Montreal Tennis: Complete Guide to the National Bank Open

Montreal tennis is synonymous with one of the most prestigious and exciting events on the professional tennis calendar — the National Bank Open, held annually at IGA Stadium in Jarry Park, Montreal. Formerly known as the Rogers Cup and the Canadian Open, the National Bank Open is a combined ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 event that alternates between Montreal and Toronto each year, attracting the world’s top men’s and women’s players to Canada every August. With a history stretching back to 1881, it is one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world — and one of the most important hard court events on the road to the US Open. This complete guide covers everything you need to know about Montreal tennis and the National Bank Open in 2026.

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What Is the National Bank Open Montreal?

The National Bank Open is a combined ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 tennis tournament held annually in August in Canada. The tournament alternates between Montreal (IGA Stadium, Jarry Park) and Toronto (Sobeys Stadium, York University) each year — with the men’s ATP draw in Montreal in odd years and the women’s WTA draw in Montreal in even years (and vice versa in Toronto). As an ATP Masters 1000 event, it is one of the most prestigious tournaments outside the four Grand Slams, awarding 1,000 ranking points to the men’s singles champion and attracting a mandatory field of the world’s top players.

History of Montreal Tennis

Montreal tennis and the Canadian Open have a history that is unmatched in North American tennis:

• 1881 — the Canadian Championships are first held, making it one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world — older than the US Open
• 1968 — the tournament enters the Open Era and becomes part of the professional circuit
• 1980s–1990s — the Rogers Cup era; the tournament grows into one of the most prestigious events on the ATP and WTA tours
• 2004 — IGA Stadium in Jarry Park, Montreal is established as the permanent Montreal venue, with a retractable roof Centre Court
• 2021 — the tournament is renamed the National Bank Open following a new title sponsorship from National Bank of Canada

IGA Stadium: The Montreal Venue

IGA Stadium in Jarry Park is one of the finest tennis venues in North America — a purpose-built tennis facility in the heart of Montreal that combines world-class infrastructure with a vibrant, passionate atmosphere. Key features include:

• Centre Court (Stade IGA) — the main show court with a retractable roof, allowing play in all weather conditions; capacity of approximately 12,500 spectators
• Court 1 and outer courts — a network of hard courts surrounding the main stadium where early-round matches and doubles are played
• Jarry Park setting — the stadium is set within the beautiful Jarry Park in the Villeray neighbourhood of Montreal, creating a festival atmosphere throughout tournament week
• Retractable roof — one of the few Masters events with a covered Centre Court, ensuring matches are rarely interrupted by rain

Why Montreal Tennis Matters: The US Open Connection

The National Bank Open in Montreal holds a critical position in the tennis calendar as one of the two premier hard court warm-up events before the US Open (alongside the Cincinnati Masters). For players, Montreal offers:

• Hard court match practice — the US Open is played on hard courts; Montreal provides competitive match play on the same surface in the weeks before Flushing Meadows
• 1,000 ATP ranking points — as a Masters 1000 event, Montreal awards the maximum points outside the Grand Slams, making it essential for top-10 positioning
• Momentum building — a title or deep run in Montreal is one of the strongest indicators of US Open form
• Acclimatisation — the hot, humid August conditions in Montreal mirror the conditions players will face at the US Open in New York

For a complete overview of Grand Slam history and champions, see our tennis Grand Slam winners guide.

National Bank Open Montreal: Past Champions

The Montreal tennis roll of honour includes the greatest names in the sport:

Men’s Champions (ATP)

• Rafael Nadal — the most successful player in the history of the Montreal/Canadian Open, with multiple titles; his clay court dominance translated seamlessly to the hard courts of Jarry Park
• Novak Djokovic — multiple Montreal titles as part of his Masters 1000 dominance
• Roger Federer — multiple Canadian Open titles across his career
• Andy Murray — won in Montreal as part of his Masters 1000 collection
• Carlos Alcaraz — the current generation’s hard court star, with Montreal titles as part of his rise to world number one

Women’s Champions (WTA)

• Serena Williams — multiple Canadian Open titles; dominated the women’s draw in Montreal and Toronto across her career
• Simona Halep — won in Montreal as part of her WTA 1000 collection
• Bianca Andreescu — the Canadian favourite won on home soil in Toronto, inspiring a generation of Canadian tennis players
• Aryna Sabalenka — multiple Canadian Open titles as part of her WTA dominance

Visiting Montreal Tennis: What to Expect

Getting to IGA Stadium

IGA Stadium in Jarry Park is easily accessible from central Montreal:

• Metro — Jarry station on the Orange line is a short walk from IGA Stadium; the most convenient option from downtown Montreal
• Bus — multiple STM bus routes serve the Jarry Park area
• Car — parking is available in the Jarry Park area; public transport is recommended during tournament week due to high demand
• From downtown Montreal — approximately 20–25 minutes by metro from the city centre

Tickets

Tickets for the National Bank Open Montreal are available through the official tournament website. Options typically include:

• Grounds passes — access to all outer courts and the tournament atmosphere; excellent value for fans who want to watch multiple matches
• Centre Court session tickets — reserved seats for day and evening sessions on the main show court
• Super Pass — multi-day passes offering access to multiple sessions at a discounted rate
• Hospitality packages — premium options for corporate guests and serious fans

Montreal in August

Montreal in August is warm, humid and vibrant — one of the best times to visit the city. The National Bank Open coincides with Montreal’s peak summer season, with the city’s famous festivals, restaurants and outdoor culture in full swing. Key tips for visiting:

• Dress for hot, humid conditions — temperatures regularly exceed 30°C during tournament week
• Stay hydrated — the combination of heat, humidity and full days of tennis can be demanding
• Explore the city — Montreal’s Old Port, Plateau-Mont-Royal and Mile End neighbourhoods are all within easy reach of IGA Stadium
• Book accommodation early — Montreal hotels fill up quickly during tournament week

Playing Hard Court Tennis Like the Montreal Pros

Watching the National Bank Open in Montreal inspires players to elevate their own hard court game. Key tips:

• Use the right racket — a Wilson racket or Babolat racket with good control and spin potential is ideal for hard court play
• Wear hard court shoes — hard court shoes with durable outsoles and good lateral support are essential; see our dope tennis shoes guide for top picks
• Develop a strong serve — the serve is the most important shot on hard courts; work on placement, spin variation and first-serve percentage
• Build from the baseline — hard courts reward consistent, powerful baseline play; work on your groundstroke depth and consistency
• Warm up properly — always follow our tennis warm-up guide to prepare your body for the demands of hard court play
• Keep your overgrip fresh — a fresh tennis overgrip ensures maximum feel and control in the hot, humid Montreal conditions

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Montreal tennis tournament called?

The Montreal tennis tournament is officially called the National Bank Open — named after its title sponsor National Bank of Canada. It was previously known as the Rogers Cup and the Canadian Open. It is one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world, with a history dating back to 1881.

When is the Montreal tennis tournament?

The National Bank Open is held annually in August, in the weeks immediately before the US Open. The exact dates vary each year; check the official National Bank Open website for the 2026 schedule.

Is the National Bank Open in Montreal every year?

The National Bank Open alternates between Montreal and Toronto each year. In years when the men’s ATP draw is in Montreal, the women’s WTA draw is in Toronto — and vice versa. Both cities host world-class tennis every year, with the full combined event rotating between the two venues.

What surface is played at the National Bank Open Montreal?

The National Bank Open Montreal is played on hard courts at IGA Stadium in Jarry Park — the same surface as the US Open. This makes it the ideal warm-up event for players preparing for Flushing Meadows.

How do I get tickets for Montreal tennis?

Tickets for the National Bank Open Montreal are available through the official tournament website. Options include grounds passes, Centre Court session tickets and multi-day Super Passes. Book early — popular sessions featuring top seeds sell out quickly.

Who has won the most titles at the National Bank Open Montreal?

Rafael Nadal holds the record for the most men’s titles at the Canadian Open/National Bank Open, with multiple victories in Montreal and Toronto. Serena Williams is the most successful women’s champion in the tournament’s history.

You might also be interested in:

• Tennis Grand Slam Winners: The Complete All-Time Guide 2026
• Dope Tennis Shoes: The Most Stylish & High-Performance Picks 2026
• How Many Sets in Tennis? Complete Guide to Tennis Scoring 2026
• Tennis Warm-Up Exercises: Prevent Injury and Play Better
• Best Beginner Tennis Rackets: Top Picks for New Players

Official Tennis Associations

• National Bank Open — the official website of the tournament
• ATP Tour — the official men’s professional tennis circuit
• WTA Tour — the official women’s professional tennis circuit
• International Tennis Federation (ITF) — the world governing body of tennis
• Tennis Canada — the national governing body for tennis in Canada

Tournament information is accurate as of August 2026 and subject to change. Always check the official National Bank Open website for the latest schedule, tickets and player information. Affiliate links help support Tennis Mindset at no extra cost to you.