ATP Masters 1000 | Canada Open: The Legacy of the National Bank Open

Since its inception in 1881, the tournament now known as the National Bank Open presented by Rogers has stood as one of the longest-running and most significant competitions in the world of tennis. Only Wimbledon (founded in 1877) and the US Open (also 1881, but held earlier in the season) can claim longer continuous histories. Over the course of nearly 150 years, this championship has grown from a modest gathering on the grass courts of Toronto into a flagship event on both the ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tours. The tournament has not only mirrored the sport’s evolution but also helped shape the global tennis calendar.

From Grassroots to Grand Stage

The roots of the National Bank Open trace back to July 1881, when the first men’s championship was held at the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club. The competition quickly gained prestige in Canada and beyond, despite the often unpredictable weather and the rustic conditions of its early years. As tennis matured into a professional sport, the Canadian Open—as it was known for much of its history—adapted accordingly, transitioning from temporary grass setups to permanent stadiums in Toronto and Montreal. By the mid-20th century, it had cemented its place as a vital summer warm-up ahead of the US Open, particularly for players looking to adjust to North American hard courts.

Alternating Cities, Shared Spotlight

A defining feature of the National Bank Open is its dual-city format, introduced in 1981. This innovative structure sees Toronto and Montreal alternate annually between hosting the men’s and women’s competitions. In even-numbered years, the ATP Masters 1000 event takes place in Montreal while Toronto welcomes the WTA 1000 draw. In odd-numbered years, the roles switch. This setup ensures that both major cities are part of the tournament’s narrative each season and offers fans in both provinces direct access to elite international tennis. Over a twelve-day stretch in late July and early August, the tournament delivers parallel competitions for men and women, creating a vibrant, unified showcase of the sport.

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A Premier Place on the Tour

The tournament’s official elevation to ATP Masters 1000 status in 1990—and the subsequent WTA 1000 designation—marked its full integration into the highest tier of tour events outside the Grand Slams. These upgrades brought with them increased ranking points, prize money, and prestige, drawing deeper player fields and global media attention. By 2025, both draws adopted a 96-player main draw, aligning structurally with the Majors and further underlining the tournament’s growing stature. Over the decades, improvements to playing surfaces, technology, and on-site infrastructure have kept the National Bank Open competitive with the most modern stops on the circuit.

Champions and Icons Across Generations

Throughout its long history, the tournament has welcomed the greatest names in tennis. In the late 1970s, Björn Borg captured titles before conquering Wimbledon. The 1980s saw Ivan Lendl dominate, winning a record six titles, while John McEnroe thrilled fans with his on-court theatrics. More recently, the Canadian hard courts have witnessed iconic performances by Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal, and Novak Djokovic, each adding multiple titles to their resumes and using victories in Canada as momentum heading into the US Open. In 2023, Jannik Sinner marked a new chapter with a statement win, signaling a generational shift and adding his name to the list of rising stars poised to define the future.

Moments That Defined an Era

Over the years, the National Bank Open has delivered countless unforgettable moments. In 2004, Andre Agassi, defying age and fatigue, rallied to a remarkable comeback in the final. The 2019 tournament saw a breakthrough for Bianca Andreescu, who made history as the first Canadian in the Open Era to win the singles title on home soil, igniting national pride. The 2021 edition, held in the shadow of the pandemic, took place without fans—a poignant reminder of sport’s vulnerability and resilience. Each edition of the tournament adds new stories to its legacy, where upsets, breakthroughs, and hard-fought duels unfold under the summer sun.

A Cultural and Competitive Hub

Strategically positioned in the heart of the North American hard-court swing, the National Bank Open is more than a warm-up—it’s a vital staging ground for success at the US Open. Top players use the event to hone their form and adapt to the summer conditions, while fans enjoy a festival-like atmosphere with matches, practice sessions, music, and appearances by tennis legends and local celebrities. For Toronto and Montreal, the tournament is not just a sporting event—it’s a cultural celebration that brings the community together and showcases Canada’s love for tennis to the world.

A Storied Legacy in Global Tennis

As the third-oldest tournament in world tennis and the premier event on Canadian soil, the National Bank Open continues to play a central role in shaping the sport’s present and future. With a legacy that spans generations and a format that embraces both tradition and innovation, it remains a must-watch fixture each summer. As new stars emerge and old legends return, the courts of Toronto and Montreal will continue to echo with the sound of excellence, competition, and history in the making.

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the sport, the National Bank Open offers a unique chance to witness tennis greatness up close. Mark your calendar for July and August and be part of the next chapter in one of the game’s most enduring stories.