The National Bank Open in Montreal

Ahead of the long awaited annual National Bank Open here at the IGA stadium in Montreal, which will host the best of the best tennis players in the coming days, fans of the sport had the opportunity to participate up close and personal.

From watching the athletes train, to getting the chance to train themselves with certified coaches, it was definitely a day worth while.
Yinka Egernge, one of the many attendees at the Family day says, its an opportunity to “Watch some of the players that you see on TV, but you don’t have a chance to see them up close”

Eugène Lapierre, The National Bank Open Tournament director says it was an easy decision to have fans be able to participate fully.

“We know all the players pretty much have arrived and they want to try the courts and try the balls and practice and everything. So we say, why not? We’re ready. Why don’t we just open the doors and let the fans enjoy it?”

“ It is really one of the best sporting weeks on the Canadian calendar,” describes Arash Madani, a Sportsnet court side reporter for the tournament.

“Not only are two young Canadians among the best in the world and a threat to win this thing. But you have something around 40 of the top players in the world, among them,” Madani adds.

Ahead of the tournament, two of the greats announced their withdrawal. Novak Djokovic withdrew Thursday and five-time champion Rafael Nadal announced his withdrawal Friday due to an abdominal injury.

While fans of the two may be disappointed – it’s good news for Canadian players Felix Auger Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov.
“It opens it right up for a Canadian to win this thing and that’s really what it does,” says Madani.

For Montrealer Felix Auger Aliassime the tournament means coming home.

“Felix has always talked about returning to Montreal and coming here and getting a chance to do it on the same courts he grew up on. On the same courts where he was a junior and grinded and dreamed of playing in this tournament. And now he comes in as one of the real threats to lift the trophy,” says Madani.

Nevertheless, those participating in the tournament are the world’s best in men’s tennis – from newcomers to veterans.

The field is so strong no matter what,” says Lapierre, adding “fans will have so many good matches to watch over the week.”

The National Bank Open will run until the 14th of August and is expected to host 5,000 fans, eager to see their favourites play.