Despite early hurdles, NBO Toronto on track with star power, Fernandez and Eala buzz
The National Bank Open in Toronto is gaining momentum despite the early withdrawal of Canadian star Victoria Mboko. Tournament organizers are optimistic about the event's success, driven by the performance of Leylah Fernandez and the popularity of breakout player Alex Eala.
Why it matters
The tournament is a major WTA 1000 event, and the performance of domestic and rising stars is crucial for maintaining local engagement and attendance.
TORONTO — Things were looking up after an inauspicious start at the National Bank Open women's tennis tournament. Canada's Leylah Fernandez earned a berth in the Round of 16. "Eala-Mania" found a higher gear with breakout star Alex Eala's latest victory. And WTA Tour headliners Elena Rybakina, Coco Gauff and Iga Swiatek were still in the field. "We couldn't be happier at this time," tournament director Karl Hale said. "We think that the tournament will continue to grow and grow and tennis will continue to grow and grow in Canada." The developments were most welcome for a WTA 1000 event that was dealt a stiff blow last month when 2025 champion Victoria Mboko of Burlington, Ont., withdrew due to a knee injury. Sapped of that bona fide domestic star power, Tennis Canada gave wild-card entries to 2019 champion Bianca Andreescu of Mississauga, Ont., and six other Canadians.
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