Canadian Open

The Canadian Open, also known as the National Bank Open, is a major annual professional tennis tournament held in Montreal and Toronto, Canada each August. As the world’s second-oldest active tennis tournament, it features top men’s and women’s players on outdoor hardcourts, with the host cities alternating each year.

• Second-oldest active tennis tournament after Wimbledon
• Held annually in Montreal and Toronto, alternating host cities
• Features both ATP 1000 and WTA 1000 level competitions
• Played on outdoor hardcourts since 1979
• Known as the National Bank Open since 2021

What it is

The Canadian Open is one of the premier events in the world of tennis, drawing elite players from around the globe to compete on outdoor hardcourts in Montreal and Toronto. Recognized as the second-oldest active tennis tournament after Wimbledon, it holds a special place in the sport’s history. Each year, the tournament alternates the men’s and women’s competitions between the two cities, making it a highlight of the Canadian summer sports calendar. For fans and players alike, the event is a celebration of tennis excellence and Canadian hospitality.

Where it comes from

Tennis tournaments in Canada date back to 1881, with the first men’s event held at the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club and a similar competition in Montreal soon after. By 1887, the Toronto event was known as the Canadian championship, and the Canadian Lawn Tennis Association began overseeing the tournament in 1890. Women first officially joined the competition in 1892. Over the decades, the event has evolved in name, sponsorship, and format, moving from clay to hardcourts in 1979 and alternating host cities for the men’s and women’s tournaments since the early 1980s.

How it is celebrated

The Canadian Open is celebrated with nearly two weeks of world-class tennis, as both ATP and WTA 1000 events bring together the sport’s top talent. The tournament is played on outdoor hardcourts, with fans filling IGA Stadium in Montreal and Sobeys Stadium in Toronto. The atmosphere is lively, with spectators enjoying matches from early rounds to the finals, often under sunny August skies. Food stalls, sponsor activations, and family-friendly activities add to the festival feel, while autograph sessions and practice courts offer chances to see players up close. The event’s alternating city format means each community gets to host the excitement every other year.

Joining in

Visitors can experience the Canadian Open in either Montreal or Toronto, depending on the year and whether they wish to see the men’s or women’s tournament. Both venues are easily accessible and offer a range of ticket options, from grounds passes to premium seating. Expect a vibrant crowd, a mix of local fans and international visitors, and plenty of opportunities to explore the host city’s culture and cuisine between matches. Whether you’re a dedicated tennis follower or a newcomer, the event offers a welcoming and energetic atmosphere.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Canadian Open (tennis), whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Canadian Open (tennis) on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• Official websiteOfficial site
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

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