The National Bank Open, also known as the Canadian Open, is drawing significant attention as top players battle it out in Toronto and Montreal. In a thrilling women's singles match on Friday, August 7, Alexandra Eala of the Philippines clinched her spot in the round of 16 with a hard-fought three-set victory over American Caty McNally, with scores of 6-3, 5-7, 6-4. Eala, currently ranked world No. 20, has extended her winning streak and captivated audiences with her performances, with packed stands often seen waving Filipino flags. "Someone in the crowd said they wanted to be Filipino for tonight," Eala remarked after her match, highlighting the vibrant fan engagement.
The tournament also marks a farewell for fan-favourite Gael Monfils. The veteran French player, who has announced his retirement at the end of the 2026 season, played his final Canadian Open matches in Montreal. Monfils, a beloved figure for his entertaining style, concluded his Canadian Open campaign after a second-round defeat to Learner Tien. He reflected on his career, stating, "Fifteen times I've come to this tournament. Fifteen. Eight of them right here in Montreal, the rest in Toronto. And every single one of them, this country gave me something."
The Canadian Open has also been marked by several upsets, including the early exits of top seeds in the men's draw in Montreal, with Alexander Zverev and Daniil Medvedev both being eliminated. In Toronto, Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova was upset by Caty McNally in the second round. Meanwhile, Canadian Leylah Fernandez remains the lone Canadian player in either singles draw, advancing to the third round after a strong performance. The tournament continues with more exciting matches as players vie for Grand Slam contention.
