Despite early hurdles, NBO Toronto on track with star power, Fernandez and Eala buzz

Despite an unspectacular beginning, the National Bank Open women’s tennis tournament in Toronto is off to an encouraging start, buoyed by the presence of top-ranked players and local talent. Canada’s Leylah Fernandez advanced to the Round of 16, while breakout star Alex Eala also secured a spot in the next round. WTA Tour heavyweights Aryna Sabalenka, Elena Rybakina, and Iga Swiatek remain in the competition.

Tournament director Karl Hale expressed satisfaction, stating that the event is on track to continue growing in popularity within Canada. The tournament faced early setbacks, such as the withdrawal of 2025 champion Victoria Mboko due to a knee injury, but Tennis Canada compensated by adding wildcard entries for 2019 champion Bianca Andreescu and six other Canadians.

However, only two of these Canadians advanced past the second round. All nine of Canada's top ranked singles players are now in the tournament, a significant factor in its success according to Hale. Fernandez, who reached the U.S. Open final in 2021, will face Naomi Osaka in the next round after defeating fifth-seeded Russian Mirra Andreeva.

Eala, the 21-year-old Filipino rising star, will next challenge 12th-seeded Belinda Bencic. Swiatek, the seventh seed from Poland, advanced to the quarterfinals with a strong win against Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk, and will face Russian Diana Shnaider next. Top-seeded Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus is set to meet Ekaterina Alexandrova in the evening session, while American Amanda Anisimova and Ukrainian Elina Svitolina will compete in the late match.

Despite heavy rain causing some delays and reduced media presence, the tournament continues through Thursday.