National Bank Open Toronto: Your Guide to Friday’s Action (August 7)

Quick Summary: The National Bank Open tennis tournament is heating up in Toronto! Friday, August 7 is Day 7, and it’s packed with huge matches, Canadian stars, and a tropical party atmosphere. Here’s everything you need to know—explained simply.

What Is the National Bank Open?

Think of it like a major tennis festival where the world’s best female players compete for a big title. It happens every year in Toronto (and Montreal for the men). Right now, we’re in the Round of 16—meaning only 16 players are left in singles. By the end of Friday, we’ll know the final 8 players (the "Quarterfinals") who get to play during the big "TennisFest" weekend.

Key Term: "Seed" = A ranking given to top players before the tournament starts (like #1 seed, #2 seed) so they don’t play each other too early.
"Round of 16" = The 4th round; 16 players remain.
"Quarterfinals" = The next round; only 8 players remain.

Centre Court: The Main Stage (Sobeys Stadium)

Centre Court is the biggest stadium. Matches start at the times below, but "not before" means they could start later if earlier matches run long.

CANADIAN PRIDE ALERT: Leylah Fernandez is the last Canadian standing in either singles draw (Toronto or Montreal). She said her dad reminded her before her last match: "You’re the last one." That fired her up! She wants to inspire young Canadian players.

Grandstand Court: More Great Tennis

Grandstand is the second big stadium. Here’s the lineup:

1. 11:00 AM – Iva Jovic vs. Alina Korneeva (Doubles)
2. After above – Bianca Andreescu & Kayla Cross (Canada) vs. Ulrikke Eikeri & Quinn Gleason (Doubles)
   Bianca is a former US Open champion!
3. [Q] Maya Joint (Australia, Qualifier) vs. Liudmila Samsonova
4. Not before 5:00 PM – Elise Mertens (Seed #20, Belgium) vs. Naomi Osaka (Seed #11, Japan)
   Two former Grand Slam champs!
5. Taylor Townsend (USA) vs. Belinda Bencic (Seed #12, Switzerland)

Doubles Note: The #1 doubles seeds Katerina Siniakova & Shuai Zhang also start Friday against Mirra Andreeva & Sorana Cirstea.

Around the Grounds: It’s a Party!

The tournament isn’t just matches—it’s a festival.

Tropical Night (Presented by Barbados) – Evening Session

• Steelpan players & dancers welcoming you at the gates
• Free commemorative tumblers (while supplies last!)
• Resort vibes right in the city

Player Autograph Session

• Who: Kayla Cross & Ariana Arseneault (Canadian players)
• When: 5:30 – 6:00 PM
• Where: Merchant of Tennis shop

Rising Star Spotlight: Alex Eala

• Age: 21 | Ranking: World #20 | From: Philippines
• Nickname: "Eala-mania" – she has a huge, passionate Filipino fanbase in Toronto
• Friday’s Match: vs. Caty McNally (World #70, USA)
  Caty just upset Wimbledon champ Linda Noskova!
• Backstory: Alex won her first match in Toronto to a roaring crowd. Now she’s in the Round of 16 for the first time at this level.

Important Points at a Glance

MUST-KNOW INFO

• Date: Friday, August 7, 2025
• Location: Sobeys Stadium, Toronto
• Round: Round of 16 (Singles) / Early rounds (Doubles)
• Top Seeds Already Through: Aryna Sabalenka (#1), Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula (won Thursday)
• Only Canadian in Singles: Leylah Fernandez (plays ~1:30 PM)
• Tickets: Still available! → Get Tickets
• Tournament Runs: August 1–13

Your Friday Game Plan (Numbered Steps)

1. Morning (11 AM+): Catch early Grandstand doubles (Jovic/Korneeva → Andreescu/Cross)
2. Lunchtime (12:30 PM): Centre Court – Rybakina vs. Li
3. Early Afternoon (~1:30 PM): MUST-WATCH – Leylah Fernandez vs. Mirra Andreeva
4. Late Afternoon (5 PM+): Grandstand – Mertens vs. Osaka (big names!)
5. Early Evening (5:30 PM): Get autographs from Kayla Cross & Ariana Arseneault
6. Night (7 PM+): Centre Court – Coco Gauff vs. Maria Sakkari + Tropical Night party vibes

Summary

Friday at the National Bank Open is jam-packed:

• 3 huge Centre Court matches featuring Grand Slam champs (Rybakina, Fernandez, Gauff)
• Canadian stars in singles (Leylah) and doubles (Bianca Andreescu, Kayla Cross)
• Blockbuster Grandstand match: Naomi Osaka vs. Elise Mertens
• Fan favorite Alex Eala continues her run
• Tropical Night festival vibes all evening
• Free swag & autographs for fans

By nightfall, we’ll know the final 8 women playing the TennisFest weekend quarterfinals.

FAQ: Your Questions Answered

1. What does "not before" mean for match times?

It means the match won’t start earlier than that time, but could start later if the previous match goes long (e.g., three sets). Plan to be in your seat by that time.

2. Can I watch both Centre Court and Grandstand with one ticket?

Yes! A grounds pass or stadium ticket usually lets you move between courts (space permitting). Centre Court requires a reserved seat for the main matches.

3. Who is Leylah Fernandez and why is she special?

She’s a 22-year-old Canadian who reached the US Open final in 2021. Right now, she’s the only Canadian left in singles in both Toronto and Montreal. The whole country is cheering for her!

4. What’s the difference between singles and doubles?

• Singles: 1 vs. 1 (what most people watch)
• Doubles: 2 vs. 2 (faster, more net play, different strategy)
  Players often enter both. Leylah is in singles; Bianca Andreescu is playing doubles with Kayla Cross.

5. Is it too late to get tickets for Friday?

No! Tickets are still available for August 7 and the weekend. Check the official ticket page for options.

Final Thought: Whether you’re a die-hard tennis fan or just looking for a fun Friday out, the National Bank Open delivers world-class sport + festival energy. Grab a tumbler, cheer for Leylah, and enjoy the tropical vibes!