Australia’s Popyrin defeats Russia’s Rublev at National Bank Open final in Montreal
Posted August 12, 2024 11:45 pm.
Last Updated August 12, 2024 11:49 pm.
Some of the world’s best tennis stars have been competing at Montreal’s IGA Stadium for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers.
On Monday night, the men’s singles final was in full swing.
Australia’s Alexei Popyrin defeated Andrey Rublev of Russia –- winning two straight sets to take the win.
“For me it’s very exceptional to see them,” said spectator, Johanne Villeneuve. “I’m so proud of our tennis players.”
“I bought my ticket like in last January to be here.”
Popyrin defeated No. 5 seed Rublev 6-2, 6-2 in the final.
“It’s been pretty amazing,” said Valérie Tétreault, tournament director. “We expected some very high level of tennis all week and that is what we got.”
Montreal has been hosting the men’s tournament for over 140 years.
With Toronto hosting the women’s tournament for over 130 years.
“I think that we have a great reputation at the international level for in terms of the tournament,” explained Tétreault. “Yes, in Toronto, but especially in Montreal, I think that we are known for our crowds.”
“We can create links with this sport,” said spectator, Anne-Sophie Damphousse. “That’s why I love it so much.”
“I took the train this morning, came from Ottawa,” said Matt Roukoz.
“I came all the way from Griffintown,” added fellow spectator, Sam Kumar. “So I’m not that far.”
“I just love Montreal being the hub for national sports,” she added. “It’s great, whether it be F1, whether it be for tennis, the vibe of the city is always amazing.”
“It’s my first time seeing Rublev in the final,” said Karl Sigouin, tennis fan. “He hits so hard.”
But it’s Popyrin who secured his ATP Masters 1000 title – a first for the 25-year-old, bringing the 10 days of one of Canada’s biggest tennis tournaments to a close.
“It’s a special feeling when you get to the final,” said Tétreault. “It’s been a great week of tennis.”
“I think that athletes, it’s really, really hard to play tennis and be intelligent at the same times” said Villeneuve. “They do so much effort.”
“For me, it’s amazing.”
