Rain forces jammed men’s schedule at National Bank Open as Toronto women return to normal
Rain delays forced a jammed men’s schedule in Montreal at the National Bank Open, while Toronto’s women’s draw returned to normal as Canadians eye key matches.
The Toronto portion of the National Bank Open reopened its women’s schedule after earlier rain disruptions, allowing most planned matches to proceed on Tuesday. In Montreal, persistent showers over the weekend forced organizers to compress the men’s draw, creating a heavy slate of matches that will stretch players and officials alike.
Montreal rain forces 23-match men’s catch-up day
After rain wiped out large portions of play earlier in the tournament, Montreal’s men’s side faces a major backlog, with organizers scheduling 23 matches for Tuesday to make up lost time. Only two matches were completed on Sunday and 13 on Monday, leaving the bulk of first- and second-round play to be settled in a single day.
Tournament officials have signaled that sessions will run long and that start times labeled "not before" could be pushed later depending on how preceding matches unfold. That compressed timetable raises questions about player recovery and court availability as the tournament attempts to stay on track.
Toronto women’s draw returns to regular schedule
In Toronto, the women’s tournament resumed a more normal rhythm after weather interruptions, with the majority of scheduled play proceeding as planned on Tuesday. Wild-card entrants and qualifiers provided local interest earlier in the week, and organizers were able to clear much of the backlog on the women’s side.
The restored schedule includes marquee matchups on Centre Court and multiple televised sessions across Sportsnet channels. That stability contrasts sharply with the situation in Montreal and offers relief to fans who had seen fixtures postponed.
Katherine Sebov to face 10-seed Marta Kostyuk
Canada’s Katherine Sebov, a wild-card entry who advanced after a first-round win, draws a stiff opponent in 10th-seeded Marta Kostyuk of Ukraine. Kostyuk arrives with strong recent form — deep runs at Grand Slam events this season — and will represent a significant test for Sebov on Centre Court.
The matchup presents a chance for Sebov to build on her breakthrough and for the Canadian contingent to secure visibility on one of the tournament’s biggest stages. Expect a tactical contest with Sebov trying to dictate points while Kostyuk leverages her momentum and ranking.
Gabriel Diallo to close prime-time Centre Court in Montreal
In Montreal, hometown favorite Gabriel Diallo will close the evening session on Centre Court against 19th seed Luciano Darderi, a spot that is likely to draw a full house. Diallo recorded a high-profile victory on Monday and will look to capitalize on that momentum under the lights in front of a partisan crowd.
The scheduling places added attention and pressure on the young Canadian, who must manage expectations and physical recovery amid the condensed timetable. His appearance highlights the local interest that continues to fuel strong attendance despite weather disruptions.
Canadian men face multiple challenges and television windows
Beyond Diallo, several Canadian men are scheduled to play critical matches, including Denis Shapovalov against Zachary Svajda and Liam Draxl opening against Daniel Merida Aguilar. Duncan Chan is also set to continue his campaign after advancing through qualifying, underscoring the home contingent’s depth across courts.
Broadcasters have staggered coverage across Sportsnet platforms, with early and prime-time windows to accommodate the reshuffled schedule. Officials and networks have warned that match times listed as "not before" are subject to change, and fans should expect potential delays in televised start times.
Players, coaches and organizers all face the practical challenges of a condensed schedule: less turnaround between matches, potentially late finishes, and the need to preserve player welfare while completing the draw. Tournament directors have emphasized flexibility and contingency planning as they try to keep the event moving.
The National Bank Open now enters a pivotal stretch where weather, logistics and on-court performance will determine how smoothly the tournament proceeds toward the later rounds.
