Why the Canadian Open Is Tennis' Most Unique Tournament: Inside the Toronto-Montreal Tradition

 

Why the Canadian Open Is Tennis's Most Unique Tournament

The Canadian Open, officially known as the National Bank Open, is unlike any other tournament on the professional tennis calendar. While most ATP and WTA events stay in one city every year, Canada's biggest tennis tournament follows a unique tradition—it alternates between Toronto and Montreal.

This special format has made the Canadian Open one of the most fascinating events in tennis, combining rich history with a one-of-a-kind hosting system that keeps fans in both cities excited every summer.

A Tournament With Nearly 150 Years of History

First held in 1881, the Canadian Open is one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world, behind only Wimbledon and the US Open.

Over the decades, the tournament has evolved from a small national competition into one of the biggest events outside the Grand Slams. It switched from clay courts to hard courts in 1979, making it the perfect preparation event before the US Open.

Although the official name today is the National Bank Open, many tennis fans still refer to it as the Canadian Open or the Rogers Cup.

Why Does the Tournament Change Cities?

The Canadian Open features both an ATP Masters 1000 event and a WTA 1000 event.

Instead of hosting both tournaments in one city, Toronto and Montreal share the responsibility.

Each year:

• One city hosts the ATP tournament.
• The other hosts the WTA tournament.
• The following year, the tournaments swap cities.

For 2026, the men's tournament takes place in Montreal, while the women's event is hosted in Toronto.

This rotation allows tennis fans across Canada to enjoy world-class tennis without one city permanently losing the event.

Two World-Class Tennis Venues

The tournament is played at two modern stadiums:

• IGA Stadium in Montreal hosts the ATP Tour event.
• Sobeys Stadium in Toronto welcomes the WTA Tour stars.

Both venues regularly attract packed crowds and provide the perfect atmosphere for some of the biggest matches of the season.

Canadian Success on Home Soil

Winning the Canadian Open has always been a dream for local players.

In recent years, Canadian tennis has enjoyed unforgettable moments, highlighted by Bianca Andreescu's memorable triumph and the emergence of a new generation of talented players.

These victories have helped grow tennis across Canada and inspired thousands of young athletes.

A Key Stop Before the US Open

The Canadian Open is one of the most important tournaments before the final Grand Slam of the season.

Because it is a mandatory ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event, almost every top-ranked player competes unless injured.

Fans regularly see stars such as Carlos Alcaraz, Jannik Sinner, Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, and many others using the tournament as preparation for the US Open.

Strong performances in Canada often provide momentum heading into New York.

Why Fans Love the Canadian Open

The Canadian Open offers something few tournaments can match:

• Nearly 150 years of tennis history.
• Two major cities sharing the spotlight.
• ATP and WTA stars competing during the same week.
• A crucial warm-up before the US Open.

Its unusual format has become part of its identity, making it one of the most anticipated stops on the professional tennis calendar.

Final Thoughts

The Canadian Open proves that tradition and innovation can work together.

By rotating between Toronto and Montreal, Tennis Canada has created a tournament unlike any other in the sport. With world-class players, passionate crowds, and a history stretching back nearly 150 years, the National Bank Open remains one of the highlights of every tennis season.

Whether you're watching from Toronto, Montreal, or anywhere around the world, the Canadian Open continues to deliver elite tennis and unforgettable moments.