Welcome to the Road to the National Bank Open. Every week, we will keep you updated on all the action on the ATP Tour as we build towards the National Bank Open in Montreal, which takes place from Aug. 8 to 14.
DAYS UNTIL THE NATIONAL BANK OPEN: 12
This year’s qualifying draw for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers will be filled with must-see matches featuring some familiar faces and a few of the ATP’s brightest young stars.
Leading the way are David Goffin and Fabio Fognini, both former Top 10 players with a total of 15 ATP singles titles won between them.
Not to be outdone, Lorenzo Musetti, last week’s champion in Hamburg, Thanasi Kokkinakis, Brandon Nakashima, and Mackenzie McDonald will certainly give the veterans a run for their money on August 6 and 7 as they fight for coveted spots in the main draw.
The qualifying matches will be part of the ever-popular IGA Family Weekend which provides free access to the site during the first three days of the tournament to watch the matches, attend training sessions on the practice courts, and participate in a variety of activities for all ages. The weekend will also feature a ball hockey showdown between ATP and NHL stars as well as a friendly soccer match with players from CF Montréal.
ON-COURT ACTION:
ATLANTA
The North American summer hard court season kicks off this week in Atlanta, the site of an ATP 250 event. The draw includes top seed Reilly Opelka, Alex de Minaur, and six-time Atlanta champion John Isner.
UMAG
Meanwhile, the European clay court season is wrapping up in Umag and Kitzbuhel. In Umag, Carlos Alcaraz is the main attraction along with Jannik Sinner, Holger Rune, and Lorenzo Musetti.
KITZBUHEL
In Kitzbuhel, Dominic Thiem is looking to win the first title of his comeback at his home tournament. Standing in his way are the likes of Albert Ramos-Vinolas and Aslan Karatsev.
STORIES TO WATCH:
ALCARAZ MAKES HISTORY
Carlos Alcaraz has added yet another milestone to his breakthrough 2022 season, cracking the Top 5 on the ATP rankings for the first time after reaching his fifth final of the year in Hamburg on Sunday. He is just the third teenager since 2000 to reach the Top 5, joining Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic as the only players to accomplish the feat. He’s also the 13th teenager to reach the Top 5 since the rankings began in 1973.
NISHIKORI ACCEPTS WINSTON-SALEM WILD CARD
Former World no. 4 Kei Nishikori will make his much-anticipated return to the Tour just before the U.S. Open next month in Winston Salem. He hasn’t played since last October in Indian Wells, and he underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left hip in January.
OFF-COURT BUZZ:
Casper Ruud had the support of his most famous fan when he took home the trophy in Gstaad on Sunday, none other than country music icon and Canada’s own Shania Twain, who makes her home in Switzerland. She is known for her love of tennis and is often spotted at tournaments around the world. Clearly, Ruud really does impress her much!
Don’t miss your chance to see the best ATP players up close this summer. Get your tickets now!
