National Bank Open History of the Tournament: From Canadian Lawn Roots to ATP Masters 1000 Glory
National Bank Open History of the Tournament: The National Bank Open stands as one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world. Founded in 1881 in Toronto, with its first women’s competition debuting in 1892, the event holds a prestigious place in tennis history, surpassed only by Wimbledon and the US Open in age. It was initially a grass-court championship for Canadian players, held at the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club, before evolving into a major international event.
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National Bank Open History: From Grass to Clay to Hard Cash Courts
Originally contested on grass courts, the tournament transitioned to clay in 1979 due to weather and surface maintenance challenges. Shortly afterwards, it moved to hard courts in 1979, aligning it with the modern game’s speed and style. Grass, clay, and then hard—each surface reflected a different chapter in Canadian tennis history.
Dual-City Format & Professional Open Era
By 1915, the tournament moved to Forest Hills-style venues before permanently settling in Toronto and Montreal. Since 1982, the men’s and women’s events have alternated yearly between these cities. The Open Era in 1968 broke amateur-pro exclusiveness, making it the “Canadian Open,” with professionals like Arthur Ashe, Björn Borg, and Novak Djokovic cannoning the tournament into elite status.
Entering the Masters 1000 Arena
From 1969–1989, the tournament was part of the Grand Prix circuit before joining the inaugural Super 9 events in the 1990s—later becoming the ATP Masters Series and now the ATP Masters 1000. This upgrade ensured the world’s top male players, from Federer to Alcaraz, consistently compete under the Canadian sky. The women’s side became a WTA Tier I event in the 1990s, now a WTA 1000, further solidifying its importance.
Notable Champions and Moments
The tournament boasts a long list of legendary champions — Borg, Lendl, McEnroe, Sampras, Nadal, Federer, Djokovic. For Canada itself, the tournament yielded homegrown triumphs, such as Robert Bédard in 1958 and Bianca Andreescu’s memorable 2019 victory—a watershed moment for Canadian tennis.
In 2017, Denis Shapovalov, at 18, became the youngest ATP Masters semifinalist in the series—while Milos Raonic captured the final in 2013. These performances showcased Canada’s emergence as a tennis powerhouse.
2025: A New Format, A New Era
Excitement is building for 2025, when the National Bank Open transitions to a 12-day combined ATP and WTA tournament featuring a 96-player main draw, matching other major Masters 1000 events like Miami and Madrid. This change brings the event closer to Grand Slam scheduling and increases its global impact.
Organized by Tennis Canada, the Open also serves as a growth initiative—proceeds fund grassroots programs, court construction, and player development in Canada.
Why History Matters in 2025
With a lineage stretching back 144 years, the National Bank Open is more than a pre-Wimbledon warm-up—it’s a tournament steeped in sport and national pride, constantly evolving. Its elevated status in 2025 enhances international relevance while reinforcing Canada’s legacy in tennis.
Be Part of Tennis History in 2025
The story of the National Bank Open is one of adaptation, excellence, and ambition. As we celebrate its transition through surfaces, leadership, and design, we also look toward another vibrant chapter unfolding July 26–August 7, 2025.
👉 Secure your place at the 2025 National Bank Open — be there to witness the latest triumphs in Canada’s oldest tennis tradition.