto hosted a wheelchair tennis tournament for the first time, becoming the third ATP Masters 1000 to have a wheelchair event.

The Road to the NBO Wildcard

Tennis Canada and the National Bank Open provide a unique way for Canadian players to qualify for the main draw with the Road to the NBO. For a year leading up the National Bank Open, ATP or WTA points earned at domestic tournaments translate to a player’s Road to the NBO tally as Canadians compete to gain the most prior to the start of the event. Whoever finishes atop of the standings is awarded a singles main-draw wildcard.

Read also: National Bank Open’s Most Notable Recent Upsets

The Road to the NBO is now in its most crucial stretch as points are worth double for Canada’s summer events, awarding the most in-form players ahead of the National Bank Open.

Click HERE to learn more about the current state of the Road to the NBO.

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

The ATP's best return to Montreal next summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers Aug 1 to 13 at IGA Stadium. Get your tickets today!

Feature Photo: Geoff Robins/Tennis Canada

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