2025 Canadian Open: Key US Open Lead-Up in Toronto & Montreal

The 2025 Canadian Open (National Bank Open) will take place from July 27 to August 7, featuring elite men’s and women’s tennis action as part of the ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 circuits. The men’s event will be held in Toronto at the Aviva Centre, while the women’s matches will unfold in Montreal at IGA Stadium, continuing the tournament’s tradition of alternating host cities each year. Played on outdoor hard courts, the Canadian Open is a key stop on the US Open Series, attracting nearly all of the world’s top-ranked players as they prepare for the final Grand Slam of the season. Known for its deep history and competitive draw, the event stands out as one of the premier tennis tournaments outside the Grand Slams.

Match Details

The comprehensive match details for the 2025 Canadian Open (National Bank Open):

Tournament Timeline & Format

The tournament runs July 26 – August 7, 2025, with qualifying rounds on July 26–27, followed by the main draw from July 27 to August 7. The expanded format features a 96-player singles draw (up from 56) and 32 doubles teams per tour, ensuring even more daily action across 12 event days  .

Daily Match Sessions

Men’s event (Toronto) and Women’s event (Montreal) will both follow this session schedule:

• July 26 (Sat): Qualifying (Day session — gates open 10–11 AM)

• July 27 (Sun): First-round matches (Day + Night sessions) 

• July 28 – July 31: First to third rounds (daily day & evening sessions) 

• August 1–3: Completion of Third and Round of 16 matches (sessions vary) 

• August 4–5: Quarterfinals (night sessions from ~4 PM) 

• August 6: Semifinals (6 PM night session) 

• August 7: Finals (6 PM night session) 

Key Changes & Highlights

• 12-day “Grand Slam–style” format now aligns with ATP/WTA 1000 events.

• Draw size: 96 singles players and 32 doubles teams per tour.

• Prize money (women’s): Approx. US $5.15 million.

Venue Details

A detailed overview of the two iconic venues hosting the 2025 National Bank Open:

Sobeys Stadium (formerly Aviva Centre) – Toronto

• Capacity & Courts: Features a 12,500-seat stadium court alongside a grandstand and 9–11 outer courts, all surfaced with DecoTurf, the same hard court as the US Open.

• History & Ownership: Built in 2004 on York University grounds for USD 45 million, owned and operated by Tennis Canada, originally named Rexall Centre, later Aviva Centre, and renamed Sobeys Stadium in 2022.

• Facilities: Hosts 39 executive suites, 2 party suites, and operates year-round as a training center with both indoor and outdoor courts. Also serves as a concert venue during off-season.

• Access & Location: Situated at 1 Shoreham Drive, close to the Pioneer Village subway station and major highways, making it highly accessible.

IGA Stadium – Montreal

• Location & Capacity: Set in Jarry Park (285 rue Gary‑Carter), the stadium holds approximately 11,700–11,815 spectators on Centre Court, with additional courts on-site including a 4,500-seat “Rogers Court” and 10 outdoor + 16 indoor hard & clay courts.

• History & Naming: Opened in 1996; formerly known as Du Maurier Stadium and Uniprix Stadium, rebranded as IGA Stadium in 2018 when IGA (Empire Co.) acquired naming rights.

• Amenities & Access: Integrated into Montreal’s public transport network via STM bus and metro, with walking-friendly surroundings in leafy Jarry Park. The venue supports on-site activities, food, merchandise stalls, and has numerous court booking options year-round.

• Versatility: Besides the main Centre and Rogers Courts, the stadium complex regularly hosts other events and private bookings, with full facilities for spectators and players alike.

Importance of 2025 Canadian Open

The detailed importance of the 2025 Canadian Open (National Bank Open), explained point-by-point:

1. Masters 1000 / WTA 1000 Status

The Canadian Open is classified as an ATP Masters 1000 event for men and a WTA 1000 event for women—this makes it one of the most prestigious tournaments outside of the four Grand Slams. These categories offer 1,000 ranking points to the winner, significantly impacting player standings.

2. Strategic Placement in Calendar

Scheduled from July 27 to August 7, 2025, the tournament is a key stop in the US Open Series. It serves as an ideal preparation ground for players heading into the US Open, which begins later in August. Its hard court surface and North American setting mirror US Open conditions.

3. Top Player Participation

Due to its mandatory status for top players on both tours, the Canadian Open consistently features nearly all of the top 20 ATP and WTA players. This makes it highly competitive and a reliable benchmark for form ahead of the US Open.

4. Rich History and Tradition

First held in 1881, the Canadian Open is one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world. Its deep historical roots lend it a legacy and prestige that few other non-Slam events can claim.

5. National Hosting Model

The tournament uniquely alternates cities each year:

• Men play in Toronto (Sobeys Stadium)

• Women play in Montreal (IGA Stadium)
This rotation helps promote tennis across Canada’s two largest cities, enhancing local fan engagement and economic impact.

6. Impact on Rankings and Seedings

With 1,000 points on the line, strong performances here can dramatically shift ATP/WTA rankings. This affects seedings for the US Open and year-end championships like the ATP Finals or WTA Finals.

7. Massive Fan and Media Attention

The Canadian Open draws global TV audiences, sponsors, and media outlets. Onsite attendance often exceeds 200,000+ fans over the course of the tournament, making it one of the highest-attended tennis events worldwide.

8. 12-Day Format in 2025

The 2025 edition introduces an expanded 12-day format with a 96-player singles draw, aligning with recent upgrades at other Masters 1000 events. This makes the tournament more like a mini-Grand Slam, offering:

• More matches

• Higher visibility

• Better scheduling for players and fans

9. World-Class Facilities

Both Sobeys Stadium in Toronto and IGA Stadium in Montreal offer:

• Multiple show courts and practice courts

• Training facilities

• Hospitality suites

• Fan zones and interactive areas
These modern venues enhance the player and fan experience, contributing to the event’s high global reputation.

10. Support for Canadian Tennis

Tennis Canada uses the tournament to support the development of Canadian players. Wildcards are often given to young or rising Canadian talents, providing them with valuable match experience against top-tier opposition.

Conclusion: Canadian Open 2025

The 2025 Canadian Open (National Bank Open) stands as one of the most important tournaments in the tennis calendar outside of the Grand Slams. With its elevated ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 status, the event not only draws the sport’s top-ranked players but also serves as a critical warm-up for the US Open. The expanded 12-day format, elite venues in Toronto and Montreal, and its rich heritage dating back to 1881 reinforce its prestige. More than just a competition, the Canadian Open plays a pivotal role in shaping rankings, building momentum, and promoting tennis across Canada—cementing its place as a cornerstone of the hard court season.

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