Gauff, Zverev: Top Seeds for National Bank Open
Zverev and Gauff Headline National bank Open Draw Amidst Star Withdrawals
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Toronto/montreal, Canada – July 22, 2025 – As the tennis world turns its attention to the hardcourt swing leading up to the US Open, the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers is set to commence, albeit with a notable shift in its expected star power. Germany’s Alexander Zverev and American Coco Gauff have been officially announced as the top seeds for the men’s and women’s tournaments, respectively. This development comes as several of the sport’s biggest names, including Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, aryna Sabalenka, and Novak Djokovic, have withdrawn from the prestigious canadian event, citing injury or the need for recovery following a demanding Wimbledon Championships.
The Wimbledon fortnight, which concluded on July 13 with Jannik Sinner triumphing over Carlos alcaraz in a captivating final, has clearly taken its toll on the elite players. This has reshaped the landscape of the National Bank open, elevating Zverev and Gauff to the top of the draws and opening up opportunities for other contenders.
Men’s Draw: Zverev Ascends as Djokovic and Alcaraz Sit Out
Alexander Zverev, currently ranked World No. 3, steps into the coveted No. 1 seeding position for the men’s event. his elevation is a direct consequence of the withdrawals of World No. 1 Jannik Sinner and World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz. Both Sinner and Alcaraz, who engaged in a thrilling wimbledon final, have opted to prioritize their physical well-being and recovery, a common strategy for players navigating the demanding ATP Tour calendar.
Further impacting the men’s field is the absence of World No. 5 Jack Draper of the United States and the legendary 24-time Grand Slam champion, World No. 6 Novak Djokovic of Serbia. Djokovic, a perennial contender at every major event, has also cited the need for rest and recovery, a decision that underscores the physical toll of competing at the highest level, especially after a Grand Slam. Draper’s withdrawal, also attributed to injury, further thins the top-tier talent.
This confluence of withdrawals means that Zverev, a consistent performer on the tour and a former olympic gold medalist, will be the player to beat in Toronto. His powerful game and experience on hard courts make him a formidable favorite.
Canadian Hopes: Auger-aliassime and Shapovalov Lead the Home Charge
Despite the international withdrawals, the National Bank Open will still feature strong Canadian representation. Felix Auger-aliassime, hailing from Montreal, and Denis Shapovalov of Richmond Hill, Ontario, are seeded 24th and 25th, respectively. Both players have shown flashes of brilliance on the tour and will be looking to capitalize on the home-court advantage and make deep runs in the tournament. Their performances will be closely watched by the passionate Canadian tennis fanbase.
Adding to the local interest, Montrealer Gabriel Diallo enters the men’s tournament as the 30th seed. Diallo,a rising talent,will be eager to make his mark on the big stage and gain valuable experience against top international competition. the presence of these Canadian stars injects an extra layer of excitement into the Toronto event.
Women’s Draw: Gauff Leads the Pack in Montreal
On the women’s side, American Coco Gauff, a two-time Grand Slam champion and the current World No. 2, secures the top seeding for the Montreal tournament. Gauff’s ascent to the top seed is also influenced by notable withdrawals. World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus announced her withdrawal last week, citing fatigue. Sabalenka’s absence leaves a void at the pinnacle of the women’s draw, creating an prospect for Gauff to further solidify her position as a dominant force in women’s tennis.
The absence of Sabalenka, a multiple Grand Slam winner, means that the path to the title for Gauff, while still challenging, may be perceived as more open. Gauff has been in excellent form throughout the season, demonstrating her prowess on hard courts, and will be a strong favorite to claim the Montreal title.
Canadian Presence in the Women’s Field
Sadly for the Canadian faithful, there are no Canadian players ranked within the top 32 seeds for the women’s event in Montreal. This highlights the depth of talent in the women’s game globally, but also presents a challenge for local players aiming to break into the elite ranks. The tournament will still offer valuable experience