Canadian Open Tennis Players 2026: ATP & WTA Entry List, Seeds & Wildcards
The Canadian Open 2026 brings together the world’s best Canadian Open tennis players across two cities.
Men’s ATP players compete at IGA Stadium in Montreal. Women’s WTA players head to Sobeys Stadium in Toronto. Both draws feature 96 players with the top 32 seeds receiving a first round bye.
This page covers expected contenders, Canadian stars, wildcards, and entry updates. Official lists are confirmed by Tennis Canada and the ATP and WTA tours in the weeks before the tournament.
Check back for confirmed entries between May and July 2026.
ATP |WTA
Canadian Stars to Watch at the 2026 Canadian Open
This is what makes the Canadian Open different from every other tournament on the calendar.
Here is a look at the Canadian players who could light up Montreal and Toronto in 2026.
The home crowd. The Canadian players. The electric atmosphere when a local favourite steps on court.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Surface Fit | Strong hard court record |
| Canadian Open History | Multiple appearances, massive crowd support |
| 2026 Outlook | Could return to Montreal as wildcard or direct entry |
Felix Auger-Aliassime: One of Canada’s most exciting ATP players and a consistent hard court performer every summer.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Surface Fit | Solid hard court record |
| Canadian Open History | Multiple appearances, strong crowd support |
| 2026 Outlook | Could feature in the Toronto draw again based on summer schedule history |
Leylah Fernandez: A massive fan favourite with a fighting spirit that Canadian crowds absolutely love.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Surface Fit | Proven hard court performer |
| Canadian Open History | 2025 champion |
| 2026 Outlook | Could return to Toronto to defend her title |
Victoria Mboko: The 2025 Canadian Open champion who defeated Naomi Osaka in the final and made history on home soil.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Surface Fit | Hard courts suit his attacking game |
| Canadian Open History | Multiple appearances, memorable home crowd moments |
| 2026 Outlook | Could return to Montreal if form and fitness allow |
Denis Shapovalov: One of Canada’s most electric players with a one-handed backhand that gets fans on their feet.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Surface Fit | Proven hard court champion |
| Canadian Open History | 2019 champion |
| 2026 Outlook | Could make an emotional return to Toronto if fitness aligns |
Bianca Andreescu: A Canadian tennis legend. 2019 Canadian Open champion and US Open winner in the same year.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Surface Fit | Hard courts suit his powerful game |
| Canadian Open History | Early career appearances |
| 2026 Outlook | Could push for a Montreal main draw spot through qualifying or wildcard |
Gabriel Diallo: One of the most exciting young Canadian ATP players with a big serve and aggressive baseline game.
ATP Montreal Players 2026: Expected Contenders
The men’s draw at IGA Stadium in Montreal is expected to feature some of the biggest names in professional tennis.
These are the Canadian Open tennis players who have consistently performed on the hard court swing and could feature in the Montreal draw based on their recent form and tour history.
| Player | Country | Hard Court Level | Canadian Open History | 2026 Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jannik Sinner | Italy | Elite | 2023 champion | Could return as one of the top seeds |
| Carlos Alcaraz | Spain | Elite | Strong hard court record | Based on form, a serious Montreal contender |
| Novak Djokovic | Serbia | Elite | Multiple titles | If schedule allows, could feature again |
| Daniil Medvedev | Russia | Elite | Multiple finals | Consistent summer hard court performer |
| Ben Shelton | USA | Very Strong | 2025 champion | May look to defend his Montreal title |
| Alexander Zverev | Germany | Very Strong | Multiple appearances | Regular summer hard court participant |
| Taylor Fritz | USA | Strong | Multiple appearances | Consistent North American swing performer |
What to expect from the ATP Montreal draw:
- Top 32 ranked ATP players receive direct entry based on rankings
- Top 32 seeds get a first round bye meaning they enter at round 2
- Remaining spots filled by lower ranked players, qualifiers, and wildcards
- Official ATP entry list confirmed closer to the tournament
The Montreal hard courts at IGA Stadium suit aggressive baseline players and big servers. Based on recent Canadian players’ history, players with strong North American summer records tend to perform well here.
Official ATP entry confirmations will be announced by Tennis Canada and the ATP tour in the weeks before the tournament. Check back for updates as the entry list is released.
WTA Toronto Players 2026: Expected Contenders
The women’s draw at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto is expected to attract some of the most exciting Canadian Open tennis players on the WTA tour.
Based on recent form, ranking history, and summer hard court schedules, here are the players who could feature in the Toronto draw in 2026.
| Player | Country | Hard Court Level | Canadian Open History | 2026 Outlook |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Iga Swiatek | Poland | Elite | Multiple appearances | Based on ranking, expected among top seeds |
| Aryna Sabalenka | Belarus | Elite | Strong hard court record | Consistent hard court performer, could return |
| Coco Gauff | USA | Very Strong | 2023 champion | May look to add another Toronto title |
| Jessica Pegula | USA | Very Strong | 2024 champion | Based on form, could be a strong Toronto contender |
| Elena Rybakina | Kazakhstan | Very Strong | Multiple appearances | Powerful serve suits hard courts well |
| Victoria Mboko | Canada | Strong | 2025 champion | Could return to defend her title in Toronto |
| Leylah Fernandez | Canada | Strong | Multiple appearances | Canadian crowd favourite, could feature again |
What to expect from the WTA Toronto draw:
- Top 32 ranked WTA players receive direct entry based on current rankings
- Top 32 seeds receive a first round bye entering at round 2
- Remaining spots filled by lower ranked players, qualifiers, and wildcards
- Official WTA entry list confirmed closer to the tournament
Toronto hard courts at Sobeys Stadium reward powerful groundstrokes and strong mental resilience. Canadian players like Victoria Mboko and Leylah Fernandez always add extra energy to the home crowd atmosphere.
Official WTA entry confirmations will be announced by Tennis Canada and the WTA tour in the weeks before the tournament.
Top Canadian Open Tennis Players to Watch in 2026
Every year the Canadian Open produces moments that fans talk about for years.
These are the players, five ATP and five WTA, who could make those moments happen in 2026 based on their hard court form, Canadian Open history, and overall tour level.
ATP Players to Watch – Montreal
Carlos Alcaraz
- Explosive shot making and incredible movement
- Hard court game among the best on tour right now
- Montreal fans could be in for something special in 2026.
Jannik Sinner
- 2023 Canadian Open Tennis Players
- Clean ball striking and relentless baseline game
- If current form continues, could be among the top favourites again
Ben Shelton
- Reigning 2025 men’s champion
- Booming serve and aggressive net play
- Based on his 2025 title run, could return as one of the most watched players in Montreal
Novak Djokovic
- Multiple Canadian Open titles across his career
- Experience and quality that makes him dangerous at any tournament
- If his 2026 schedule includes Montreal, the crowd will be electric
Daniil Medvedev
- 2021 Canadian Open champion
- Flat aggressive hitting and smart tactical game
- Consistent hard court performer who could return in 2026.
WTA Players to Watch – Toronto
Victoria Mboko
- Reigning 2025 women’s champion
- Won on home soil in front of a passionate Canadian crowd
- One of the most watched Canadian players if she returns to Toronto
Iga Swiatek
- Heavy topspin forehand and relentless baseline pressure
- Dangerous on any surface at any tournament
- Based on ranking and tour schedule, Toronto fans could see her again in 2026
Coco Gauff
- 2023 Toronto champion
- Powerful game and strong competitive mentality
- Based on summer performances, could return challenging for another title
Aryna Sabalenka
- One of the hardest hitters on the WTA tour
- Aggressive baseline game and massive serve
- Consistently strong on North American hard courts
Jessica Pegula
- 2024 Toronto champion
- Consistent all court game and strong mental resilience
- Based on her title run in 2024, could return as a serious contender again
Wildcards & Rising Stars at the Canadian Open
One of the most exciting parts of the Canadian Open is what happens when young and emerging players get their chance on the biggest stage.
Wildcards give players outside the main entry list a direct route into the draw. They are one of the most important tools Tennis Canada uses to develop Canadian tennis talent and reward players who are making an impact on the tour.
What is a wildcard?
A wildcard is a direct entry into the main draw given to a player who has not qualified through their ranking alone.
| Wildcard Type | Who Gets It |
|---|---|
| Tennis Canada Wildcard | Given to promising Canadian players |
| ATP/WTA Wildcard | Given at tour discretion |
| Road to NBO Wildcard | Earned through qualifying events |
The Road to NBO Programme
Tennis Canada runs a specific wildcard programme called Road to NBO. It gives young Canadian players a realistic pathway to compete in the main draw of the Canadian Open.
This programme has been one of the most important tools in developing Canadian tennis talent in recent years. Players compete in qualifying events across Canada for a chance to earn their spot in the main draw alongside the world’s best.
Rising Canadian stars who could feature in 2026:
- Gabriel Diallo has been developing steadily on the ATP tour and could push for a wildcard spot in Montreal based on his recent performances
- Young Canadian women on the WTA development pathway could earn Road to NBO spots through strong domestic performances
- ATP Challenger level Canadians with strong summer form could also be considered for wildcard entries
Other entry routes fans should know:
- Qualifying entries: Players outside the top 96 can earn main draw spots through the qualifying rounds on August 1 and 2
- Lucky losers: Players who lose in the final qualifying round but enter the main draw when another player withdraws
- Protected rankings: Players returning from injury can use a protected ranking to gain entry based on their pre-injury level
These entry routes mean the Canadian Open tennis players field is always full of surprises. An unknown qualifier or wildcard can upset a top seed and change the entire tournament.
Withdrawals & Replacements Tracker
Player withdrawals are a normal part of professional tennis. Injuries, fatigue, and scheduling conflicts mean that the confirmed entry list can change right up until the tournament begins.
This section will be updated as withdrawal and replacement news is confirmed ahead of the 2026 Canadian Open.
How withdrawals work:
- Players can withdraw before the tournament starts due to injury or personal reasons
- When a direct entry player withdraws they are replaced by the next highest ranked player on the waiting list
- If a seed withdraws before the draw is made the seeding list is adjusted accordingly
- Lucky losers from qualifying can also be called up to replace late withdrawals
Withdrawals and Replacements – 2026 Updates:
| Player | Tour | Reason | Replacement | Update Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| To be updated | ATP | – | – | July 2026 |
| To be updated | WTA | – | – | July 2026 |
This table will be updated as official withdrawal announcements are made by Tennis Canada, the ATP tour, and the WTA tour closer to the tournament.
Why this matters for fans:
If you are attending a specific session hoping to see a particular player, always check the latest withdrawal news before your visit. A late withdrawal can change the match schedule significantly.
Where to check for official withdrawal news:
- Official National Bank Open website at nationalbankopen.com
- ATP tour official website at atptour.com
- WTA tour official website at wtatennis.com
- Tennis Canada official social media channels
Checking these sources regularly from late July onward will keep you updated on any changes to the Canadian Open tennis players field before and during the tournament.
Past Canadian Open Champions Still Active
Some of the greatest tennis players in recent history are still competing at the highest level today.
These players bring a wealth of experience to the tournament and their Canadian Open Tennis Players records make them fascinating to follow whenever they return to Montreal or Toronto.
Active past men’s champions:
| Player | Country | Canadian Open Title Years | Playing Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Novak Djokovic | Serbia | 2007, 2011, 2016 | All court excellence, mental strength |
| Rafael Nadal | Spain | 2005, 2008, 2019 | Heavy topspin, relentless baseline game |
| Daniil Medvedev | Russia | 2021 | Flat aggressive hitting, tactical precision |
| Jannik Sinner | Italy | 2023 | Clean ball striking, consistent baseline play |
| Ben Shelton | USA | 2025 | Big serve, aggressive net attacking game |
Active past women’s champions:
| Player | Country | Canadian Open Title Year | Playing Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jessica Pegula | USA | 2024 | Consistent all court game, strong returner |
| Coco Gauff | USA | 2023 | Powerful groundstrokes, competitive mentality |
| Bianca Andreescu | Canada | 2019 | Creative shot making, fighting spirit |
| Victoria Mboko | Canada | 2025 | Hard court power, home crowd favourite |
What makes these players special at the Canadian Open:
Past champions know how to win here. They understand the conditions, the crowd energy, and what it takes to go deep in the draw at this specific tournament.
Based on their Canadian Open history and current tour activity, several of these past champions could return to Montreal and Toronto in 2026 looking to add another title to their record.
Players like Sinner, Shelton, Gauff, and Pegula are all recent champions who have shown they perform well on Canadian hard courts. If their 2026 summer schedules include the Canadian Open, they would immediately be among the most-watched Canadian Open tennis players in the draw.
How Canadian Open Entries Work
Understanding how players get into the Canadian Open draw helps fans appreciate just how competitive it is to earn a spot in this tournament.
Here is a simple breakdown of the entry system for both ATP Montreal and WTA Toronto.
Direct Acceptance
The majority of the 96-player draw is filled through direct acceptance based on current ATP and WTA rankings.
- Top ranked players receive automatic entry into the main draw
- Rankings used are based on the official ATP and WTA entry ranking lists
- Players must commit to the tournament within the official entry deadline
Seeds
Once the entry list is confirmed the top 32 players are seeded.
| Seed Level | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Seeds 1-32 | Receive a first round bye, entering at round 2 |
| Unseeded players | Start from round 1 |
| Top seeds 1-8 | Kept apart in the draw to meet only in later rounds |
Qualifying Entries
Players outside the top 96 can still earn a main draw spot through qualifying rounds.
- Qualifying draws feature players ranked just outside the main draw cut off
- Qualifying takes place on August 1 and 2
- Players compete in a short knockout format
- Winners of qualifying matches earn main draw spots
Wildcards
Tennis Canada awards a small number of wildcards for each draw.
- Wildcards go to promising Canadian players
- Some wildcards earned through Road to NBO programme
- ATP and WTA tours may also award their own wildcards
Lucky Losers
If a main draw player withdraws after qualifying is complete the highest ranked qualifying loser enters the main draw as a lucky loser.
This system means the Canadian Open tennis players field is always competitive, always changing, and always worth following closely from the moment entries open until the first ball is struck on August 3.
Why the Canadian Open Attracts the World’s Best Players
Some tournaments struggle to get top players to commit. The Canadian Open has never had that problem.
Here is why the world’s best Canadian Open tennis players consistently make this tournament a priority on their summer schedule.
ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 Status
The Canadian Open is not just any tournament. It sits at the very top level of professional tennis below the four Grand Slams.
| Tournament Level | Men’s | Women’s |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Slam | 2000 ranking points | 2000 ranking points |
| ATP 1000 / WTA 1000 | 1000 ranking points | 1000 ranking points |
| ATP 500 / WTA 500 | 500 ranking points | 500 ranking points |
Missing the Canadian Open means missing 1000 ranking points. That is a risk most top players are not willing to take.
US Open Preparation
The Canadian Open sits perfectly on the calendar as preparation for the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year.
- Same hard court surface as the US Open
- Similar weather conditions in August
- Perfect match practice before the biggest hard court Grand Slam
- Players use Montreal and Toronto to sharpen their game before New York
This makes the Canadian Open one of the most strategically important tournaments of the entire season for serious title contenders.
ATPPassionate Canadian Crowds
Canadian tennis fans are among the most passionate and knowledgeable in the world.
The atmosphere at both IGA Stadium in Montreal and Sobeys Stadium in Toronto is consistently rated as one of the best on the entire tour. Players notice. A great crowd makes great tennis.
A Tournament With Real History
As one of the oldest active tennis tournaments in the world, the Canadian Open carries genuine prestige.
Winning here means joining a list of champions that includes Federer, Nadal, Djokovic, Serena Williams, and Steffi Graf. That kind of legacy matters to players who care about their place in tennis history.