dpWho will be the final eight players to punch their ticket to the National Bank Open presented by Rogers’ TennisFest weekend?
Thursday’s results saw the top half secure an invitation to TennisFest’s fourth-round festival, including top seed Aryna Sabalenka, but spots are still left up for grabs before the NBO’s round of 16 is at capacity.
Also on Friday, immerse yourself in the Caribbean experience as Sobeys Stadium brings the heat heading into the weekend. See who’s on court and discover what’s happening around the grounds on Aug. 7.
On-court Action
Centre Court gets started with world No. 2 Elena Rybakina taking on 28th seed Ann Li at 12:30 pm. Then, not before 1:30 pm, it’s a clash between Canadian hopeful Leylah Annie Fernandez and Roland-Garros champion Mirra Andreeva. The Lavalloise has a 1-2 record against the teen but won their only meeting on hard court, which was in Hong Kong in 2023.
Fernandez stands as the only Canadian remaining in either singles draw (including Montreal). She stated in her post-match press conference on Aug. 5 that “I knew that I was the last Canadian standing. My dad specifically said that before I walked on court. I guess that lit a little fire in me. I’ve always said that we have a lot of young Canadian tennis players who are doing extremely well. And I want to be able to motivate them to keep going and to keep believing in themselves.”
Read also: Toronto Day 6 Recap Served Up by Sobeys – Top Seeds Cruise to Round of 16, Eala and Williams Eliminated From Doubles
The night session kicks off with another Roland-Garros titlist as Coco Gauff goes up against No. 29 seed Maria Sakkari, not before 7 pm.
Eala-mania rolls on for the 21-year-old’s second singles match in Toronto. The world No. 20 gave the passionate Filipino crowd a treat with a win in her opening match. Now, Eala’s focus shifts to world No. 70 Caty McNally, who upset Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova in round two.
Following Iva Jovic and Alina Korneeva’s 11 am match on Grandstand, the all-Canadian duo of Bianca Andreescu and Kayla Cross begin their doubles run against Ulrikke Eikeri and Quinn Gleason.
The rest of Grandstand’s order of play is as follows:
- [Q] Maya Joint (AUS) vs Liudmila Samsonova
- [20] Elise Mertens (BEL) vs [11] Naomi Osaka (JPN) *not before 5 pm
- Taylor Townsend (USA) vs [12] Belinda Bencic (SUI)
The doubles top seeds will also open on Friday as Katerina Siniakova and Shuai Zhang meet Andreeva and Sorana Cirstea.
Around the Grounds
The National Bank Open brings the resort vibes to you this Friday.
The evening session is Tropical Night presented by Barbados. Get welcomed into Sobeys Stadium by dancers and steelpan players, plus get some complimentary tumblers while quantities last.
There are a few locals making player appearances. Kayla Cross and Ariana Arseneault will be signing autographs from 5:30-6 pm at Merchant of Tennis.
The WTA’s best return to Toronto for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers Aug 1 to 13 at Sobeys Stadium. Get your tickets today!
Feature Photo : Mark Blinch/Wick Photography for National Bank Open
