The National Bank Open, an ATP Masters 1000 hard-court tournament, kicks off in Montreal on August 6th. With Novak Djokovic and Carlos Alcaraz absent, the field boasts a star-studded lineup including Jannik Sinner, Alexander Zverev, and Daniil Medvedev.
The tournament’s fast court conditions favor power players and big servers. Past champions include Rafael Nadal (2018-2019), Daniil Medvedev (2021), and Pablo Carreno Busta (2022).
Players to Watch:
* Daniil Medvedev (+600): The former world No. 1 returns to hard courts after a disappointing Olympics. He faces a favorable draw until a potential fourth-round clash with Stefanos Tsitsipas.
* Taylor Fritz (+2500): The American has a clear path to a deep run, with winnable matches against Sebastian Korda, Casper Ruud, and Alexander Zverev.
* Jannik Sinner (+150): The Italian is the favorite despite recent health issues. His elite serving and returning abilities make him a formidable opponent on fast surfaces.
Pick to Win:
Jannik Sinner (+150) is the player to beat in Montreal. His absence of rivals Djokovic and Alcaraz, combined with his exceptional skills on fast courts, makes him the most likely candidate for victory.