The excitement is palpable as Centre Court welcomes the round of 16 at the 2025 National Bank Open in Toronto, with TennisFest ensuring an entertaining atmosphere throughout the grounds.
On-Court Action
Sunday’s schedule features high-stakes matchups among tennis’s biggest stars. The day’s events kick off with American player Frances Tiafoe facing off against Australia’s Alex de Minaur. This marks a significant milestone for the seventh-seeded Tiafoe as it is his first time advancing to the fourth round at this tournament. Conversely, the ninth-seeded de Minaur secured his place after defeating Francisco Comesana and receiving a walkover against Chris O’Connell. Historically, de Minaur holds a slight edge in their head-to-head encounters, leading 2-1.
The day session will wrap up with a clash between sixth-seeded Andrey Rublev and 20th-seeded Alejandro Davidovich Fokina. Davidovich Fokina has displayed remarkable form by not dropping a set yet, but will find Rublev a challenging opponent, as Rublev leads their series 5-1.
Following this exciting matchup, the night session will commence with Ben Shelton taking on Flavio Cobolli. Shelton is aiming for his first victory at a 1000-level tournament and comes in ranked No. 4, while Cobolli, the 13th seed, seeks to extend his winning momentum with a 2-1 lead against Shelton in their previous meetings.
The round of 16 will conclude with a face-off featuring world No. 4 Taylor Fritz against Jiri Lehecka. Fritz has cruised through the tournament without losing a set, and the winner of this matchup will proceed to confront the winner of the Rublev-Davidovich Fokina match.
Around the Grounds
Meanwhile, the inaugural TennisFest continues to offer family-friendly activities. Early attendees receive a complimentary tote bag and a mocktail sample as they exit. The morning highlights include the NBO’s unique Coffee Party where fans can relax with a cup in hand while soaking in the festival’s vibrant atmosphere.
Guests can partake in all-day activities, from crafting friendship bracelets and engaging in tennis trivia to a Paint & Sip event, allowing them to create tennis-themed art while enjoying refreshments.
At 3 p.m., a Have-A-Go Wheelchair Tennis session led by a professional player will take place on Court 4, followed by a Wheelchair Tennis tournament at 4:30 p.m.
The ATP’s top talents are back in Toronto this summer for the National Bank Open, running from July 26 to August 7, 2025, at Sobeys Stadium. Tickets for this prestigious event are currently on sale.
This weekend offers not only thrilling tennis matches but also a vibrant community gathering, showcasing the essence of sportsmanship and fun that the National Bank Open embodies.