<h2>Djokovic joins 100-win club in Geneva</h2>Novak Djokovic reached another milestone on Saturday, defeating Hubert Hurkacz in the Geneva Open Final to win the 100th singles title of his career.The 38-year-old joins Jimmy Connors, who holds the record with 109 singles titles, and Roger Federer (103) as the only men with 100 tournament wins in the Open era.<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KGJS2sIpJrg" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>It’s been nine months since Djokovic won his 99th title at the Paris Olympics at Roland-Garros. He reached two finals in his quest for 100 but fell to Jakub Mensik in Miami this past March and Jannik Sinner in Shanghai last October.The Serbian becomes the first man in the Open Era to win a title in 20 different seasons, with his first title coming at Amersfoort in July 2006.Djokovic now heads back to Paris looking to win his fourth title at Roland-Garros and 25th Grand Slam.Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/auger-aliassimes-hamburg-run-ends-in-semis-against-rublev" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Auger-Aliassime's Hamburg Run Ends in Semis Against Rublev</a><h2>Rybakina ends drought in Strasbourg</h2>Elena Rybakina snapped a year-long title drought on Saturday, defeating Liudmila Samsonova 6-1, 6-7(2), 6-1 to win the Internationaux de Strasbourg title.<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/6hwp-xo4EOs" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>The 2022 Wimbledon champion had not reached a final or won a title since winning the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in April 2024.Rybakina now has momentum heading to Roland-Garros, where she enters as the No. 12 seed in search of her second-career Grand Slam title.Read Also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/wta-power-rankings-challengers-aiming-dethrone-swiatek-roland-garros" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Challengers Aiming to Dethrone Swiatek at Roland-Garros</a><h2>Rafa’s Roland-Garros Farewell</h2>Rafael Nadal was honoured on Court Philippe-Chatrier on Sunday as a farewell ceremony at Roland-Garros, the tournament he won a record 14 times in his illustrious career.Nadal, who retired last year, received a standing ovation and thunderous applause from the crowd in the 15,000-seat stadium.“This is tough," Nadal said. "Good evening, everyone. I don’t know where to start after playing on this court for the past 20 years. Winning, losing — but especially being moved every time I’ve had the chance to be here.”<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/jMaSEkv1OIw" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>He was greeted on court by career rivals Djokovic, Roger Federer, and Andy Murray.The Spaniard was 112-4 all-time at Roland-Garros and 14-0 in finals at the event.Read Also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/atp-power-rankings-will-roland-garros-alcarazs-coronation" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Will Roland-Garros be Alcaraz’s Coronation?</a><h2>All winners from last week:</h2>ATP 500 - Hamburg●    Men’s Singles: Flavio Cobolli* (2/2) d. Andrey Rublev ●    Men’s Doubles: Simone Bolelli/Andrea Vavassori d. Andres Molteni/Fernando RomboliATP 250 - Geneva●    Men’s Singles: Novak Djokovic* (1/100) d. Hubert Hurkacz ●    Men’s Doubles: Sadio Doumbia/Fabien Reboul d. Ariel Behar/Joran VliegenWTA 500 - Strasbourg●    Women’s Singles: Elena Rybakina* (1/9) d. Liudmila Samsonova ●    Women’s Doubles: Timea Babos/Luisa Stefani d. Hanyu Guo/Nicole Malichar-MartinezWTA 250 - Rabat●    Women’s Singles: Maya Joint* (1/1) d. Jaqueline Cristian ●    Women’s Doubles: Maya Joint/Oksana Kalashnikova d. Angelica Moratelli/Camilla Rosatello* 2025 Titles/Career Titles<a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/monday-digest-fast-start-for-canadians-at-roland-garros" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Click Here for more news about Canadian tennis.</a>The ATP's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 27 to Aug. 7, 2025 at Sobeys Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/toronto/toronto-tickets-packages" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get your tickets today!</a>The WTA's best return to Montreal this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at IGA Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/montreal-tickets-packages" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get your tickets today!</a>Feature Photo : ATP Tour

This Week in Tennis: Djokovic wins 100th title

With his first Masters 1000 title, the current No.62 will move up in the rankings to No.23. 
Not only was his play practically perfect, Popyrin made the most of the opportunities he got from Rublev, who was way out of his comfort zone. 
READ: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/granollers-zeballos-reign-supreme-doubles" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Granollers and Zeballos reign supreme in doubles</a>
Rublev got things started by dropping the first seven points and giving Popyrin a 2-0 lead. What happened to Rublev? It was one of two things: he was half asleep or the stakes were too high. It’s happened before. He’s disappeared from four Slam quarterfinals and has never won a Masters 1000 on a hard court. 
It’s a crack he’s talked openly about. He’s an ultra-emotional player who hasn’t yet learned to access his best tennis in high-pressure situations. 
After giving away two breaks in the first set, Rublev found himself down 1-3 in the second. Then, a sudden burst of energy helped him break back and even things out. 
READ: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2024/catching-up-acclaimed-musician-tennis-fan-alexandra-streliski" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Catching up with acclaimed musician and tennis fan Alexandra Stréliski</a> 
Popyrin stays the course

The reversal of fortune didn’t last. He was broken again and had trouble handling his rival’s laser-focused shots. A string of errors then put the match beyond his reach. 
The numbers don’t lie. In the end, Popyrin racked up 72 points, 10 aces and 3 double faults versus 54 points, 4 aces and 5 double faults for his opponent. 
Alexei Popyrin adds the most prestigious title of his career to the two ATP 250 championships already in his trophy case. For his efforts and the surprise he caused, he’ll pocket US$1,040,460, while Rublev will have to make do with US$573,090.
Featured photo by: Pascal Ratthé

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Peroni Refresh: Alexei Popyrin’s extraordinary feat!

A second French Open title for Carlos Alcaraz would likely cement the young Spaniard’s succession to his retired countryman’s throne as the King of Clay. But it won't be easy.There are plenty of players who likely sense an opportunity to claim the clay major, including a recently-returned World No. 1 who seems as strong as ever.The National Bank Open Power Rankings evaluate the challengers for the throne in Paris.(Brackets indicate change in position since <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/atp-power-rankings-who-will-fill-kings-void-clay" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the last edition of the Power Rankings</a> from before the start of the clay season)<h3>1) Carlos Alcaraz (-)</h3><ul><li>Actual Ranking: 2</li><li>2025 Record: 30-5</li><li>Notable Recent Result: Monte-Carlo and Rome Champion</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: Champion (2024)</li></ul>As the man many are calling the next King of Clay, Alcaraz has certainly shown why he’s the heir presumptive to the throne. The former World No. 1 has had a near-perfect start to the clay season, with his only loss coming in the Barcelona final to Holger Rune.<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ebUixP8eMEw" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>Alcaraz withdrew from Madrid but won in Monte-Carlo and Rome, becoming the first player to win multiple clay Masters 1000 titles in a season since Rafael Nadal. That’s some good company to be a part of as Alcaraz looks to be the first man to defend the Roland-Garros crown since, of course, Nadal.- Francesco<h3>2) Jannik Sinner (+3)</h3><ul style="padding-left:48px;"><li>Actual Ranking: 1</li><li>2025 Record: 12-1</li><li>Notable Recent Result: Rome Runner-Up</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: Semifinal (2024)</li></ul>The world No. 1’s return to the tour after a three-month absence could not have gone much better. Sinner barely looked like he had missed a beat, cruising into the Rome final in his first tournament since the Australian OpenSure, he lost that final to Alcaraz, but that would have been an acceptable defeat even if Sinner had been playing a regular schedule. No shame in that loss.Read Also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-sinner-returns-rome" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sinner Returns in Rome</a>There is little reason to doubt that Sinner will be ready to make a push for his first non-hard court Slam at Roland-Garros. While he has never won a big clay title (yet), he has had plenty of deep runs, including coming within a set of the final last year in Paris.- Pete<h3>3) Casper Ruud (+1)</h3><ul><li>Actual Ranking: 7</li><li>2025 Record: 24-7</li><li>Notable Recent Result: Madrid Champion</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: Runner-Up (two times)</li></ul>Ruud’s love for clay certainly shows in his play. The Norwegian won his first Masters 1000 title in Madrid this year, his 12th ATP title on the dirt. His triumph in the Spanish capital included impressive victories against Top 10 seeds Taylor Fritz, Daniil Medvedev, and Jack Draper.<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q6f2oU1HVDM" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>The 26-year-old’s best Grand Slam has without a doubt been the French Open. Ruud has reached at least the semifinal for three-straight years, finishing as runner-up on two occasions. Could third time be a charm if Ruud is able to reach yet another final at Roland-Garros?- Francesco<h3>4) Alexander Zverev (-1)</h3><ul style="padding-left:48px;"><li>Actual Ranking: 3</li><li>2025 Record: 24-9</li><li>Notable Recent Result: Munich Champion</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: Runner-Up (2024)</li></ul>It would be fair to look at Zverev’s recent results and wonder if he should be among the favourites at Roland-Garros. The thing is, the German has a tendency to have some cold streaks heading into big events only to perform well.And he did win the title at the 500 event in Munich.<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LzmuVk-cwLk" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>At the end of the day, Zverev is the defending runner-up in Paris and has performed well throughout his career at big clay events. He has also been super consistent at Roland-Garros. He has reached at least the fourth round every year since 2017 and has gotten to the semis in the last four editions of the Parisian major.- Pete<h3>5) Jack Draper (+5)</h3><ul><li>Actual Ranking: 5</li><li>2025 Record: 22-6</li><li>Notable Recent Result: Madrid Runner-Up</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: 1R (two times)</li></ul>Last year’s clay season wasn’t the kindest to Draper. The British No. 1 didn’t make it out of the second round of a big clay event. But this year, the 23-year-old looks to have gotten accustomed to the dirt.Read Also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/tennis-canada-agrees-multi-year-partnership-sustainability-consultant-organization-strives-world-leader-2030" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tennis Canada agrees to multi-year partnership with sustainability consultant as organization strives to be world leader by 2030</a>Draper had notable wins against Tommy Paul and Lorenzo Musetti en route to finishing as the runner-up in Madrid. He then managed a quarter-final finish in Rome, losing to eventual winner Alcaraz. The Brit is ranked a career-high fifth in the ATP rankings so that should give Draper a favourable draw as he looks for his first Roland-Garros main draw win.- Francesco<h3>6) Lorenzo Musetti (New)</h3><ul style="padding-left:48px;"><li>Actual Ranking: 8</li><li>2025 Record: 20-7</li><li>Notable Recent Result: Monte Carlo Runner-Up</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: Fourth Round (twice)</li></ul>After Alcaraz, Musetti may have been the next-best player on clay this spring. The Italian is the only player to have reached the semifinals or better at all three clay Masters 1000 events this year, including his maiden Masters 1000 final in Monte Carlo.<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TjoPCr4jc58" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>He should also be confident at the Porte D’Auteuil. The last time he was there, Musetti had an Olympic bronze medal draped around his neck. There is plenty of reason to believe that Musetti can post his best-ever result at Roland-Garros over the coming weeks.- Pete<h3>7) Holger Rune (-)</h3><ul style="padding-left:48px;"><li>Actual Ranking: 10</li><li>2025 Record: 17-11</li><li>Notable Recent Result: Barcelona Champion</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: Quarter-Final (Twice)</li></ul>It has been a bit of a boom-bust first half of the year for Rune, but that kind of feels like the norm for him. He reached the final of Indian Wells back in March, but has not gotten past the third round of a Masters 1000 event since.However, he also <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-rune-stuns-alcaraz-barcelona" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">won the title in Barcelona</a>, handing (an albeit injured) Alcaraz his lone defeat on clay this year in the final. He also beat the soon-to-be Madrid champion Ruud on his way to the title.<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fZh5q73PX6A" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>Rune has plenty of experience in big matches and is capable of beating practically anyone on any given day if he has his best tennis.- Pete<h3>8) Novak Djokovic (-6)</h3><ul><li>Actual Ranking: 6</li><li>2025 Record: 12-7</li><li>Notable Recent Result: Geneva Semifinal</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: Champion (three times)</li></ul>One of the greatest of all time. Normally, not much else needs to be said about Djokovic, but the former world No. 1 has struggled this clay season. The Belgrade-native lost in his opening match in both Monte Carlo and Madrid, the first time he has <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-djokovic-struggles-madrid" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">lost two straight opening matches</a> since 2018.<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/KBzLCqFtL5Q" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>However, Djokovic’s accolades speak for themselves. The 38-year-old has won a record 24 Grand Slams, three of which came at Roland-Garros. The Serb also won a gold medal on the dirt in Paris just last year, defeating Alcaraz in two tiebreakers.- Francesco<h3>9) Alex de Minaur (New)</h3><ul><li>Actual Ranking: 9</li><li>2025 Record: 26-10</li><li>Notable Recent Result: Monte-Carlo Semifinal</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: Quarter-Final (2024)</li></ul>De Minaur has had some consistency on the dirt as of late. The Australian No. 1 has made it to at least the round of 16 in his last six ATP clay court tournaments, including a semifinal finish in Monte Carlo this year.Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/change-the-game/2025/wheelchair-update-shaw-gearing-up-for-roland-garros" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Shaw Gearing up for RG</a>The 26-year-old had notable wins against Medvedev and Denis Shapovalov, but was eliminated by Top 12 opponents at all three clay Masters events. If de Minaur is able to get a big win at Roland-Garros, he could find himself in his first-career Grand Slam semifinal.- Francesco<h3>10) Tommy Paul (New)</h3><ul style="padding-left:48px;"><li>Actual Ranking: 12</li><li>2025 Record: 21-8</li><li>Notable Recent Result: Rome SF</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: Third Round (2024)</li></ul>Among the Americans, Tommy Paul is the strongest on clay. He has a particular affinity for Rome, having reached back-to-back semifinals in the eternal city.<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Vgeo1OnfETo" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>So far this year on clay, he has secured wins over Joao Fonseca, Karen Khachanov, and Alex de Minaur. In Rome, he even pushed Sinner to three sets in their semifinal clash.- PeteThe National Bank Open Power Rankings are a group collaboration by the Power Rankings Panel which includes:<ul><li><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/peteb93.bsky.social" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pete Borkowski</a> – Manager of Editorial and Player Coverage, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/boydmel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Melissa Boyd</a> – Content Writer, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/ChampagneSJade" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sarah-Jade Champagne</a> – Content Specialist, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://x.com/JChan_811" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jonathan Chan</a> - Content Contributor, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/EddieJonesLee" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Edward Lee</a> – Content Contributor, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/hulight" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hugues Leger</a> – Producer, Podcast Sur La Ligne</li><li><a href="https://x.com/Charobillardmi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Charlotte Robillard-Millette</a> – Communications Coordinator, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/SanterreAbraham" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Abraham Santerre</a> – Content Creator, Podcast Sur La Ligne</li><li>Patrick Steski - Content Contributor, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/franny_t1/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Francesco Tosini</a> - Content Writer, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://x.com/raviubha" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ravi Ubha</a> - Content Contributor, Tennis Canada</li></ul>2025 Roland-Garros Predictions:Champion:  <ul><li>Pete: Carlos Alcaraz  </li><li>Mel: Jannik Sinner  </li><li>Sarah-Jade: Novak Djokovic  </li><li>Jonathan: Jannik Sinner  </li><li>Eddie: Carloz Alcaraz  </li><li>Hugues: Carlos Alcaraz  </li><li>Pat: Carlos Alcaraz  </li><li>Francesco: Jannik Sinner  </li><li>Ravi: Carlos Alcaraz  </li></ul>Dark Horse:  <ul><li>Pete: Arthur Fils  </li><li>Mel: Arthur Fils  </li><li>Jonathan: Francisco Cerundolo  </li><li>Eddie: Francisco Cerundolo  </li><li>Hugues: Arthur Fils  </li><li>Pat: Mateo Arnaldi  </li><li>Francesco: Francisco Cerundolo  </li><li>Ravi: Francisco Cerundolo  </li></ul>Bold Prediction:  <ul><li>Pete: Jack Draper does not reach the third round.</li><li>Mel: Novak Djokovic does not make it through the first week.  </li><li>Sarah-Jade: Novak Djokovic will win his last Grand Slam singles title.  </li><li>Jonathan: Joao Fonseco will reach the quarter-finals.  </li><li>Eddie: Novak Djokovic does not make it past the first week.  </li><li>Pat: Carlos Alcaraz will not drop a set until the semis.  </li><li>Francesco: Alexander Zverev will be eliminated before the quarter-final  </li><li>Ravi: Joao Fonseca reaches the second week.   </li></ul>The ATP's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 27 to Aug. 7, 2025 at Sobeys Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/toronto/toronto-tickets-packages" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get your tickets today!</a>Feature Photo: Martin Sidorjak

Experts

ATP Power Rankings: Will Roland-Garros be Alcaraz’s Coronation?

So if not Swiatek, then who?But also.... why not Iga?With intrigue swirling around the second Grand Slam event of 2025, the National Bank Open Power Rankings are back to examine of the most interesting field in Paris in years.(Brackets indicate change in position since the last edition of the Power Rankings from <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/wta-power-rankings-can-swiatek-reassert-clay-dominance" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the start of the clay season</a>.)<h3>1) Aryna Sabalenka (-)</h3><ul><li>Actual Ranking: 1</li><li>2025 record: 34-6</li><li>Notable Recent Results: Madrid Champion</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: Semifinal (2023)</li></ul>It may be an obvious statement given her ranking, but Aryna Sabalenka is the best female tennis player on planet earth right now, regardless of the surface. Period.<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/LuJqjgG8kpA" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>Madrid may not be the best indicator of Roland-Garros success given the altitude and speed of the court, but the way Sabalenka <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-sabalenka-continues-impressive-season-madrid" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">tore that draw apart</a> shows just how comfortable she is right now on the dirt. Other than a sluggish February, the world No. 1 has come to play at every big event, reaching the final at three of the last four WTA 1000 events, winning two.  Sabalenka also reached the final at two of her three clay-court tournaments this spring. This may be her best chance to claim her first major off of hard court.- Pete<h3>2) Coco Gauff (+1)</h3><ul><li>Actual Ranking: 2</li><li>2025 Record: 24-8</li><li>Notable Recent Result: Rome and Madrid Runner-Up</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: Runner-Up (2022)</li></ul>Gauff was so close – yet so far – from hoisting her first-career big clay title. The 21-year-old made the final in both Madrid and Rome, her best result at each tournament. Unfortunately for Gauff, she couldn’t get the better of world No. 1 Sabalenka or crowd-favourite Jasmine Paolini, losing in straight sets on both occasions.Read also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/tennis-canada-agrees-multi-year-partnership-sustainability-consultant-organization-strives-world-leader-2030" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tennis Canada agrees to multi-year partnership with sustainability consultant as organization strives to be world leader by 2030</a>However, it’s impossible to ignore her results on the dirt in recent years. Gauff has made at least the semifinal in her last four big clay appearances. At Roland-Garros alone, the American No. 1 has made at least the quarter-final four straight times as she looks to turn consistency into triumph this year.- Francesco<h3>3) Jasmine Paolini (+2)</h3><ul><li>Actual Ranking: 4</li><li>2025 Record: 22-8</li><li>Notable Recent Result: Rome Champion</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: Runner-Up (2024)</li></ul>After reaching her maiden Grand Slam final last year at Roland-Garros, Paolini had some impressive performances on her return to the clay. The 29-year-old earned <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-may-20-alcaraz-paolini-rule-rome" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">her first-career WTA clay court title</a>, powered by a passionate home crowd in Rome.<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sGrXpsVYDqU" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>The Italian No. 1 beat world No. 2 Gauff in straight sets in that Italian Open final, a month after defeating the American in two sets on the dirt in Stuttgart. Paolini’s only concern was in Madrid, winning just three games in her round of 32 loss to Maria Sakkari.- Francesco<h3>4) Iga Swiatek (-2)</h3><ul><li>Actual Ranking: 5</li><li>2025 record: 27-9</li><li>Notable Recent Results: Madrid SF</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: Champion (Four times)</li></ul>The Queen of Clay is in the midst of her longest dry spell since winning her first title, which was at Roland-Garros, in October 2020. While she has been very consistent in the big events, reaching the quarters or better at every WTA 1000 except for Rome this year, she has not reached a final at any level since lifting the Coupe Suzanne Lenglen last June. Her losses to Gauff and Danielle Collins in Madrid and Rome were both concerning straight-set defeats.<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Xxs1BudXmWM" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>That said, Swiatek has been able to turn things around at Roland-Garros before. In two of her four title runs, she arrived in Paris without having won one of Rome or Madrid in the lead-up. Like Rafael Nadal before her, the Pole is a different beast on Court Philippe Chatrier. Her aura alone could carry her a long way.  - Pete<h3>5) Mirra Andreeva (-1)</h3><ul><li>Actual Ranking: 6</li><li>2025 Record: 27-7</li><li>Notable Recent Result: Rome and Madrid QF</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: Semifinal (2024)</li></ul>At just 18 years old, experience is far from in question when it comes to Andreeva. After <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-draper-andreeva-take-indian-wells" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">back-to-back WTA 1000 wins</a> to start the year, the world No. 6 is back on the surface where she made her mark in 2024.This year in Madrid, Andreeva’s run ended in the quarter-finals against Gauff. Then it was deja vu in Rome, losing to the American in the quarter-final again. Nevertheless, both results were her best at a WTA 1000 clay event as she continues to look impressive on clay. That’s not what her opponents will want to hear, considering Andreeva made the Roland-Garros semifinal a year ago.- Francesco<h3>6) Qinwen Zheng (+2)</h3><ul><li>Actual Ranking: 8</li><li>2025 record: 13-8</li><li>Notable Recent Results: Rome SF</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: Fourth Round (2022)</li></ul>Zheng made a statement earlier this month with her semifinal run in Rome, taking out world No. 1 Sabalenka in straight sets in the quarter-finals. She very nearly made the final, barely being edged out by Gauff in the semis.<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TK3kISIbmh0" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>For the most part, Zheng has been pretty consistent recently, reaching at least the quarter-finals at three of the last four WTA 1000 events. She also has a good record on clay, with three of her five career titles coming on the surface.It is worth mentioning that the biggest match win and tournament victory of Zheng’s career came at Stade Roland-Garros, just not during the French Open. Last July, she defeated Swiatek in the semis on her way to an Olympic gold medal on the dirt in Paris. She will have plenty of positivity to draw on during the upcoming fortnight at the same venue.- Pete<h3>7) Jessica Pegula (-1)</h3><ul><li>Actual Ranking: 3</li><li>2025 record: 28-9</li><li>Notable Recent Results: Charleston Champion</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: Quarter-Final (2022)</li></ul>Pegula’s sheer consistency has earned her a Top 4 seed heading into the second major of the year. While she has not had any flashy results on the European dirt, she was red hot at the end of March and in early April, reaching the Miami final and then kicking off her clay season with a title at home in Charleston.Read also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/victoria-celebrates-day-two-in-paris" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Victoria Celebrates Day Two in Paris</a>The European clay was not so kind to the world No. 3, but she has been able to pick up match wins in every event she has played in the leadup to Roland-Garros. She missed last year’s French Open with an injury but is only a couple of years removed from a quarter-final run, her best result in Paris.- Pete<h3>8) Elina Svitolina (New)</h3><ul><li>Actual Ranking: 13</li><li>2025 Record: 25-8</li><li>Notable Recent Results: Madrid Semifinal, Rouen Champion</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: Quarter-Final (four times)</li></ul>Svitolina is the lowest-ranked player on this list, but she has every reason to be in this spot. The world No. 13 only dropped two sets in her last 14 matches on the dirt, her biggest win coming against Elena Rybakina en route to a semifinal in Madrid.<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/TIODDJPOHhI" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>The 30-year-old’s result in the Spanish capital was her best big clay result since she won the Italian Open back in 2018. After a quarter-final in Rome this year and a win in Rouen, Svitolina’s back at her best on the clay as she looks to break her Roland-Garros quarter-final curse.- Francesco<h3>9) Madison Keys (-2)</h3><ul><li>Actual Ranking: 7</li><li>2025 record: 24-6</li><li>Notable Recent Results: Madrid QF</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: Semifinal (2018)</li></ul>There is only ever one player heading into Roland-Garros with a chance to complete the calendar-year Grand Slam. This year, it’s Madison Keys.The Australian Open champion has cooled off a bit since her incredible start to the season but has still had some strong performances. Her best result recently came in Madrid, where she reached the quarter-finals and pushed Swiatek to three sets.Read also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/triple-play-for-the-canadian-women-at-rgtriple-play-for-the-canadian-women-at-rg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Triple Play for the Canadian Women at RG</a>It has been a while since Keys went on a deep run at Roland-Garros, but she is no stranger to the late rounds. She reached the semis and quarters in back-to-back years back in 2018 and 2019.- Pete<h3>10) Diana Shnaider (New)</h3><ul><li>Actual Ranking: 11</li><li>2025 Record: 22-6</li><li>Notable Recent Result: Rome Quarter-Final</li><li>Best Roland-Garros Result: 2R (2023)</li></ul>Big clay events may not have treated Shnaider too kindly in the past, but the 21-year-old looks to have cracked the code. Shnaider earned her best big clay result, losing in the round of 16 in Madrid to former clay triple crown winner Swiatek.<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/oBqWUc0ryEE" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>The world No. 11 improved on that result by one round in Rome but lost to eventual-winner Paolini. On both occasions, Shnaider forced a third set which proves she can hold her own against the tour’s best on the clay.- FrancescoThe National Bank Open Power Rankings are a group collaboration by the Power Rankings Panel which includes:<ul><li><a href="https://bsky.app/profile/peteb93.bsky.social" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Pete Borkowski</a> – Manager of Editorial and Player Coverage, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/boydmel" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Melissa Boyd</a> – Content Writer, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/ChampagneSJade" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sarah-Jade Champagne</a> – Content Specialist, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://x.com/JChan_811" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Jonathan Chan</a> - Content Contributor, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/EddieJonesLee" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Edward Lee</a> – Content Contributor, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/hulight" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Hugues Leger</a> – Producer, Podcast Sur La Ligne</li><li><a href="https://x.com/Charobillardmi" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Charlotte Robillard-Millette</a> – Communications Coordinator, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://twitter.com/SanterreAbraham" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Abraham Santerre</a> – Content Creator, Podcast Sur La Ligne</li><li>Patrick Steski - Content Contributor, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://www.instagram.com/franny_t1/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Francesco Tosini</a> - Content Writer, Tennis Canada</li><li><a href="https://x.com/raviubha" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Ravi Ubha</a> - Content Contributor, Tennis Canada</li></ul>2025 Roland-Garros Predictions:Champion:<ul><li>Pete: Coco Gauff</li><li>Mel: Aryna Sabalenka</li><li>Sarah-Jade: Jasmine Paolini</li><li>Jonathan: Aryna Sabalenka</li><li>Eddie: Aryna Sabalenka</li><li>Hugues: Mirra Andreeva</li><li>Pat: Coco Gauff</li><li>Francesco: Coco Gauff</li><li>Ravi: Aryna Sabalenka</li></ul>Dark Horse:<ul><li>Pete: Marta Kostyuk</li><li>Mel: Naomi Osaka</li><li>Sarah-Jade: Karolina Muchova</li><li>Jonathan: Amanda Anisimova</li><li>Eddie: Jelena Ostapenko</li><li>Pat: Marta Kostyuk</li><li>Ravi: Clara Tauson</li></ul>Bold Prediction:<ul><li>Pete: A teenager that isn’t Mirra Andreeva will reach the quarter-finals.</li><li>Mel: Elina Svitolina will reach at least the semifinals</li><li>Sarah-Jade: Paolini will beat Swiatek in rematch of the 2024 Roland-Garros Final.</li><li>Jonathan: Paula Badosa returns from injury on fire and reaches the semis.</li><li>Eddie: Sabalenka and Gauff produce an all-time classic final.</li><li>Hugues: Two Canadian women reach the second week</li><li>Pat: Emma Raducanu will reach her second Grand Slam quarter-final.  </li><li>Francesco: Naomi Osaka makes the quarter-final, posting her best result at Roland-Garros.</li><li>Ravi: French wildcard Lois Boisson, ranked 358th, makes a splash.  </li></ul>The WTA's best return to Montreal this summer for the National Bank Open July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at IGA Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/montreal-tickets-packages" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get your tickets today!</a>Feature Photo : Martin Sidorjak

WTA Power Rankings: Challengers Aiming to Dethrone Swiatek at Roland-Garros

For a number of years, Tennis Canada has worked tirelessly to minimize its environmental footprint to become a leader in sustainable development by 2030, not only in Canada but also throughout the world of sporting events. To continue this endeavour, Tennis Canada is pleased to announce it has agreed to a multi-year partnership with Dr. Jennifer Lynes to be the sustainability consultant in Toronto. In this role, Lynes will work alongside Tennis Canada’s sustainability committee with a focus on continuing to make the National Bank Open presented by Rogers environmentally and socially responsible. In Montreal, Tennis Canada will continue to partner with CQEER on its environmental and social responsibility efforts. “Sports is an area that is just starting to think more about sustainability from a bigger-picture perspective, and there’s so much potential,” said Lynes, who previously worked in a similar role with Tennis Canada in 2024. “There’s a really exciting opportunity for Tennis Canada and the NBO to be a leader in moving the momentum forward.” Lynes is an associate professor and co-director of the Sustainability and Financial Management program at the University of Waterloo. With an educational background in marketing and environmental studies, Lynes’s work focuses on marketing for sustainability.  For the past 25 years, Lynes has been dedicated to working with a range of organizations to develop sustainability initiatives: from international airlines to local non-profits. Notably, she partnered with music industry leaders, including Jack Johnson, Live Nation, AEG, Effect Partners, and Reverb, to establish the Sustainable Concerts Working Group. More recently, Lynes has been working to implement sustainability principles into sporting events. Lynes combines her passion for sustainability with her teaching and research roles at the University of Waterloo. Current sustainability management graduate student Kari Gunton, who will work alongside Lynes, is applying her experience as a former world-ranked junior tennis player through her lead role in sustainability initiatives on the ground at the NBO in Toronto.“Tennis Canada was integral in my tennis development as a junior tennis player and has provided me with amazing opportunities in the sport. I’m excited to now be partnering with them as I focus my thesis on the National Bank Open’s sustainability efforts,” Gunton said.Lynes and Gunton will help create a long-term plan to meet the organizational goals by 2030. They will also put research into practice in terms of engaging the fans who visit Sobeys Stadium during the NBO to be active participants in the process.“In the work that we’ve done with Tennis Canada thus far, it is clear that they are serious about being leaders in sustainability,” Lynes said. “The fact that they are interested in making changes that will have lasting impacts makes our job a whole lot easier.”

Off Court

Tennis Canada agrees to multi-year partnership with sustainability consultant as organization strives to be world leader by 2030

<h3>Alcaraz Spoils Sinner’s Return</h3>Carlos Alcaraz defeated top-ranked Jannik Sinner 7-6 (5), 6-1, to win his first Italian Open on Sunday. It’s the fourth straight time Alcaraz has defeated Sinner.Sinner had just returned from a three-month doping ban and was hoping to win at home in his return tournament, but had his 26-match winning streak snapped by Alcaraz. “I’m just really happy to see Jannik back at this amazing level,” Alcaraz said. “I’m sure it wasn’t easy for him coming back from three months without playing. Making the final here is something insane.”<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ebUixP8eMEw&amp;amp;ab_channel=TennisTV" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>“Beating Jannik, winning Rome. I think both things mixed together gives you great confidence coming to Paris,” said Alcaraz. “I always say that the final is not about playing, the final is about winning, to go for it.”Alcaraz, a four-time Grand Slam champion, has reached the finals in three clay-court events this season, <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-alcaraz-wins-first-title-monte-carlo" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">winning in Monte Carlo</a> and Rome and <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-rune-stuns-alcaraz-barcelona" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">finishing as the runner-up in Barcelona</a>. He moved back up to No. 2 in the ATP rankings with this latest victory.The 22-year-old will head into Roland-Garros next Sunday as one of the favourites as he attempts to defend his title.Read Also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-sinner-returns-rome" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sinner Returns in Rome</a><h3>Paolini Wins At Home</h3>Jasmine Paolini beat Coco Gauff 6-4, 6-2 to win her first title of the season on home soil in Rome. She became the first Italian woman to win the tournament since Raffaella Reggi in 1985. “It doesn’t seem real to me," Paolini said. "I came here as a kid to see this tournament but winning it and holding up this trophy wasn’t even in my dreams.”<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/sGrXpsVYDqU&amp;amp;pp=ygUSUGFvbGluaSBSb21lIEZpbmFs" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>The 29-year-old moved up to No. 4 in the WTA rankings with the win. Paolini reached the final at both Wimbledon and Roland-Garros last season as she searches for her first Grand Slam title.Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/gabriel-diallo-coming-full-circle-at-roland-garros" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gabriel Diallo Coming Full Circle at Roland-Garros</a><h3>Andreescu gets ball rolling in Paris</h3>Canadian Bianca Andreescu advanced in the qualifiers at Roland-Garros with an emphatic 6-0, 6-0 win over Xinxin Yao on Monday.The Mississauga, ON., native will battle Nao Hibino in the next round of qualifying on Wednesday. Andreescu’s best performance at Roland-Garros came in 2023 and 2024 when she reached the third round. <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/bianca-andreescus-impressive-run-in-rome-ends-in-round-of-16" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Andreescu had an impressive run in Rome</a>, reaching the round of 16 before losing to No. 8 Qinwen Zheng.Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/triple-play-for-the-canadian-women-at-rgtriple-play-for-the-canadian-women-at-rg" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Triple Play for the Canadian Women at RG</a>The ATP's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 27 to Aug. 7, 2025 at Sobeys Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/toronto/toronto-tickets-packages" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get your tickets today!</a>The WTA's best return to Montreal this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at IGA Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/montreal-tickets-packages" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get your tickets today!</a>Feature Photo : @carlosalcaraz

This Week in Tennis May 20: Alcaraz, Paolini Rule in Rome

<h3>Sinner returns with home-court win </h3>World No. 1 Jannik Sinner returned from a three-month doping ban with a win in front of his home crowd in Rome, defeating the 99th-ranked Mariano Navone in the second round.It was his first match since winning his third Grand Slam title at the Australian Open in January.“Amazing feeling. I have waited quite long for this moment,” Sinner said. “I am very happy to be back."Sinner is looking to become the first Italian man to win in Rome since Adriano Panatta in 1976. <figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/bxzmH0QFE40" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/andreescu-gets-revenge-on-rybakina-in-rome-fernandez-out" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Andreescu Gets Revenge on Rybakina in Rome; Fernandez Out</a><h3>Andreescu Picking Up Steam</h3>Canadian Bianca Andreescu is rounding into form at the Italian Open after missing nearly six months due to injury. The 2019 US Open Champion reached the fourth round with a <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/andreescu-gets-revenge-on-rybakina-in-rome-fernandez-out" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">win over 11th-seed Elena Rybakina</a> on Sunday, two days after <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/2025-rome-friday-fernandez-andreescu" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">defeating No. 20 Donna Vekic</a> in the second round. The 24-year-old from Mississauga battles No. 8 Qinwen Zheng in the Round of 16.<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/VmrRzlQD_qA" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/change-the-game/2025/tennis-canada-and-rogers-announce-2025-year-round-community-tennis-courts-program-projects" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Tennis Canada and Rogers Announce 2025 Year-Round Community Tennis Courts Program Projects</a>Andreescu is the lone Canadian remaining in the singles draw in Rome after Leylah Annie Fernandez, <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/2025-rome-friday-shapovalov-mboko" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Victoria Mboko</a>, <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/2025-rome-friday-shapovalov-mboko" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Denis Shapovalov</a>, and <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/gabriel-diallo-lets-lead-slip-away-in-first-round-of-italian-open" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Gabriel Diallo</a> were eliminated over the weekend. Felix Auger-Aliassime withdrew due to a back injury prior to his scheduled second-round match against Thiago Seyboth Wild.<a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/monday-digest-andreescu-showing-return-to-form-in-rome">Click here for more news about Canadian tennis players.</a><h3>Seeds shocked</h3>It was a difficult weekend for some of the top-seeded women in Rome. No. 2 Iga Swiatek was ousted in the third round by ninth-seeded Danielle Collins 6-1, 7-5. The former world No. 1 has now failed to reach the final at all three clay events she has entered this season after she winning three consecutive titles in Madrid, Rome and Roland-Garros in 2024.<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Z8jt_xCSd24" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>A pair of top-seeded Americans fell over the weekend, as third-seeded Jessica Pegula and fifth-seeded Madison Keys both dropped their third-round matches. Read Also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-sabalenka-continues-impressive-season-madrid" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Sabalenka Continues Impressive Season in Madrid</a>The ATP's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 27 to Aug. 7, 2025 at Sobeys Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/toronto/toronto-tickets-packages" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get your tickets today!</a>The WTA's best return to Montreal this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at IGA Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/montreal-tickets-packages" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Get your tickets today!</a>Feature Photo : @janniksin

This Week in Tennis: Sinner Returns in Rome

<h3>Sabalenka wins third Madrid title</h3>
Aryna Sabalenka beat Coco Gauff in straight sets 6-3, 7-6(3) on Saturday to win her third Madrid Open title and the 20th WTA title of her career.
Sabalenka also won the 1000-level event in 2021, defeating then No. 1 Ashleigh Barty, and again in 2023 when she beat reigning top-seed Iga Swiatek. She is now tied with Petra Kvitova for the most Madrid Open titles in women’s singles.
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It is the 26-year-old’s tour-leading third title of the 2025 season after she took home the hardware in Brisbane and Miami. The world No. 1 became just the second woman to win both Miami and Madrid in the same season, joining Serena Williams, who accomplished the feat in 2013. 
Sabalenka is now 6-0 against Top 10 opponents this season. 
Gauff is now No. 3 in the WTA rankings after reaching the final. 
Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/diallos-madrid-run-ends-in-quarter-finals-against-musetti" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Diallo’s Madrid Run Ends in Quarter-Finals Against Musetti</a>
<h3>Ruud wins first ATP 1000 title</h3>
Casper Ruud defeated Jack Draper 7-5, 3-6, 6-4 on Sunday to win the Madrid Open title. It’s the first 1000-level title of his career and his first ATP tour victory of the season.
It’s no surprise that Ruud’s first Masters title came on clay, as the Norwegian has more titles (12) on the surface than any other player since the start of 2020.
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The former World No. 2 jumped back into the ATP Top 10 with the victory, leaping from No. 15 to No. 7 after Sunday’s triumph in Madrid.
Draper, the Indian Wells champion, will move up one spot to a career-high rank of No. 5 after his second 1000-level finals appearance of the season. 
Read Also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-djokovic-struggles-madrid" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Djokovic Struggles in Madrid</a>
<h3>Andreescu, Osaka on the board</h3>
Canadian Bianca Andreescu and doubles partner Aldila Sutjiadi secured the doubles title at the WTA 125 Catalonia Open, beating fellow Canadian Leylah Annie Fernandez and Lulu Sun 6-2, 6-4.
Andreescu <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/monday-digest-andreescu-returns-in-rouen" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">returned to the tour in mid-April</a> after illness and injury kept her out of action since October 2024. 
Naomi Osaka won her first title in four years this past weekend, defeating Kaja Juvan 6-1, 7-5 to win the WTA 125 event in Saint Malo, France. It’s her first-career title at any professional level on clay.
The former world No. 1 had not won a tournament since the 2021 Australian Open. 
Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/2025-madrid-friday-auger-aliassime-andreescu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Auger-Aliassime, Andreescu Both Bow Out of Madrid Open</a>
All winners from last week:
ATP/WTA 1000 - Madrid 

<ul><li>Men’s Singles: Casper Ruud* (1/13) d. Jack Draper</li><li>Men’s Doubles: Marcel Granollers/Horacio Zeballos 
 
</li></ul>
<ul><li>Women’s Singles: Aryna Sabalenka* (3/20) d. Coco Gauff</li><li>Women’s Doubles: Sorana Cirstea/Anna Kalinskaya</li></ul>
WTA 125 - Saint Malo
<ul><li>Women’s Singles: Naomi Osaka* (1/ 8) d. Kaja Juvan</li><li>Women’s Doubles: Makoto Ninomiya/Maia Lumsden</li></ul>
WTA 125 Catalonia 
<ul><li>Women’s Singles: Dalma Galfi* (1/1) d. Rebeka Masarova</li><li>Women’s Doubles: Bianca Andreescu/Aldila Sutjiadi</li></ul>
* 2025 Titles/Career Titles
The ATP's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 27 to Aug. 7, 2025 at Sobeys Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/toronto/toronto-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets today!</a>
The WTA's best return to Montreal this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at IGA Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/montreal-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Get your tickets today!</a>
Feature Photo : Martin Sidorjak

This Week in Tennis: Sabalenka Continues Impressive Season in Madrid

As the National Bank Open presented by Rogers (NBO) reaches a major milestone on the court this year with the introduction of a new 12-day, 96-player main draw, the Montreal event will also significantly transform its culinary offering in 2025. The NBO is proud to announce the arrival of three renowned partners: <a href="https://www.sodexolive.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sodexo Live!</a>, <a href="https://www.brera.ca/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Traiteur Brera</a>, and <a href="https://www.societetraiteur.com/?lang=fr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Société Traiteur</a>, who will join forces to redefine the tournament’s gastronomic experience. 
 
With the goal of offering visitors of <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/fr/a-propos-tennis-canada/stade-iga-montreal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IGA Stadium</a> a brand-new selection of options inspired by Montreal’s rich culinary tradition and international standard of excellence, the tournament also aims to create a culinary journey that reflects its image, with a focus on excellence, the creation of unforgettable moments, while remaining diverse and accessible. 
 
 
<figure><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/Playground-assets/_default/12291475/SocieteTraiteur.webp" alt="" /></figure>
<h3> A new key focus for the future</h3>
 
While the tournament’s refreshed food offerings begin in 2025, it’s important to note that it will remain a priority for the event in the coming years. Following April’s unveiling of the new brand identity, <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/nbo-redefined" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Tennis Playground</a>, the National Bank Open confirmed its goal of becoming the ultimate summer experience for fans, bringing the energy, excitement, and social spirit of the game beyond the court — and right to fans’ taste buds. 
 
"Montreal is globally recognized for its love of food and festive spirit. It was clear that our new identity had to also be reflected in our culinary offering," added Ms. Tétreault. "We want to become a true playground, not only for tennis fans but also for lovers of great flavours." 
<figure style="border:0px solid rgb(229,231,235);margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;clear:both;"> <img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/Playground-assets/_default/12291479/SocieteTraiteurBar.webp" alt="" /></figure>
 
<figure style="border:0px solid rgb(229,231,235);margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;clear:both;"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/Playground-assets/_default/12291476/Brera.webp" alt="" /></figure>
 
<h3>Until the full culinary lineup is revealed, here’s a taste of what’s new:</h3>
<ul><li dir="ltr">A new bistro overlooking the action &#x1f37d;️ – Enjoy full table service and a terrace with views of Rogers Court.</li><li dir="ltr">A dedicated BBQ zone&#x1f525; – From grilled classics to signature creations, this new space brings the heat and flavour.</li><li dir="ltr">Signature cocktails and local craft beers &#x1f378; – In addition to a brand-new signature cocktail made with local ingredients, the event will also feature a variety of local beers and more!</li><li dir="ltr">A wider, more diverse food offering &#x1f957; – Starting with the expansion of our fan-favourite grab-and-go market that will give fans more variety while being more accessible.</li><li dir="ltr">Revamped VIP menus &#x1f372; – Premium spaces will feature reimagined menus that blend gourmet flair with tennis tradition.</li></ul>
Whether you're a passionate tennis fan, a curious foodie, or both, this year’s tournament will be sure to delight all your senses.
<figure><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/Playground-assets/_default/12291477/FBSodexoNachos.webp" alt="" /></figure>
<h3 dir="ltr"> </h3>
<h3>A partnership built on proven expertise</h3>
 "We are very excited to launch new collaborations this year with Sodexo Live!, Traiteur Brera, and Société Traiteur," said Valérie Tétreault, Vice President of Communications and Professional Tournaments at Tennis Canada and Tournament Director for the Montreal event. "Each of these partners brings recognized expertise in their respective fields, and together, we are confident that our food and beverage program will set a new benchmark among sporting events in Canada." 
 
The collaboration with Sodexo Live! will be particularly visible to fans, as the organization will now be responsible for operating the hospitality programs available in general admission areas. Known for its expertise, Sodexo Live! has been involved in numerous major tennis events worldwide, including the <a href="https://www.rolandgarros.com/en-us/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">French Open</a>, the <a href="https://ausopen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Australian Open</a>, the <a href="https://bnpparibasopen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BNP Paribas Open</a>, and the <a href="https://www.miamiopen.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Open</a>. 
<figure><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/Playground-assets/_default/12291478/FBSodexoBurger.webp" alt="" /></figure>
 
"We’re thrilled to kick off our first year of partnership with the National Bank Open in Montreal and bring our signature hospitality to this world-class tennis playground. We look forward to crafting unique and unforgettable moments through food and beverage that make every fan feel like part of the action," said Belinda Oakley, CEO, Sodexo Live!. 
 
<h3>Sustainability and local sourcing at the core of the approach</h3>
 
In collaboration with its partners, the National Bank Open will also place significant emphasis on building partnerships with local producers and implementing strong <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/sustainability" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sustainability measures</a>. Last year, the NBO achieved a waste diversion rate of 71%, thanks to its sustainability initiatives, and it aims to continue this progress, positioning itself as one of the most environmentally responsible events in sports. 
 
While awaiting the full unveiling of the culinary program, buy tickets now to attend the Women's tournament in Montreal &#x1f447;
<figure style="border:0px solid rgb(229,231,235);margin:0px 0px 1em;padding:0px;clear:both;"><a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/montreal-tickets-packages" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/Playground-assets/_default/12287088/250304-NBO-Phase3-Campaign-600x250_obn_phase3_owned_email_header_v2_en.webp" alt="" /></a></figure>

A Playground for foodies

<h3>Djokovic Stumbles Yet Again</h3>
Novak Djokovic continues to slide ahead of Roland-Garros, as he dropped his third straight match Saturday morning in Madrid. It’s also the second consecutive tournament in which Djokovic has lost his opening match.
The 24-time Grand Slam winner fell in the second round at the Madrid Open to Matteo Arnaldi in straight sets 6-3, 6-4. Djokovic also lost his opening match in Monte Carlo to Alejandro Tabilo earlier this month after losing the final in Miami to Jakub Mensik.
<figure><iframe width="500" height="281" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/BhYg1Xr072A" frameborder="0"></iframe></figure>
The 37-year-old continues to search for his 100th career title as he struggles to get on track in 2025.
“It’s a completely different feeling from what I had in 20-plus years of professional tennis,” Djokovic said after the match. “It’s a challenge for me mentally to really face these kinds of sensations on the court, going out early now regularly in tournaments.”
Read Also: <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/shapovalov-diallo-advance-to-third-round-at-madrid-open" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shapovalov, Diallo advance to third round at Madrid Open</a>
<h3>Alcaraz withdraws from Madrid</h3>
Two-time Madrid Open champion Carlos Alcaraz withdrew from the tournament prior to the opening round due to a muscle injury in his leg.
The reigning French Open champion says he plans to play in Rome, which begins on May 6, as he attempts to ramp up for Roland-Garros.
Alcaraz needed treatment on his leg in the final of the Barcelona Open, where he lost to Holger Rune in straight sets. 
Read Also: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/this-week-tennis-rune-stuns-alcaraz-barcelona" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rune Stuns Alcaraz in Barcelona</a>
<h3>Top Seeds Move On</h3>
The top seeds in both the men’s and women’s draws moved on to the round of 16 after early scares over the weekend.
Men’s No. 1 Alexander Zverev dropped the first set in his third-round match to Alejandro Davidovich Fokina but rallied to win the thrilling three-set match 2-6, 7-6 (3), 7-6 (0). He is scheduled for a round of 16 showdown with No. 20 Francisco Cerundolo on Tuesday morning.
Women’s top seed Aryna Sabalenka had a similar scare in her third-round matchup against Elise Mertens. The 20th seed took the first set 6-3 before the world No. 1 stormed back to dominate the rest of the way, winning the match 3-6, 6-2, 6-1. 
Sabalenka's next match will be against American Peyton Stearns.
Read Also:  <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/news/pro-tennis/2025/2025-madrid-friday-auger-aliassime-andreescu" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Auger-Aliassime, Andreescu Both Bow Out of Madrid Open</a>
The ATP's best return to Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 27 to Aug. 7, 2025 at Sobeys Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/toronto/toronto-tickets-packages">Get your tickets today!</a>
The WTA's best return to Montreal this summer for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers July 26 to Aug. 7, 2025 at IGA Stadium. 2025 Tickets are on sale. <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/montreal/montreal-tickets-packages">Get your tickets today!</a>

This Week in Tennis: Djokovic Struggles in Madrid

We spoke to David Allard, Director, Creative and Innovation, Sid Lee, who collaborated closely with us on developing the <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/nbo-redefined" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tennis Playground</a>, to learn just how this new identity came to life and how fans can leave their own mark on the tournament beginning in 2025. 
Q: Can you talk to us about the creative process that went into deciding on the Tennis Playground brand identity for the National Bank Open and then bringing it to life? 
 
David Allard: For years, the National Bank Open presented by Rogers has showcased some of the best tennis the world has to offer. And with a new calendar bringing more days and more matches, we saw the perfect opportunity to go one step further — to celebrate our tennis.
But what does “our tennis” mean? To answer that, we went back to what makes this tournament — and this country — special. From the players to the fans, the message was clear: we’re not your typical tennis event. We’re the tournament where tennis feels different. Where the matches are world-class, but the vibe is uniquely fun, open, inclusive and full of personality, true to our Canadian spirit. 
 
While some are known for being tennis’ “royalty,” we chose to position ourselves as the Tennis Playground — a space where the sport can go beyond, reinvent itself, and welcome everyone to be part of it.
Players, die-hard fans, and even first-timers — everyone’s invited to play their part. 
READ: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/welcome-tennis-playground-national-bank-open-launches-new-identity-define-new-era" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Welcome to the Tennis Playground: National Bank Open Launches New Identity to Define a New Era</a>
Q: The campaign images and slogans are playful, bold, and fun. What inspired them? 
 
David Allard: The campaign look draws from the unique energy that pulses through both Montreal and Toronto — a vibrant mix of cultures, creativity, and attitude that feels unmistakably ours.
We kept the intensity of world-class tennis, but added a playful, expressive tone. Steering away from the traditional tennis aesthetic, we approached this like a cultural event — something bigger than sport, something everyone can feel part of.
It’s bold, it’s colourful, and it opens the doors to people who might not be fans yet but could fall in love with tennis on their own terms.
<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aWEC-0g6mQA" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>
 
Q: What are some of your favourite elements of the marketing campaign and why? 
 
David Allard: Traditionally, the lens signature is a ritual reserved for match winners. But this year, we’re flipping the script — turning it into an open invitation for everyone to leave their mark.
Fans, players, first-timers — everyone gets to add their own touch, their own signature to the event and to our world of tennis. 
Because here, we’re more than just a crowd or a group of fans. We’re all part of the same team, sharing the mission to reinvent tennis our way. Not just this year — but for years to come. 
 
The colours set the tone — bold, vibrant, full of energy. And at the heart of it, we’ve introduced lilac — a powerful symbol of our commitment to gender equity. With equal prize money as a core objective of the Canadian tennis federation, it was only natural to weave this colour into our brand moving forward — not as a trend, but as a clear expression of our values and the future we’re working toward.
But the signature? That’s the iconic gesture. The rallying call. 
An open invitation for everyone to take part and leave their mark.
Because this isn’t just a tennis tournament. It’s a shared canvas — and everyone’s got something to add.
<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ikPrkpjAW38" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>
 
Q: What makes the Tennis Playground unique from a creative perspective? 
 
David Allard: What makes this truly unique isn’t just that it reflects Canadian personalities — it’s that it goes beyond a look, beyond an ad.
It’s a philosophy. A belief that the game can be celebrated — and played — with the same intensity off the court as on it.
This isn’t just a tagline. It’s a growing movement. A living, evolving project shaped by the people who will make it their own over the years. 
READ: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/the-ultimate-ticket-guide-2025-nbo-redefined-experience" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Ultimate Ticket Guide to the 2025 NBO Redefined Experience</a>
Q: What is different about creating a new brand identity and marketing campaign for a major sporting event compared to other types of events and brands? What opportunities and challenges does it present? 
 David Allard: The key difference with this rebrand is that we’re not trying to reinvent the sport — we’re respecting its identity, its history, and the community that has supported it for years.
At the same time, we’re creating something fresh — something that feels different, in the best possible way.
We’re having fun with the codes of tennis, reinterpreting them, and using this moment to build new cultural references around the sport.
This isn’t just an event — it’s the start of a lifestyle platform. One that lives beyond the court, that invites everyone to play, and that supports the long-term growth of the tournament.
A space where new fans can meet the sport, and where the sport can meet the future.
The goal is to bring new energy without losing what makes tennis great. To build a version of the experience that loyal fans can champion, and new audiences can fall in love with.
<figure class="image"><img src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/Playground-assets/_default/12287090/250304-NBO-Phase3-Campaign-600x600_obn_phase3_owned_email_playground_en-v3.webp" alt="" /></figure>
 
 
Q: What do you hope people feel when they see the rebrand and are introduced to the Tennis Playground for the first time? 
 David Allard: I hope people feel a sense of excitement — curious to see what we’ve created for them this year but also inspired to be part of something new.
We want to open up the idea of what a tennis event can be. To invite people to explore with us — to co-create, to play, to belong.
For tennis fans, we hope it brings a sense of fun that goes beyond the lines of the court. And for those who don’t follow the game (yet), we hope it sparks discovery — a new way in, one that brings them closer to the energy, the culture, and eventually, the game itself.
Q: Can you explain how the notions of openness, welcoming, and inclusivity were incorporated into the tournament’s new brand identity? 
 David Allard: Openness, inclusivity, and a welcoming spirit are at the heart of this new identity — and they unfold in two key ways.
First, we’re democratizing the love of tennis by offering new ways into the experience. Whether it’s through fashion, food, music, or family-friendly moments, we’ve created multiple entry points for people to connect — even if they’ve never picked up a racquet.
Second, it’s reflected in the way we show up visually. From the colours we chose to the casting of the people we feature; we broke away from traditional norms. This is a playground where it’s not about fitting in — it’s about showing up as you are and playing your way.
Feature photo by: Pascal Ratthé

Q & A with Sid Lee Creative and Innovation Director David Allard: Pulling Back the Curtain on the Tennis Playground

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She addressed a wide range of topics including Aryna Sabalenka’s dominance, Mirra Andreeva’s emergence, Bianca Andreescu’s return, the tournament’s redefined culinary experience for 2025, and much more. *The following interview has been edited purely for clarity and flow purposes.Tennis Canada: You just came back from Madrid where you attended WTA meetings and took in the sights at the Mutua Madrid Open. What were some of the highlights from the trip? Valérie Tétreault: It was a great week at the Madrid tournament. This is the second year in a row that the ATP and WTA have held their meetings there. Normally, there are two key moments in the year when several meetings are held for tournament directors around the world. First in Madrid and then at the U.S. Open. I'd say there's a lot going on at the moment, with lots of things happening in the tennis world, so there were several important and interesting updates from both the WTA and ATP. At the end of the day, it's always interesting to be out there building relationships, talking to people who are organizing other tournaments elsewhere. It's always an opportunity to pick up new ideas or things we think might work well here, so I'd say it's time well spent. Unfortunately, this year I didn't have much time to visit the site and enjoy the tournament. But I followed with interest the announcement of their second match court and what's to come. They're talking about an 8,000-seat stadium, while we're still working on our feasibility study for the IGA Stadium modernization project.T.C.: We recently announced our new caterers for the 2025 National Bank Open. How crucial is a revamped food and beverage offering going to be as part of the tournament’s 12-day programming and to the new Tennis Playground brand identity?V.T.:  For me, when we talk about customer experience, it's clear that there's one part that's mainly focused on the tennis aspect of the tournament in other words, what happens on the courts, and then there's the other part, which is what happens on-site, and for me, I'd say that <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/a-playground-foodies" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">the food and beverage component</a> plays a big part in improving the customer experience. Tennis events are different from other sports in that people spend many hours at the National Bank Open. Which means that, inevitably, at some point they'll end up eating or drinking something while they're here, so it's really part of their experience.  I like to say that at the NBO, we're memory makers, and I think we all agree that in life, most of the memories we cherish are sharing with others and often it's associated with something you've eaten, so for me it's an important part. And I think the timing was right given the expansion of the tournament, the fact that we're entering a new era for the NBO, we wanted to redefine the experience and now we're really going to offer something that is completely revamped. The menus won't be the same as what people experienced last year. We're working with three new caterers, and each will be concentrating on a slightly more specific area of business. We're bringing in expertise through our partnership with Sodexo Live, who are involved in most of the world's biggest tennis tournaments including the French Open, the Australian Open, and Indian Wells. I'm excited because I think it's going to bring new opportunities that people are going to appreciate.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:919/350;" src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/news/_default/12302470/Sodexo-Nachos.webp" alt="" width="919" height="350" /></figure>T.C.: Speaking of programming, we also recently announced the first batch of on-site activities for this year’s tournament with some exciting additions to the schedule. What are you most excited about? V.T.: I'm really excited our <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/the-ultimate-ticket-guide-2025-nbo-redefined-experience" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">on-site programming</a>! It's fun because I feel like we're trying something new this year. We're definitely not copying and pasting. It's a lot of work to come up with new initiatives, but I think it also motivates us.I'm inclined to name two things I'm particularly excited about. The first, given the new format, was the opportunity to create a second weekend of programming. We're well aware of the popularity of our Family Weekend, which aims to make tennis more accessible to families, to give people who have never had a connection with tennis the opportunity to do so. With our second weekend, we wanted to create another experience but still with the same goal of making tennis more accessible, so we created what we're going to call Tennis FEST. The aim is to introduce people to tennis in all its forms. To create interesting experiences from a culinary point of view and to make sure there's a festive atmosphere on site. A big tennis party in Montreal!READ: <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/wta-power-rankings-challengers-aiming-dethrone-swiatek-roland-garros" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">WTA Power Rankings: Challengers Aiming to Dethrone Swiatek at Roland-Garros</a>The other event I'd like to mention is the UNMATCHED Conference. We've had one in Toronto for a few years now, <a href="https://www.tenniscanada.com/change-game/game-set-equity/unmatched-conference/unmatched-montreal-2025" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">focusing on gender equity in sport</a>, and now we're bringing it to Montreal on the day of our semi-finals, and we're working hard right now to confirm who our panelists will be. But I think it's going to be a pretty unique conference in terms of what else is on offer in Montreal right now. As we all know, women's sports are booming, and our aim is to demonstrate that by working together, we can better position them. I think this will be an opportunity to bring everyone together and inspire everyone.T.C.: We’re less than 100 days away from the start of the tournament. How are preparations going? V.T.: Of course, <a href="https://nationalbankopen.com/news/read/2025/100-days-out-from-2025-national-bank-open-presented-rogers-first-ever-expanded-program-revealed" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">when we reach the 100 days to go mark</a> before the tournament, the nerves build up a little and so does the intensity. There's a greater sense of urgency to make decisions and start executing. It's fun in the office because this is the time of year when we welcome employees who come to help us during the summer. Preparations are well under way. I think everything's starting to fall into place, and ticket sales are going really well too. The further along we get, the more I really feel that this 2025 tournament is going to be special, and I'm convinced that in 20 years' time, when we think about the historic highlights of the National Bank Open, the 2025 edition will be one of them.<figure class="image"><img style="aspect-ratio:678/797;" src="https://assets.nationalbankopen.com/production/Playground-assets/_default/Image-intro-test.webp" alt="" width="678" height="797" /></figure>T.C.: Aryna Sabalenka has established herself as the best player in the world right now. Not to mention that she’s popular everywhere she goes, including Montreal What makes her such a great ambassador for women’s tennis? V.T.: We've been following her for a few years now. I think she's found a way to channel all that energy inside her to find the consistency she lacked at the start of her career. Aryna is impressive to watch. It seems like every week she's the one who has to start as the favourite in the draw, no matter what surface, to win the tournament. I think her popularity comes from the fact that she's authentic on the court. People like to see the emotions, she has a lot of power, there's a real curiosity to see that. I think people appreciate her personality beyond her performances. She's funny, she's able to bring a different flavour and her own colour to tennis. There are a lot of young players starting out now who idolize Aryna Sabalenka. It's starting to remind me of the Maria Sharapova years.T.C.: Mirra Andreeva has officially arrived. What impresses you most about her? V.T.: It's been incredible to watch Mirra Andreeva since the beginning of the season. she's been identified as one of, if not the best prospect on the WTA Tour for some time now. I think it's fair to say that she's no longer the player of tomorrow, but the player of today. What I like about her is that she really enjoys what she's doing, and you can feel that. Even we have a bit of a smile on our faces when we watch her play. Despite her young age, she's already mature enough to be able to handle all the emotions she might feel on a tennis court, especially when the pressure's on. It's early, but that's what convinces me she's here to stay. In her case, I really.feel like she has the make up of a champion. Her tennis sense too. Yes, she can hit with great power but she also reads the game really well and knows how to adapt her strategy depending on who's on the other side of the net. All that and she just turned 18. If there's one player I'm particularly looking forward to seeing in Montreal, it's Mirra Andreeva.<figure class="media"><iframe frameborder="0" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/GxRhiRvlgzM?si=_I6tMb5DtXL98wEp" style="visibility: visible;" frameborder="0" width="100%" allowfullscreen></iframe></figure>T.C.: During our last conversation, I asked you about the fast-rising Canadians making a name for themselves at the pro level. This time, I have to ask you about a player who everyone knows: Bianca Andreescu. She started her much-anticipated comeback during the clay season. How meaningful and important is it to have a healthy Bianca back playing, both for the WTA and for the OBN? V.T.: I'm relieved and very happy to see Bianca Andreescu back on the court. We know how challenging it's been for her in recent years, since that incredible season she had in 2019. Unfortunately, the pandemic slowed her progress and then the injury bug hit which meant that every time she got back into the swing of things, there was another setback, and she had to take time away from tennis. But every time she makes a comeback, it's impressive how quickly she can find her best level, become competitive and a threat to the top players in the world. I'm sure none of the top seeds want to see Bianca in their section draw, because she's still such a dangerous player.It's great news for Canadian tennis. She became the first player to win a Grand Slam singles title, so she's left a major mark on the history of Canadian tennis, and I think she can still do a lot more. I think she's been a great role model for many young players. For the WTA, Bianca has always attracted crowds to her matches.  I think a lot of people enjoy watching her play. She's spectacular to watch, she has a lot of tools in her bag, so it's only positive if Bianca can find her best form again, and that's the first thing I hope for her so that she can play a full season healthy. I'd also like for her to have the chance to make new, more positive memories at the Montreal tournament. Because we all remember that the last time she was here, she was injured and had to take a long break. She has already won the NBO, but that was in Toronto. I can't wait to see what kind of momentum she can build up before coming to Montreal. She knows IGA Stadium very well, having trained here before. I think our fans will be anxious to see her again and they will be fully behind her when steps onto the court.

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