National Bank Open Expands to 12-Day Format, Joining Elite Group of Tennis Events

The National Bank Open (NBO) has announced a significant upgrade to its tournaments, which will take place over 12 days starting in 2025. This move elevates the NBO to an elite group of six extended combined events on the WTA and ATP Tours, bringing it closer to the format of a Grand Slam.

The combined event, which alternates hosting an ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 in Toronto and Montréal, will expand its respective fields from 56 to 96 players. This aligns with the format of other prestigious tournaments such as the BNP Paribas Open, Miami Open, Mutua Madrid Open, Internazionali BNL d'Italia, and the Cincinnati Open, which will also become a two-week tournament in 2025.

The NBO's "redefinition" is part of a larger plan to introduce equal prize money at all 1000-level tournaments. This initiative was first announced in 2023 following the expansion of clay-court tournaments in Madrid and Rome.

Valérie Tétreault, NBO Montréal tournament director, emphasized the importance of player voices in advocating for change. She believes that the new format will benefit players' physical and mental well-being.

"It's quite demanding on both the mind and body to be in a new city every week, to be playing back-to-back matches," Tétreault explained. "So, I think if you want to have a long career in tennis, you need to find the right balance to be able to have a life outside of the tennis courts. I think this new format will allow for that."

The enhanced fan experience will include six night sessions and an extra round of action, culminating in a Thursday finals day that will crown both men's and women's champions.

WTA player Leylah Annie Fernandez expressed her excitement about the changes. "It's always a highlight of the year to play at the National Bank Open in Montréal or Toronto, and I can't wait to see the positive impact this new format will have on the fans, the cities and Canadian tennis."

The NBO's expansion is a testament to the growing popularity of tennis in Canada and its commitment to providing a world-class experience for players and fans alike.

Tags: #NationalBankOpen, #Tennis, #WTA, #ATP, #GrandSlam