As the tennis world turns its eyes toward Montreal, the National Bank Open is shaping up to be a tournament filled with compelling narratives and high-stakes matchups. Among the most anticipated clashes is the second-round encounter between Swiss star Belinda Bencic and Canadian favorite Eugenie Bouchard, a match that not only pits current form against nostalgic farewell but also highlights the dynamic shifts in women’s tennis this season.
Belinda Bencic, the 17th seed and ranked No. 20 globally, arrives in Montreal riding the momentum of an impressive season. With a solid 26-11 win-loss record in 2025, including an 18-6 mark on hard courts, Bencic has demonstrated a blend of resilience and world-class skill. Her recent run to the Wimbledon semifinals, where she fell to the formidable Iga Swiatek 6-2, 6-0, underscored her elite status, despite the one-sided scoreline. Earlier this year, Bencic claimed the Abu Dhabi title, overcoming Ashlyn Krueger in a three-set final, a victory that boosted her confidence heading into the summer hard court swing.
In Montreal, Bencic will be looking to build on her previous success at this event, having won the tournament once before in 2015. Her game, characterized by aggressive forehands and tactical net play, has matured into a formidable weapon on hard courts, where she boasts a career record of 206-105. Statistically, over the past 12 months, Bencic has won 71.3% of her service games and converted 50.8% of break points on hard courts, reflecting her ability to seize critical moments during matches.
Facing her is Eugenie Bouchard, the Canadian wildcard entry who has announced that the National Bank Open will be the final tournament of her professional career. At 31 years old, Bouchard’s journey has been a rollercoaster, with past highs including a peak world ranking of No. 5 and a memorable run to the Wimbledon final in 2014, where she was bested by Petra Kvitova. Recently, Bouchard’s participation has been sporadic, and she currently sits outside the top 1000 in the world rankings.
Despite these challenges, Bouchard showed remarkable grit in her first-round victory over Colombia’s Emiliana Arango, ranked No. 82. The match was a three-set thriller, with Bouchard prevailing 6-4, 2-6, 6-2, demonstrating her competitive spirit and emotional connection to playing in front of a home crowd. She blasted 36 winners and served two aces, though she also lost her serve five times, highlighting some inconsistency. Her ability to convert 46% of break points and maintain a 62% first-serve percentage underscored a performance fueled by determination as she bids farewell to the sport.
The head-to-head history between Bencic and Bouchard favors the Swiss star, who leads their previous encounters 3-0, including a 6-7(7), 6-1, 6-4 victory on hard courts in Ostrava three years ago. Bencic’s superior ranking and recent form make her the clear favorite, with betting odds reflecting a 93.4% implied probability of victory. However, Bouchard’s emotional farewell and home support could make the match a memorable contest.
Meanwhile, on the men’s side, Canadian Felix Auger-Aliassime is looking to regain his form after a rollercoaster season. Ranked No. 28, Auger-Aliassime recently helped Canada secure the Hopman Cup title, showcasing his potential when it matters most. Now, back on home soil, he faces Hungarian Fabian Marozsan, ranked No. 56, in what promises to be a challenging match. Marozsan’s game combines technical prowess with power, though consistency has eluded him at times. Auger-Aliassime will aim to leverage his aggressive serve and backhand to dictate rallies, while Marozsan will look to use variety and court positioning to disrupt the Canadian’s rhythm.
On the women’s front, Jessica Pegula enters Montreal as the third seed and defending champion, eager to rebound after a tough stretch. Pegula’s 2025 season has been a mixed bag; she captured the Bad Homburg title just before Wimbledon but suffered an early exit at Wimbledon itself and a subsequent loss to eventual Washington champion Leylah Fernandez. Pegula’s first test in Montreal is against Maria Sakkari, a 30-year-old Greek player who has shown signs of resurgence after a difficult year. Sakkari’s recent improvement has been encouraging, and she will look to use her serve and baseline movement to challenge Pegula’s aggressive forehand and net play. This matchup will be a telling indicator of Pegula’s ability to regain her consistent and confident form.
The National Bank Open, running from July 26 to August 7, 2025, promises to be a showcase of tennis drama and emerging storylines. Bencic’s pursuit to cement herself as a Grand Slam contender, Bouchard’s emotional farewell on home soil, Auger-Aliassime’s quest for resurgence, and Pegula’s title defense all add layers of intrigue to the tournament. Fans tuning in on Tennis Channel or streaming via Fubo are in for an exciting blend of high-level competition and heartfelt moments.
As the matches unfold, the spotlight will be on these players to deliver performances that resonate beyond the scoreboard. Bencic’s experience and form suggest she will likely continue her dominance over Bouchard, but the Canadian’s final bow ensures the encounter will carry emotional weight. Similarly, Auger-Aliassime’s ability to harness home advantage and Pegula’s fight to reclaim her top form will be pivotal in shaping the tournament’s narrative.
With the action underway, the National Bank Open stands as a vibrant chapter in the 2025 tennis season, blending the emergence of new contenders with the poignant farewells of beloved veterans. The stage is set for memorable moments as these athletes battle not just for titles but for legacy and redemption.
