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Masters National Bank Open WTA

Montreal 2025 Preview: Naomi Osaka Faces Jelena Ostapenko in Second Meeting This Year

Naomi Osaka and Jelena Ostapenko meet in Montreal with Osaka favored despite ranking.

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Naomi Osaka and Jelena Ostapenko, both former Grand Slam champions, will meet in Montreal on August 1 for their second encounter in under a year. Ostapenko, who claimed her sole major at the 2017 French Open on her 20th birthday, currently holds the 26th spot in the rankings with a 17-14 match record in 2025. Osaka, meanwhile, boasts four Grand Slam titles from 2018 to 2021 but has struggled to advance beyond the third round in majors since then. She is ranked 49th but tops Ostapenko this season with a 23-11 record.

The head-to-head history favors Osaka, winning both prior meetings, including a decisive 6-3, 6-2 victory at the US Open last year. Despite a lower ranking and ongoing challenges, Osaka enters as the favorite given Ostapenko’s inconsistent form.

Osaka’s recent confidence boost came from a tough three-set win over Liudmila Samsonova, where she saved match points. This victory could mark a turning point, potentially revitalizing her season.

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Masters National Bank Open WTA

Iga Swiatek Advances to Fourth Round in Montreal with Straight Sets Win Over Eva Lys

Iga Swiatek extends her win streak to nine with a commanding win over Eva Lys in Montreal.

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Wimbledon champion and second seed Iga Swiatek continued her dominant form with a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Germany’s Eva Lys in the third round of the Omnium Banque Nationale in Montreal. Swiatek extended her winning streak to nine matches, further asserting her status at this WTA 1000 event.

On the night at IGA Stadium, Swiatek faced minimal resistance from world No. 69 Lys. Despite a serving percentage of just 53%, Swiatek broke Lys twice in each set and saved the only break point she encountered when leading 6-2, 3-0. Post-match, she remarked, “I’m happy I just did my job.”

Reflecting on her performance and Lys’s play, Swiatek added, “I just focused on myself and knew what my plan was. Eva played some great down the lines and was able to play some fast balls. It wasn’t easy.”

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Swiatek’s journey in Canada has been smooth; she has lost only eight games in four sets since winning her sixth Grand Slam title at Wimbledon nearly a month ago. The draw has opened up with high seeds Jessica Pegula and Mirra Andreeva knocked out in the third round. Top seed Coco Gauff has also faced tough battles in consecutive three-set matches.

Looking ahead, Swiatek’s next opponent will be No. 23 seed Clara Tauson, a matchup that may require close attention given Tauson’s consistent play. Swiatek’s run at the National Bank Open maintains its momentum as she aims to consolidate her position among the tour’s elite.

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ATP Masters National Bank Open

Taylor Fritz Advances to Fourth Round at National Bank Open in Toronto

Taylor Fritz beats Gabriel Diallo to reach the fourth round of the 2025 National Bank Open in Toronto.

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In a commanding performance on Friday night at the National Bank Open in Toronto, second-seeded Taylor Fritz overcame Canadian Gabriel Diallo 6-4, 6-2 in the third round. The 27-year-old American, ranked world No. 4 and holder of 10 ATP Tour titles, including victories earlier this year on grass courts at Eastbourne and Stuttgart, now faces 19th-seeded Jiri Lehecka from Czechia. Lehecka secured his spot in the round of 16 by defeating 15th-seeded Arthur Fils of France in three sets, 3-6, 6-3, 6-4.

Earlier in the day, sixth-seeded Andrey Rublev of Russia battled past Italy’s Lorenzo Sonego 5-7, 6-4, 6-3. Rublev will meet Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, who advanced with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Czech Jakub Mensik. Reflecting on his match, Rublev said, “In the second and third sets, I was able to play more aggressive, fewer mistakes. Let’s see what’s happening next, I’m super excited and motivated.”

Also progressing was seventh-seeded Frances Tiafoe of the United States, who edged out Australia’s Aleksandar Vukic 6-3, 4-6, 6-3. Tiafoe will face Australian Alex de Minaur, who advanced when his compatriot Christopher O’Connell withdrew from the tournament. These matches continue to highlight the competitive depth at this prestigious hard-court event.

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Masters National Bank Open WTA

Rybakina and Yastremska Set for a Power Duel at Montreal Open

Rybakina and Yastremska face off in Montreal with contrasting season stories but similar power game.

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The upcoming match between Elena Rybakina and Dayana Yastremska at the Montreal Open promises an intense clash of power hitters. Although the two players have been contemporaries for years, their rivalry is still young, having first met only in January 2025 at the Australian Open, where Rybakina won 6-3, 6-4.

Both athletes have shown solid form this season, albeit with different trajectories. Yastremska, currently ranked No. 35 with a 30-16 match record, has notably reached two finals and secured an impressive victory against Coco Gauff at Wimbledon. Rybakina’s season has been less consistent by her standards; her 35-14 record and No. 12 ranking reflect a performance that many consider below expectations given her status as a former Wimbledon champion and former Top 5 player.

The playing styles of these two competitors are remarkably similar. Each stands tall and lean, favoring aggressive, early ball striking. Yastremska, in particular, tends to consistently play in fifth gear, maintaining high intensity throughout her matches.

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Fans can follow live coverage starting at 2:00 p.m. ET. This match is eagerly anticipated as both players look to assert their authority on the court in what promises to be a gripping battle of power and precision.

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