National Bank Open: Your Quick Guide to Canada's Big Tennis Week
National Bank Open is Canada's biggest tennis tournament, alternating between Toronto and Montreal each year. It sits just before the US Open and attracts top stars on hard courts, so form and fitness matter more than ever. Want practical tips for attending, watching, or betting? Read on — this guide gives clear, useful info without fluff.
The tournament format and timing are simple. Men and women play separate weeks at the two cities, and the event is classified as an ATP Masters 1000 and a WTA 100. That means the field is deep: Grand Slam winners and rising teenagers all mix in. Matches are mostly best-of-three sets, and weather can push schedules into evening sessions.
How to watch and get tickets
Buy tickets early and check session types. Day sessions let you see more matches across multiple courts, while night sessions usually host the biggest names. For a budget option, get ground passes to wander practice courts and watch lower-profile matches up close. Want guaranteed seats for big matches? Reserve center court tickets weeks in advance. Use official ticket channels to avoid scams; resale platforms can work but verify seller ratings.
Getting to the courts and what to bring. Both Toronto and Montreal have good transit links; take public transport to avoid parking hassles. Bring sun protection, a refillable water bottle, and comfortable shoes — you'll walk between courts. Check the stadium rules: many tournaments ban large bags, professional cameras, and outside food. Pack a portable charger and a small umbrella for unexpected rain delays.
Who to watch this year
Focus on top seeds and in-form players. Watch veterans returning from injury and young kids making breakthroughs — those matches often tell tournament stories. Serve-and-rally players tend to thrive on hard courts, but watch for clay-to-hard movers with improved slice and speed. If a top seed pulls out, pay attention to the redraw: surprise runs by lower-ranked players happen every year.
Betting and fantasy tips: If you bet, compare odds across sportsbooks and back players with recent hard-court results rather than reputation alone. Look for service hold percentages and break-point conversion stats. In fantasy leagues, value often comes from consistent match wins rather than single spectacular performances.
Local vibes and extras: The tournament atmosphere blends international flair with Canadian friendliness. Food stalls usually offer local specialties and international options. If you have time, explore nearby neighborhoods — Toronto’s waterfront or Montreal’s Plateau offer restaurants and coffee shops to recover after a long day of matches.
For live coverage, check your local sports channels and the official tournament app for streaming. Broadcasters vary by country, so confirm schedules early. If you're following abroad, use VPN only if allowed, and rely on highlight packages when time zones don't match — they capture top moments fast.
Final quick checklist: check the schedule daily, reserve seats early, take transit, pack sun gear and a charger, and follow player form. Now you’re set to get the most from National Bank Open — whether you’re at the stands or watching from home.
