You’ll definitely need your caffeine fix this Friday morning as the first balls get rolling at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers in Montréal.
Big names on the practice courts
After what seems like forever, tennis fans can finally enjoy a restriction-free National Bank Open presented by Rogers.
The qualifying rounds only get underway tomorrow, but the chance to see the world’s best in men’s tennis starts well before. In a sneak peek of what’s to come, you can catch some of the tournament headliners in action on the practice courts. It’s the first day of the IGA Family Weekend, and stadium access is free.
Starting at 9 a.m., Stefanos Tsitsipas of Greece and Roberto Bautista Agut of Spain will hit Centre Court to prep for the week. And from 10 a.m. to noon, Quebecers Jaden Weekes and Gabriel Diallo will be on Rogers Court ahead of their qualifying matches on Saturday.
To see a key player in today’s game, walk over to Centre Court between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and watch the young Jannik Sinner of Italy. He’ll be hitting balls with none other than Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka.
From noon to 2:30 p.m., three-time Canadian Open champion Andy Murray will hit with 2021 Wimbledon finalist Matteo Berrettini on Rogers Court.
In the afternoon, Filip Krajinovic of Serbia and Borna Coric of Croatia will be on Centre Court from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
To wrap things up, Canadian Vasek Pospisil and Roberto Bautista Agut will do their best to get ready for the days ahead and entertain their loyal fans.
Fun for everyone
IGA Stadium officially opens its gates to everyone to kick off the IGA Family Weekend in collaboration with Maple Leaf Foods and VIA Rail Canada. There are lots of activities in store for fans of all ages, who can walk around the site, browse the boutiques and see the players on the courts. At 11:30 a.m., Tennis Montréal will be hosting a free tennis clinic with certified coaches, so stop by Court 2 for some fun and great tips to improve you game.
Dreaming of meeting an ATP player? Make your dream a reality at the Loto-Québec Stage. At 1:30 p.m., pros will be on hand to sign your racquet, your shirt or even your IGA Family Weekend passport.
Don’t wander too far away because there’s an outdoor yoga wellness session on the stage at 2 p.m. Yogis of all levels can take a few minutes to breathe, stretch and flow in the midst of all the tennis.
Then, at 3 p.m., the Loto-Québec Stage will feature a magic show full of amazing tricks and illusions. Entertainment guaranteed!
Day one ends downtown with the official draw of the National Bank Open presented by Rogers at 4 p.m. at Le Cathcart. Top 4 seeds Stefanos Tsitsipas and Carlos Alcaraz will be in attendance. Come by if you want to be among the first to find out who’ll be going head-to-head over the next few days.
