Road to the OBN: Nadal and Medvedev Return to Montreal

Welcome to the Road to the National Bank Open. Every week, we will keep you updated on all the action on the ATP Tour as we build towards the National Bank Open in Montreal, which takes place from Aug. 8 to 14.

DAYS UNTIL THE NATIONAL BANK OPEN: 24

The player list for this summer’s edition of the National Bank Open presented by Rogers has been unveiled and the best players in the world will once again be descending upon IGA Stadium to fight for one of the most prestigious titles in tennis.

Leading the way is the great Rafael Nadal, who has won two Grand Slam titles this season and lifted the trophy the last time the ATP Tour was in Montreal in 2019. As always, he’ll be a fan favourite.

Daniil Medvedev, last year’s winner in Toronto, will be back to defend his title and will hope to continue his domination on hard courts.

Montreal’s Félix Auger-Aliassime will play his home tournament for the first time as a Top 10 player and will surely receive a hero’s welcome when he steps onto Centre Court for his opening match. He’ll joined in the draw by his compatriot Denis Shapovalov, a semifinalist in Montreal in 2017 as a teenager thanks to a thrilling victory over Nadal.

Meanwhile, the fast-rising Carlos Alcaraz and Casper Ruud will be making their debut appearance inside IGA Stadium.

ON-COURT ACTION:

NEWPORT

The grass court season wraps up in Newport this week. Auger-Aliassime was the top seed in the draw but was upset in the second round by Jason Kubler. He’s still in doubles with Frenchman Benjamin Bonzi.

Andy Murray, Alexander Bublik as well as hard serving Americans Maxime Cressy and John Isner are the favourites to be the last man standing in singles on Sunday.

BASTAD

Meanwhile on the clay in Bastad, former world no. 3 Dominic Thiem appears to be finally regaining his form after struggling with injuries over the past year.  The Austrian is through to the quarter-finals and will face some stiff competition from the likes of Andrey RublevAfter being forced to withdraw from Wimbledon because of an abdominal injury, Nadal has his vacation mode on, relaxing and enjoying his boat. and Pablo Carreno Busta.

STORIES TO WATCH:

HEWITT HEADED TO HALL OF FAME

On Saturday, on the historic tennis grounds in Newport, Rhode Island where this week’s tournament is being held, iconic Aussie Lleyton Hewitt will be inducted into the International Tennis Hall of Fame. 

Hewitt, known for his tenacity on court, is a two-time Grand Slam winner and a two-time Davis Cup champion. He is the youngest player to ascend to the ATP Tour’s world No. 1 ranking, a feat which he achieved at age 20.

OFF-COURT BUZZ:

After being forced to withdraw from Wimbledon because of an abdominal injury, Nadal has his vacation mode on, relaxing and enjoying his boat.

Alexander Zverev’s rehab following surgery to repair torn ligaments in his right ankle is progressing great. He’s walking without assistance and is one step closer to returning to the court. The German suffered a nasty fall at Roland-Garros which caused the injury.

Don’t miss your chance to see the best ATP players up close this summer. Get your tickets now!