The moment has finally arrived to kick-off the main draw of the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers here in Toronto. A total of 56 players are competing in the singles draw and 28 tandems are playing in the doubles.
This year will mark the final instalment of the event with a 56-player singles draw, as starting in 2025 that will increase to a field of 96. The tournament is also growing from a nine-day to a twelve-day event as well. More tennis and more tennis players sounds like a win-win situation!
The 407 ETR Family Weekend qualifying tournament that ended yesterday set the bar high for the main draw. Sunday and Monday also set an all-time attendance record for family “weekend” with over 34,000 fans coming to the grounds of Sobeys Stadium. The previous best was set a year ago and came to 31,935.
Tuesday had many singles and doubles matches going simultaneously around the grounds and all of the top eight seeds were also practicing. They received first-round byes and begin their second-round matches on Wednesday and Thursday.
Follow the Live Results from Toronto on Tuesday
The practice pairs on site are always interesting and today was no exception. Former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka was hitting with former French Open semi-finalist Amanda Anisimova, reigning US Open champ Coco Gauff hit with 2022 Toronto finalist Beatriz Haddad Maia, and No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka was honing her game with defending champion Jessica Pegula.
Elsewhere around the grounds, the numerous fan activations and entertainment continued to keep everyone busy.
Of particular interest today was the annual Pride Day at the National Bank Open. Fans could be spotted wearing their rainbow wristbands that were being handed out at the main gates and waving their pride flags too, sending an important message of inclusion around the grounds. Fifth seed Daria Kasatkina graciously stopped by the You Can Play tent to help make friendship bracelets and it’s always nice to see the players support these types of initiatives.
Read also: Top Stars Shift Focus from Olympics to Toronto
In the morning, there was also a mental health panel that included Canadian Genie Bouchard along with Naomi Osaka. More and more athletes have spoken out in recent years about the importance of prioritizing the mental well-being of athletes and the NBO has really stepped up in recent years to help normalize that discussion. Once again this year, fans can sign the Positive Court Pledge to send a message of support to the players as well as sending them a postcard with positive vibes and well wishes.
In the day session on court, the most stunning moment came late in the afternoon on Court 1 where the Canadian wildcard duo of Ariana Arseneault and Mia Kupres claimed an unlikely victory over the sixth seeded duo of Ellen Perez and Ulrikke Eikeri 1-6, 7-6(5), 10-5. The pair are close friends and competed this past year at the NCAA College level for Auburn University and Texas A&M respectively.
A mere three weeks ago they were crowned doubles champs at the W75 ITF event in Granby and have obviously taken that confidence with them to this WTA 1000 tournament for the biggest doubles win of their young careers.
Listen: Ariana Arseneault and Mia Kupres on Match Point Canada
Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, who won the event here in Toronto in 2017, easily moved on in the first match of the day on Centre Court, beating Shelby Rogers 6-0, 6-2.
After the match, Svitolina had kind words for her previous experiences in Canada, including that big victory seven years ago.
“Shocking it’s been seven years since I won the title. I mean, yeah, it was a long time ago I feel like it was just a couple of years ago. I love to play here. It’s one of my favourite weeks to come to play.”
In other action, former World No. 1 Victoria Azarenka cruised to victory 6-2, 6-2 over Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova on Centre Court. Azarenka’s son Leo came on to the court afterwards to congratulate his Mom on the tidy opening-round win.
Azarenka is one of eight women in the draw who have won a Grand Slam title in their careers, highlighting the incredible depth in the National Bank Open field yet again this year.
The WTA's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open August 4 to 12, 2024 at Sobeys Stadium. 2024 Tickets are on sale. Get your tickets today!
Feature Photo: Gyles Dias
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