World No. 1 Jannik Sinner returns to National Bank Open to defend title in Montreal

World No. 1 Jannik Sinner will return to the National Bank Open this summer to defend his Canadian title.

Sinner headlines the field announced by Tennis Canada this morning for the Montreal part of the tournament, presented by Rogers (CityNews’ parent company).

From Aug. 3 to 12, the best players including the top 43 players, will face off for a chance to win the NBO trophy.

“We are extremely excited to see what this year’s National Bank Open has in store for us,” said Valérie Tétreault, Tournament Director of the National Bank Open in Montreal. “Tennis on the ATP circuit is at a unique moment in its history, as we are witnessing more parity than ever before while discovering who will become the legends of our sports with this new generation of talented players.”

The Italian won his first ATP 1000 title at the event in Toronto last year, defeating Australia’s Alex de Minaur 6-4, 6-1 in the final.

Since then, Sinner has led Italy to a Davis Cup title, clinched his first Grand Slam crown at the Australian Open, and climbed to the top of the world rankings.

Serbia’s Novak Djokovic, 24-time Grand Slam champion and world No. 2, will also be in the field at Montreal’s IGA Stadium.

The 37-year-old Serb has claimed four titles in Canada and will be joined by fellow former champions Daniil Medvedev, Germany’s Alexander Zverev, and Spain’s Pablo Carreno Busta.

“Since the beginning of the year, of the five Masters 1000 tournaments held, each has featured a different champion which shows that regardless of who steps up to the plate, we are certain that this great tennis city will be on the edge of its seats waiting for history to unfold,” said Tétreault.

Other notable names include world No. 3 Carlos Alcaraz, 21-year-old rising stars Ben Shelton of the United States and Denmark’s Holger Rune (No. 15), as well as past finalists Hubert Hurkacz (No. 7) of Poland, Alex de Minaur (No. 9) of Australia, and Stefanos Tsitsipas (No. 11) of Greece.

Also announced today, Montrealer Félix Auger-Aliassime (No. 17) will play his first-round match during the night session on Canada Day at the NBO on Wednesday, Aug. 7. Compatriot Denis Shapovalov (No. 121) of Richmond Hill, Ontario, will play his opening-round match in the day session after obtaining a main-draw wild card.

The IGA Family Weekend event will also return this year from Aug. 3 to 5.

Some qualifying matches will be played on the 4th and 5th, while a full practice day will be set for Aug. 3.

Free admission will be offered to all fans on these days with a variety of planned family activities including ball hockey, featuring ATP Tour players, PWHL and NHL athletes.

Also, there will be a Celebrity Tournament with some of Quebec’s biggest starts participating in a friendly tennis tournament.

The opening round will take place Aug. 4, with the final set for Aug. 12.

“It is such an important thing for us as a tournament to make tennis accessible to everyone, and IGA Family Weekend gives us the opportunity to do just that,” added Tétreault. “The off-court experience for fans can be just as exciting as the on-court action, and we make sure to showcase that to everyone who comes to the IGA Stadium grounds.”

-with files from The Canadian Press.