Elena Rybakina will headline the National Bank Open in Toronto on Aug 2‑13, anchoring a field that includes world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and eight other top‑10 players. The WTA 1000 event marks the start of the hard‑court swing and gives Rybakina a chance to rebound from her Wimbledon 2026 upset.
Who is in the Toronto draw?
The 96‑player main draw features nine of the current top‑10, including Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff and Jessica Pegula. Mirra Andreeva, Amanda Anisimova, Elina Svitolina and Karolina Muchova round out the elite contingent. Wildcards go to Venus Williams and Bianca Andreescu, while former champion Belinda Bencic returns. Defending champion Victoria Mboko withdrew after an MCL injury, and Renata Zarazua will fill her spot.
Why the tournament matters for Rybakina
Rybakina’s recent Wimbledon loss left her ranking points in flux. A deep run in Toronto could restore momentum before the Cincinnati Open, the next WTA 1000 stop. The event also offers valuable hard‑court practice ahead of the US Open series. With Sabalenka also seeking redemption, the two Kazakh‑born rivals will likely draw attention in early rounds.
What does the schedule look like?
The official draw drops on Fri, July 31 at 12 PM ET, revealing first‑round matchups. Rybakina, seeded among the top four, will face a qualifier or lower‑ranked opponent on Aug 2. The tournament runs through Aug 13, culminating in a final that could decide the hard‑court No. 1 spot for the season.
How will the field shape the season?
With eight of the top ten committed, Toronto promises high‑quality tennis and plenty of ranking points. Players like Pegula aim to reclaim the Canadian title she won twice before Mboko’s surprise win last year. Rybakina’s performance will signal whether she can challenge for a Grand Slam crown later this summer.
What’s next after Toronto?
The Cincinnati Open follows the Toronto event, completing the summer swing. Rybakina’s results in both stops will influence seedings for the US Open, where she hopes to improve on her 2026 showing. Fans will watch closely as she navigates a stacked field and seeks to turn a disappointing Wimbledon into a season‑defining comeback.