Ben Shelton secured his second consecutive National Bank Open title by defeating Brandon Nakashima in straight sets. Shelton expressed his joy, stating that it was one of his best weeks in tennis. Throughout the tournament, the 23-year-old dominated without dropping a set and showcased his powerful serve, reaching speeds of 230 kilometers per hour.
The event in Montreal witnessed a record-breaking crowd despite challenges such as rain and controversies surrounding Tennis Canada’s proposed new stadium at Jarry Park. The tournament director, Valérie Tétreault, credited the success to the momentum from the previous year and the stellar performance of Canadian players.
Tennis Canada reported breaking revenue records and surpassing targets due to the high turnout of spectators. However, the federation did not disclose exact figures, highlighting the importance of a new stadium with a retractable roof at Jarry Park for the tournament’s sustainability.
Preliminary plans for the stadium expansion sparked discussions and led to a protest against the $400 million project. Tétreault emphasized the need for collaboration to create a project that benefits various aspects and highlighted the potential for green space enhancements at Jarry Park.
Looking ahead, Tennis Canada is already preparing for the 2027 tournament, where equal prize money will be awarded to both men and women for the first time. In Toronto, Iga Swiatek claimed the women’s title by defeating Elena Rybakina in straight sets, marking her first tournament victory since September. She has notably won a WTA 1000 title in each of the past six seasons.