Your Guide to Friday at the National Bank Open: Tennis, Tropics & Canadian Hopefuls

Quick Summary: It’s Friday, August 7 at the National Bank Open in Toronto! The top half of the women’s draw is set for the Round of 16, but eight spots are still up for grabs. Canadian star Leylah Fernandez takes the court, the stadium turns tropical for the evening, and there are plenty of freebies and autographs to grab.

What’s Happening Today?

The tournament runs August 1–13 at Sobeys Stadium. Friday is Day 7—the last chance to reach the “TennisFest” weekend (Round of 16).

The Big Picture

• Top half of the draw: LOCKED IN. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Iga Świątek, and Jessica Pegula are already through.
• Bottom half: WIDE OPEN. Eight players will punch their tickets today.

Centre Court: Must-Watch Matches

CANADIAN PRIDE ALERT
Leylah Fernandez is the last Canadian standing in either singles draw (Montreal or Toronto). She said her dad reminded her before her last match: “You’re the last one.” That fire fueled her win. She wants to inspire the next generation of Canadian kids.

Grandstand Court: Full Schedule

1. 11:00 AM – Iva Jovic vs. Alina Korneeva
2. After that – Bianca Andreescu & Kayla Cross (CAN) vs. Ulrikke Eikeri / Quinn Gleason (Doubles)
3. [Q] Maya Joint (AUS) vs. Liudmila Samsonova
4. [20] Elise Mertens (BEL) vs. [11] Naomi Osaka (JPN) – Not before 5:00 PM
5. Taylor Townsend (USA) vs. [12] Belinda Bencic (SUI)

Around the Grounds: Tropical Night Vibes

PRO TIP: Arrive early for the tumblers—they go fast!

Rising Star Watch: Alex Eala

• Filipino phenom, 21, ranked No. 20
• Won her Toronto opener to huge cheers from the “Eala-maniac” crowd.
• Next up: Caty McNally (No. 70), who upset Wimbledon champ Linda Nosková.
• Watch her match on the live stream!

Important Points at a Glance

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• 8 spots left in the Round of 16—today decides them all.
• Leylah Fernandez carries Canada’s singles hopes.
• Tropical Night = free fun + free tumblers (early birds win).
• Doubles action starts today with top seeds Siniaková/Zhang and Canadians Andreescu/Cross.
• Tickets still available → Get yours here

Your Friday Game Plan (Numbered Steps)

1. Check the weather – Dress for sun/rain; stadium is outdoors.
2. Arrive by 11 AM if you want Grandstand first matches + autograph line.
3. Grab a tumbler at the Tropical Night entrance (quantities limited).
4. Catch Fernandez vs. Andreeva (~1:30 PM) – Canadian history on the line.
5. Stay for Gauff vs. Sakkari (7 PM) – Prime-time blockbuster.
6. Follow @NationalBankOpen on social for real-time court changes.

Summary

Friday at the National Bank Open is where the weekend takes shape. Eight women will join Sabalenka, Świątek, and Pegula in the Round of 16. Canada’s Leylah Fernandez plays for pride and inspiration. The stadium turns into a Caribbean party at night. And you can meet rising stars, grab free gear, and watch world-class tennis—all in one day.

Don’t miss it.

FAQ: Your Burning Questions Answered

See you at Sobeys Stadium—or on the stream!
#NBO2026 #TennisFest #LeylahStrong