National Bank Open Tennis: Everything You Need to Know 

Every August, tennis fans around the world gather in front of the TV for one of the most prestigious events outside of the Grand Slams. The National Bank Open is an ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tournament. As such, the world’s best tennis players head to Canada for elite competition, valuable ranking points, and preparation for the US Open.  

It’s here that fans have come to expect blockbuster matches and surprise upsets. Here’s everything you need to know about the National Bank Open.  

What is the National Bank Open? 

Also known as the Canadian Open, the National Bank Open is one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world. It began in 1881 as the first men’s lawn tennis tournament in Canada. By 1887, the Toronto event was known as the Canadian Championship. From here, it became one of the biggest tennis events outside of the Grand Slams.  

It’s played in two host cities – Montreal and Toronto. Each year, the men’s and women’s tournaments switch cities. Since COVID-19, Toronto hosts the men’s tournament in odd-numbered years and the women’s in even-numbered years. This allows both the men’s and women’s tournaments to be held at the same time.  

In 2021, National Bank became the title sponsor of the tournament. It was here that the tournament was renamed the National Bank Open presented by Rogers.  

Why Is the National Bank Open So Important? 

The National Bank Open has a unique place on the tennis calendar. It happens just weeks before the US Open. This gives players one final chance to test their game against the world’s best under similar playing conditions.  

During this tournament, the competition is fierce. Top-ranked players compete for substantial ranking points. As such, for many players, a strong performance in Canada often leads to success in the US Open.  

So, many of the tennis greats have won this tournament and have added the trophy to their collection.  

ATP 1000 and WTA 1000 Explained 

The ATP and WTA rankings are designed to reward players who consistently perform well throughout the season (52 weeks). As a result, every match matters, as each tournament is a chance for players to gain valuable ranking points.  

ATP Masters 1000 

The ATP Masters 1000 tournaments are the most important men’s events outside of the Grand Slams and ATP Finals. This is because points are valuable, and there are only nine Masters tournaments each season. So, a win at an ATP Masters 1000 means a lot.  

WTA 1000 

The WTA 1000 represents the elite of the elite women’s tennis outside of Grand Slams. These tournaments carry valuable ranking points. It’s for these reasons that almost every top-ranked player is seen here.  

Tournament Format 

The National Bank Open follows a simple knockout format over its two-week span. This means that every match is crucial. A loss equals the end of the player’s tournament.  

Singles  

• 96-player draw  

• Seeded players receive first-round byes  

• Best-of-three sets throughout the tournament 

Doubles  

• 32-team draw  

• Knockout competition  

• Showcases top singles players and specialist doubles players 

Playing Surface 

The tournament is played on outdoor hard courts. Hard courts offer a more predictable bounce and more constant conditions throughout the match. They’re known for providing a balanced playing environment that rewards powerful serves, aggressive returns, and fast movements.  

So, because the US Open also uses hard courts, the National Bank Open is often seen as the opener before this Grand Slam.  

Ranking Points  

One of the biggest attractions of the National Bank Open is its ranking points. As an ATP 1000 and WTA 1000, this tournament awards winners with 1000 ranking points. These points can significantly influence world rankings, tournament seedings, and qualifications for the ATP and WTA Finals.  

National Bank Open Winners 

Throughout history, the National Bank Open has crowned some legends. These players have won at least one, if not multiple, titles. This is a monumental achievement given the strength of the competition each year.  

Most Successful Men’s Players  

• Rafeal Nadal 

• Novak Djokovic 

• Andy Murray 

• Andre Agassi 

Most Successful Women’s Players 

• Serena Williams 

• Jessica Henin 

• Simona Halep 

• Jessica Pegula  

Bet on Tennis with bet.co.za 

The National Bank Open is more than just another stop on the tennis calendar. It’s one of the oldest and most pristine tennis tournaments in the world. As an ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event, it’s a world-class competition before the US Open.  

So, with every match carrying valuable ranking points and featuring world-class players, there are plenty of betting opportunities. Back your favourites and bet on tennis with bet.co.za.  

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

What is the National Bank Open? 

The National Bank Open is a professional tennis tournament held annually in Canada. It features ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 events and is one of the biggest tournaments before the US Open. 

Why is it called the National Bank Open? 

National Bank is the tournament’s title sponsor, so the event is officially known as the National Bank Open. 

Where is the National Bank Open held? 

The event alternates between Toronto and Montreal, with one city hosting the ATP event and the other hosting the WTA event each year. 

What surface is the Canadian Open played on? 

It’s played on outdoor hard courts. 

How many ranking points does the winner receive? 

Singles champions receive 1000 ATP or WTA ranking points.