In an exciting day at the 2025 National Bank Open, four top-seeded players entered the competition, with only two advancing to the semifinals. Among the high-profile matches, the action included thrilling singles matchups and the first doubles semifinal.
On Centre Court, Julian Cash and Lloyd Glasspool, seeded second, achieved a crucial victory over the fourth-seeded duo of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz with a score of 6-3, 7-6(2). Cash and Glasspool showcased their resilience by breaking in the eighth game of the first set and then executing a strong five-point run in the tiebreak of the second set to secure their spot in the next round.
In the singles matches, American Taylor Fritz battled against sixth seed Andrey Rublev, ultimately winning 6-3, 7-6(4). Fritz started strong, breaking Rublev’s serve early. Though Rublev fought back in the second set, breaking Fritz’s serve late, it wasn’t enough to hold off Fritz, who took the crucial minibreak at the start of the tiebreak, sealing his victory.
Ben Shelton continued his impressive form against ninth-seeded Alex de Minaur, winning 6-3, 6-4. Shelton applied pressure throughout the match, breaking early in both sets and maintaining his lead against de Minaur, who briefly rallied but ultimately could not stop Shelton from advancing.
On Court 1, Thomas Venos faced Barry Henderson in an intense tiebreak match, ultimately defeating Henderson 7-2, 7-3, clinching his third win. Following that match, Henderson and teammate Shawn Courchesne defeated Venos and Anne-Marie Dolinar in doubles, marking a strong performance from the Canadian duo.
In an unfortunate turn of events, Rob Shaw was forced to withdraw from the tournament, which canceled his singles match. As a result, Anne-Marie Dolinar will take his place in the doubles competition.
The ATP’s finest will return to Toronto for the National Bank Open, running from July 26 to August 7, 2025, at Sobeys Stadium. Tickets for the event are now available, promising fans a thrilling summer of tennis action.
This tournament not only highlights the exceptional talent of rising stars like Shelton but also showcases the persistence of seasoned players such as Fritz, offering spectators a captivating blend of emerging and established talent in the world of tennis.