Canadian Open tennis remains one of the most prestigious tournaments on the professional tennis calendar. As one of the oldest and most storied events in the sport, the Canadian Open draws the world’s top players, delights local fans, and often serves as a major stepping-stone on the way to Grand Slam glory.
What is Canadian Open tennis? In essence, the Canadian Open (officially branded for 2025 as the “National Bank Open presented by Rogers”) is an annual professional tennis tournament held in Canada, featuring both men’s and women’s competition.
The men’s segment is part of the ATP Tour as an ATP Masters 1000 event; the women’s segment belongs to the WTA Tour as a WTA 1000 event. The tournament is played outdoors on hard courts, alternating between two Canadian cities — Toronto, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec — which host the men’s and women’s events in alternating years.
This structure ensures that the Canadian Open remains a leading stop on both tours, carrying major ranking points and significant prize money, while maintaining a rich heritage as one of the oldest active tournaments in global tennis.
Below, we explore the Canadian Open in depth — from history and format to practical advice and recent trends — to give a thorough, up-to-date, and useful guide for both new and seasoned tennis fans.
Origins and Evolution: How Canadian Open Tennis Became What It Is
Beginnings and Early Years
The tournament that would become the Canadian Open was first held in 1881.
Over decades, the event matured and grew, reflecting the rise of tennis as a global sport and Canada’s place in that history.
Transition to Modern Format
What distinguishes the Canadian Open is that today, it is a joint event — meaning both men’s and women’s tournaments.
Historically, there were periods when the men’s and women’s competitions were held during separate weeks. But since 2011, they have generally been played during the same combined period.
The cities alternate each year: Toronto and Montreal take turns hosting the men’s and women’s tournaments. Since 2021 in odd‑numbered years the men’s event takes place in Toronto and the women’s in Montreal; in even‑numbered years they swap.
Importance on the Global Tennis Calendar
The men’s event is categorized as an ATP Masters 1000 tournament — a top-tier level just below the four Grand Slams — meaning winners gain 1,000 ranking points, a high number of ranking points beyond typical ATP 500 or 250 events.
On the WTA side, the women compete in a WTA 1000 event — similarly high-stakes and prestigious for ranking points, prize money, and prestige.
This dual status ensures that both the ATP and WTA tours treat the Canadian Open as a critical milestone in players’ seasons, and often as a warm-up to the final Grand Slam of the year (for many players, especially leading to the US Open).
Legacy and Notable Records
Over its long history (now more than a century), the Canadian Open has built a record of champions, upsets, and standout performances.
Among the most decorated champions is Ivan Lendl — the single men’s player with the most Canadian Open titles (six).
As of 2025, the tournament remains the second-oldest active tennis tournament — only behind Wimbledon Championships in terms of seniority.
Thus, the Canadian Open isn’t just another stop on the tour — it carries weight, history, legacy, and tradition, while evolving with the modern demands of professional tennis.
Structure & Format: How the Canadian Open Works Today
To understand Canadian Open tennis properly, it helps to know exactly how the tournament is organized, how players are seeded and drawn, venue logistics, and what it offers in terms of competition, ranking points, and prize money.
Schedule and Tournament Timing
In 2025, the tournament took place from July 26 to August 7.
The Canadian Open now spans about 12 days, a format that has become more common among Masters 1000 events.
The men’s singles draw in 2025 expanded to 96 players (from earlier draws of 56), reflecting a broader participation and deeper field.
Doubles draws are also included for both men and women.
Points and Prize Money
The champions receive 1,000 ranking points — reflecting the high-tier status of the event for both ATP and WTA tours.
In 2025, the total financial commitment (prize money pool) for men was reported at US$9,193,540, and for women US$5,152,599.
For example, the 2025 men’s singles champion earned about US$1,124,360.
Seeding & Draws
The tournament seeds top players, but because of expanded draws and shifting schedules, upsets have become more feasible — meaning lower-ranked players have real opportunities for breakthroughs.
Historically, few tournaments at the Masters 1000 level have had editions where none of the top eight seeds were former Grand Slam champions; 2025 at the Canadian Open became one of those rare instances.
Surface and Conditions
Matches are played on outdoor hardcourts.
The hard-court surface is considered relatively neutral compared to clay or grass — balancing power, speed, and tactical play. Many top-level professionals use the Canadian Open as crucial preparation for the hard-court Grand Slam season.
For Fans: Global Stars + Local Flavor
The alternating location between Toronto and Montreal gives Canadian tennis fans across different provinces a chance to see world-class tennis in person without long-distance travel.
The tournament combines international glamour — with top-ranked players from around the world — with a sense of history, heritage, and continuity that few other non‑Grand Slam events can offer.
Surprises and breakthroughs (wildcards, low-ranked champions, upsets) often make the Canadian Open especially exciting — unpredictability keeps fans engaged.
For Tennis Culture and Legacy
As one of the oldest active tournaments, the Canadian Open preserves a link between tennis’s early days and the modern era, adding depth and tradition to the sport’s global circuit.
The event often reflects changing trends in tennis — from shifts in player dominance to evolving formats (like expanded draws), prize money, and scheduling.
Breakout performances, such as the 2025 wins by Shelton and Mboko, help refresh the sport’s narrative and foster rising stars who may shape tennis in the coming years.
How to Follow or Attend Canadian Open: A Practical Guide for Fans
Whether you’re a tennis aficionado, a casual fan, or someone thinking of attending the Canadian Open in person, here’s a step-by-step practical guide to help you plan and get the most out of the experience.
Check the Venue and Schedule (Toronto vs. Montreal)
Because the tournament alternates cities each year, the first step is to check which city will host the men’s and women’s events in the year you plan to attend. The official tournament name may change with sponsorship, but the core remains the same.
Buy Tickets in Advance
Popular sessions and finals often sell out. Check ticket availability from the tournament’s official ticketing platforms as soon as they go on sale.
Consider lower sessions or earlier rounds for easier access and lower prices — early-round matches still feature high-level tennis, often with rising stars.
For doubles matches, which are sometimes less crowded, tickets may be more affordable and allow up-close viewing of skilled doubles play.
Plan for Outdoor Conditions
The tournament is held outdoors on hard courts — dress for summer weather, but be prepared for heat, sun, or rain. Sunscreen, comfortable shoes, and hydration are a must.
Some venues may have limited covered seating; check seating maps if you prefer shade or are sensitive to sun exposure.
Follow the Broadcast / Streaming
If you cannot attend in person, the Canadian Open is typically broadcast or livestreamed through official broadcasters or tennis streaming platforms.
Catch early rounds to discover up-and-coming players and dramatic matches — breakouts and surprises often happen even before the quarterfinals.
Keep Track of Rankings, Draws, and Updates
Because the event offers significant ranking points, players’ rankings after the tournament can shift, which affects seedings in subsequent tournaments and Grand Slams.
Follow official draw announcements, withdrawals (common if players are tired or injured), and other developments (weather delays, scheduling changes) to plan your viewing or attendance.
Experience the Atmosphere — Support Local and Young Players
If attending, make the most of the crowd atmosphere: local fans cheering, multicultural tennis audience, and grassroots energy — especially if wildcard entries or national players are competing.
For global tennis enthusiasts, this is a great time to see future stars possibly take off — 2025’s Mboko and Shelton are prime examples.
Trends, Challenges, and Recent Developments (as of 2025)
The 2025 edition of the Canadian Open not only celebrated new champions, but also highlighted shifting dynamics, new trends, and evolving structure. Here are some of the key themes and developments — and what they may mean for the future
Rising Young Talent – New Champions, New Faces
The emergence of players like Ben Shelton (men) and Victoria Mboko (women) in 2025 signals generational transitions and growing depth in global tennis.
For fans and analysts alike, these newcomers add excitement and unpredictability to the tour — and remind everyone that even “major” tournaments can birth new stars outside of household names.
Audience & Cultural Impact in Canada
The Canadian Open continues to bolster tennis culture in Canada, offering both local fans and international visitors a chance to enjoy high-caliber tennis.
Strong performances by non-Canadian players remain common, but Canadian players — especially on the women’s side — can capture home crowds’ imagination.
Commercial Realities & Scheduling Pressures
As with many top-level tournaments, balancing commercial interests (sponsorships, ticket sales, global broadcast) and player welfare (injuries, schedule fatigue, rest before Grand Slam events) is tricky. The expanded format offers more matches and revenue — but also greater demands on players and organizers.
Given its proximity in the calendar to other major events and the physical demands on players, some may still skip or withdraw, which can impact perceived prestige or competitiveness.
Real-Life Examples: Stories from Recent Tournaments
To bring the above structure and trends to life, here are two real-life examples — from the 2025 Canadian Open — that highlight how the tournament can surprise, delight, and influence careers.
Ben Shelton’s Breakout: From Contender to Champion
Ben Shelton entered the 2025 Canadian Open not as a widely expected champion, but as a rising talent hungry for breakthrough. Over the course of the tournament, he navigated a strong draw, defeated seasoned opponents, and ultimately claimed his first ATP Masters 1000 title. His final match against Karen Khachanov — won 6–7(5), 6–4, 7–6(7–3) — demonstrated patience under pressure, resilience after dropping the first set, and mental toughness in a tight third-set tiebreak.
The victory not only granted him 1,000 ranking points and substantial prize money, but likely boosted his confidence and visibility on the tour. For many tennis players, winning a Masters 1000 event can transform a career — opening doors to bigger sponsorships, better seedings, and the aura of a serious contender.
Victoria Mboko’s Cinderella Run on Home Soil
Perhaps even more dramatic was the story of Victoria Mboko. A wildcard entrant, ranked No. 85 — far from favorite — she defied expectations by defeating multiple top players and former Grand Slam champions, culminating in a victory over Naomi Osaka in the final (2–6, 6–4, 6–1).
Not only did this make her the lowest-ranked woman ever to win the Canadian Open, but it also highlighted how the tournament’s expanded draws and shifting competitive landscape can enable breakout success. For local Canadian tennis fans, Mboko’s win was especially meaningful — a homegrown story of persistence, opportunity, and triumph. For Mboko herself, this victory may mark a turning point in her career, boosting her ranking, her marketability, and her confidence heading into future tournaments.
These stories show why the Canadian Open remains relevant: it’s not just a stepping-stone, but a stage where newcomers and underdogs can make history.
What’s Changing — and What to Watch — in Future Editions
Based on the recent developments and 2025 edition’s outcomes, several evolving patterns and potential future trends emerge for the Canadian Open. These are worth watching both for fans and for players.
| Trend / Development | What It Means for Future Editions |
| Expanded draws (96 players) | Increased depth: more players can participate, including lower‑ranked and wildcard entrants, leading to more unpredictability and potential for upsets. Also increased scheduling & logistic demands. |
| Longer tournament duration (≈12 days) | More matches spread over time — possibly less fatigue per match, but longer stay for fans, players, and staff. Tournament becomes more like a “mini‑Grand Slam.” |
| Greater possibility of surprise champions / breakthrough stars | With top seeds sometimes absent or upset, there’s room for emerging talent and dark horses to shine — making the tournament more dynamic and exciting. |
| Higher prize money and ranking stakes | As global tennis economics grow, the Canadian Open may continue to offer substantial financial and ranking incentives, maintaining its draw for top players. |
| Balancing star participation and scheduling load | Organizers must manage timing carefully (with Grand Slams, other tournaments, and player health in mind) to ensure top players still choose to participate. |
For tennis fans, this means the Canadian Open could continue to deliver a mix of established stars and rising sensations — privileging both tradition and fresh, unpredictable competition.
FAQ
What is the Canadian Open (tennis) exactly?
The Canadian Open is an annual professional tennis tournament held in Canada, featuring both men’s and women’s draws. The men’s competition is an ATP Masters 1000 event, while the women’s is a WTA 1000 event. The tournament is played outdoors on hard courts and alternates yearly between Toronto, Ontario and Montreal, Quebec.
How does the city alternation work (Toronto vs Montreal)?
The tournament alternates hosting cities annually. One year Toronto hosts the men’s event and Montreal hosts the women’s; the next year, they swap. This ensures both cities share hosting duties and offers geographic diversity for fans.
What ranking points and prize money does the Canadian Open offer?
Champions of the Canadian Open receive 1,000 ranking points — one of the highest in professional tennis outside of Grand Slams. Prize money is also significant; for instance, in 2025 the total financial commitment was over US$9 million for men and over US$5 million for women.
Can lower-ranked players or wildcards do well at the Canadian Open?
Yes — and recent editions have demonstrated this clearly. The 2025 women’s champion was a wildcard ranked No. 85, and the men’s champion was a young rising player rather than an established top seed. The expanded draws and shifting field increase the chances of breakout performances and upsets.
When is the Canadian Open held each year?
Generally, the event takes place in late July through early August. For example, in 2025 the tournament was held from July 26 to August 7. The exact dates may vary slightly each year depending on the calendar and scheduling.
Final Thoughts
Canadian Open tennis stands at the crossroads of history and modernity — a tournament with deep roots, a respected legacy, and a capacity for reinvention. As a joint ATP Masters 1000 / WTA 1000 event, it delivers elite-level competition, substantial ranking points, and high stakes. Yet it also remains a stage for breakthroughs, upsets, and surprise champions — a place where newcomers can shine and rewrite career trajectories.
The 2025 edition exemplified this dual identity: with emerging stars like Ben Shelton and Victoria Mboko capturing the spotlight, the tournament reinforced its reputation as both a bastion of tennis tradition and a launchpad for future greatness. As the Canadian Open evolves — expanding draws, balancing scheduling pressures, and embracing global tennis’s shifting dynamics — it is likely to remain a key fixture on the tennis calendar for years to come.
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