Leylah Fernandez knocks out French Open champion Mirra Andreeva at National Bank Open

The National Bank Open continues to be unpredictable with yet another WTA Grand Slam champion, French Open champ Mirra Andreeva, upset by one of the last remaining Canadians in the draw, Leylah Fernandez in straight sets.

Fernandez has enjoyed some big wins in her career, but this might be among the best, at home, against the reigning Roland Garros champion.

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Fernandez the fighter

She is showing tennis fans once again that North American hardcourts are among her favorite. Fernandez won the Mubadala DC Open in 2025 and was the 2021 US Open runner up to Emma Raducanu.

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Despite Fernandez firing up Canada, NBO is a snoozefest

Fernandez has injected excitement in the tournament, but it is still a snoozefest.

The National Bank Open occupies a tough spot on the tennis calendar. It is after the Mubadala DC Open which is a one week event that attracts top ranked players.

Aug 7, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Leylah Fernandez (CAN) reacts after defeating Mirra Andreeva during third round play at Sobeys Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

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The bigger problem is that it is before the Cincinnati Open which the players absolutely love to play. The tournament upgraded its facilities last year making it an even bigger favorite for them.

Though there is no other time to schedule it, the National Bank Open would probably fare better if it was not sandwiched where it is in the crowded hardcourt calendar.

ATP and WTA players alternate playing in Montreal and Toronto each year which also makes it difficult for fans and players to get into it as there is no continuity from year to year.

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