Toronto’s tennis fans have reason to celebrate this summer as world No. 1 Jannik Sinner and second-ranked Carlos Alcaraz headline the star-studded field for the 2024 National Bank Open. The tournament returns to Toronto’s Sobeys Stadium from August 3-11, promising world-class tennis action in our backyard.
The entry list reads like a who’s who of men’s tennis, with 41 of the top 43 players in the ATP rankings committed to the event. Beyond Sinner and Alcaraz, fans can look forward to seeing Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, and Alexander Zverev competing for the prestigious Canadian title.
“This level of participation speaks volumes about Toronto’s standing in the tennis world,” says Karl Hale, Tournament Director for the National Bank Open. “Having virtually the entire top 50 commit to our event demonstrates the tournament’s significance on the ATP calendar.”
For local fans, Canadian talent will be well-represented. Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov have confirmed their participation, giving hometown crowds plenty to cheer for. The 2023 finalist, Milos Raonic, is also expected to receive a wild card entry, adding another Canadian contender to the mix.
What makes this year’s tournament particularly compelling is the ongoing rivalry between Sinner and Alcaraz. The two young stars have been trading victories at major events, with Sinner capturing his first Grand Slam at the Australian Open and Alcaraz claiming the French Open title. Their potential clash in Toronto could be a preview of tennis’s next great rivalry.
“The Sinner-Alcaraz dynamic has become one of the most exciting storylines in tennis,” notes Tennis Canada CEO Michael Downey. “Having them both here in Toronto gives Canadian fans a rare opportunity to witness what might become this generation’s Federer-Nadal rivalry.”
Beyond the established stars, the tournament will showcase emerging talent like Holger Rune and Ben Shelton, who have been making waves with their aggressive playing styles and charismatic personalities.
The economic impact of the tournament for Toronto is substantial. According to Tourism Toronto, previous editions have generated approximately $30 million in economic activity, with hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses benefiting from the influx of international visitors.
“Major sporting events like the National Bank Open create a ripple effect throughout our local economy,” explains Scott Beck, President and CEO of Destination Toronto. “Beyond ticket sales, we see significant spending on accommodations, dining, and entertainment, supporting thousands of jobs across the city.”
For Toronto’s vibrant tennis community, the tournament serves as inspiration for young players. Local clubs typically see a surge in registration following the event, with juniors eager to emulate their heroes.
The tournament venue, Sobeys Stadium at York University, has undergone several improvements to enhance the fan experience. New shaded viewing areas, expanded food and beverage options, and improved transportation solutions aim to make attending the event more enjoyable.
Tickets have been selling briskly since becoming available, with tournament organizers reporting a 15% increase in sales compared to the same period last year. The most sought-after sessions include the quarterfinals and semifinals, where the sport’s biggest names are likely to face off.
For those unable to secure tickets, the tournament will feature expanded fan zones throughout the city, including free viewing parties at Yonge-Dundas Square and Nathan Phillips Square. These community activations will bring the excitement of world-class tennis to broader audiences.
What makes the National Bank Open unique is its alternating format between Toronto and Montreal. While the men compete in Toronto this year, the women’s tournament will take place simultaneously in Montreal, featuring stars like Iga Świątek and Coco Gauff.
As someone who’s covered multiple editions of this tournament, I’ve witnessed firsthand how it transforms the city for a week each summer. Beyond the matches themselves, there’s a festival-like atmosphere that permeates Toronto, with players spotted at restaurants along King Street and fans from across the globe sharing their passion for the sport.
The National Bank Open stands as Toronto’s premier tennis event and one of the oldest tournaments in the sport. First played in 1881, it carries a rich history that few other sporting events in Canada can match.
For those planning to attend, my recommendation is to catch some of the early-round action when you can watch multiple matches and potentially see top players practicing on the outer courts. It’s often these intimate sessions that provide the most memorable experiences for tennis enthusiasts.
As Toronto prepares to welcome the world’s best players this August, the stage is set for what promises to be an unforgettable week of tennis at the highest level. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or simply looking to experience world-class sport in our city, the National Bank Open offers something for everyone.
