From July 26 to August 7, 2025, Canada will be buzzing with the National Bank Open presented by Rogers, an ATP/WTA 1000 tournament extended for the first time to 12 days. Montreal (WTA) and Toronto (ATP) will host 96 female players and 56 male players, including world legends and local rising stars. A historic edition marked by heartfelt farewells, triumphant returns, and festive innovations.
Leylah Annie Fernandez: Montreal’s Pride in Pursuit of Glory
At 22 years old, the Quebecer from Laval embodies the hope of a nation. Ranked 35th in the world, she will face the giants of the tour on the courts of the IGA Stadium, in front of her home crowd. Her journey is inspiring: finalist at the 2021 US Open at just 19, three-time WTA title winner (Monterrey x2, Hong Kong), she combines a steel backhand and a warrior’s mindset.
Her 2025 challenge? To break her Montreal ceiling: after five appearances, she has never advanced beyond the 3rd round. An explosive showdown potentially awaits her on July 29 against Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka (world No. 2) — a rematch of their epic battle at the US Open.
Other Local Heroes to Watch
Eugenie Bouchard (31 years old) will close her career in Montreal, her hometown. The wildcard granted to the former world No. 5 is a tribute to her brilliant career (2014 Wimbledon finalist).
Félix Auger-Aliassime (24 years old) will represent Canada in Toronto. The Montreal native, recent semifinalist at Roland-Garros, is aiming for his first ATP 1000 title on home soil.
Victoria Mboko (18 years old), the 2025 breakout star, will make her debut. The young prodigy has defeated two top 50 players this season and dreams of shining in front of her home crowd.
Where to Watch the 2025 NBO in Canada?
Television: Exclusive Broadcasters
In French: TVA Sports will cover all key matches, from the qualifiers to the finals, with in-depth analysis and exclusive interviews.
In English: Sportsnet will offer full coverage, including night sessions and daily recaps.
Legal and Free Streaming
Several free options complement the official broadcast:
CBC Gem: Streams daily highlights, analysis, and tournament documentaries. The free version is ad-supported but gives access to key moments without a subscription.
YouTube: Tennis Canada’s official channel publishes free video recaps every day at 6 PM, along with behind-the-scenes content and exclusive interviews.
Premium Streaming (Subscription Required)
TVA+: The official French-language service for full live match coverage. Cost: ~15 CAD/month, with a one-month free trial for ticket holders.
Sportsnet NOW: The English alternative featuring advanced options (multi-camera views, real-time stats). Price: ~20 CAD/month.
Tennis TV (ATP) & WTA TV (WTA): Specialized services streaming every match without interruption—perfect for purists. Subscription: ~15 USD/month.
Options for Viewers Outside Canada
For international fans, a reliable VPN (such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN) connected to a Canadian server allows access to TVA+ or Sportsnet NOW.
Alternatively, WTA TV and Tennis TV are available without geographic restrictions (English only).
Tip: Avoid free VPNs (e.g., Hola), as they are often blocked by broadcasters during key matches.
Off-Court Events During the Tournament
Urban Tennis Festival (Old Port of Montreal & Toronto’s Harbourfront)
Starting August 4, pop-up courts, free concerts featuring local artists, and food trucks serving Quebec specialties (creative poutine, smoked meat) will energize both sites. Surprise meet-and-greets with players are scheduled for August 6 and 10.
Family Weekend (August 9–10)
Free entry to Montreal’s IGA Stadium includes:
Tennis workshops led by professional coaches
A junior tournament, “The Court is Yours,” sponsored by Leylah Fernandez
