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: 32
Itâs down to the final four at Wimbledon. Two legends of the game and two worthy challengers will battle for the most prestigious title in tennis at the All-England Club over the weekend.
The two men trying to prevent yet another Novak Djokovic vs. Rafael Nadal final are a pair of first-time Grand Slam semifinalists in Nick Kyrgios and Brit favourite Cameron Norrie. Will they succeed? Considering the storylines surrounding both matches, anything is possible.
ON-COURT ACTION:
WIMBLEDON
Both Nadal and Djokovic needed five sets to win their quarter-final matches and looked vulnerable at times in doing so.
Meanwhile, Kyrgios beat Cristian Garin in straight sets to reach his maiden Major semi, an accomplishment he thought was out of his reach at this stage in his career. The talent and incredible shot-making have always been there, but he always seemed to get in his own way. Heâs going to be a handful for Nadal on Friday.
In the other semifinal, can the partisan British crowd push Norrie to another career-first against Djokovic?
STORIES TO WATCH:
WILL NADAL TAKE TO THE COURT AGAINST KYRGIOS?
One of the factors that contributed to Nadal being pushed to five sets by Taylor Fritz in the quarter-finals was an abdominal injury that almost forced him to retire. He received treatment during the match and doesnât have a lot of time to recover before facing Kyrgios. Itâs hard to imagine that he will withdraw now that heâs just nine wins from completing the calendar slam, but itâs definitely something to keep an eye on.
WILL NORRIE GET SUPPORT FROM WILL AND KATE?
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were in attendance on Court 1 to watch Norrieâs thrilling five-set victory over David Goffin and made sure to tweet out their congratulations to the Brit.
Given the magnitude of Fridayâs occasion, will Will and Kate be back for the semifinals against Djokovic? It seems only fitting.
LEGENDS GALORE
If youâre searching for a dose of tennis nostalgia, look no further than the Wimbledon legends event which features several recent retirees teaming up and proving theyâve still got game. Some of the all-star duos include the Bryan brothers, Canadaâs own Daniel Nestor and James Blake as well as Tommy Haas and Mark Philippoussis.
OFF-COURT BUZZ:
Wimbledon celebrated the 100th anniversary of its famed centre court this weekend by inviting some of the tournamentâs past winners to take part in the festivities. On hand for the parade of champions were the likes of Rod Laver, Bjorn Borg, and John McEnroe. The event also reunited tennisâ âBig Fourâ with Djokovic, Nadal, Andy Murray, and eight-time champion Roger Federer taking part in the ceremony. The Swiss maestro received a rousing ovation when he was introduced.
Djokovicâs young son Stefan has been spotted on the practice courts with his dad during Wimbledon and heâs been turning some heads with his tennis skills. Their forehand techniques are like looking in the mirror. Like father, like son indeed.
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