National Bank Open 2026 Day 2 Preview: Jack Draper Returns in Montreal, Rebecca Marino Carries Canadian Hopes in Toronto
The opening day of the 2026 National Bank Open presented by Rogers delivered plenty of excitement, but Monday’s action raises the stakes even further as ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 competition officially gets underway in Montreal and Toronto.
In Montreal, British star Jack Draper begins his North American hard-court campaign against France’s Terence Atmane, while Canadian veteran Rebecca Marino looks to ignite the home crowd at Sobeys Stadium when she faces rising Turkish star Zeynep Sonmez.
With the US Open only weeks away, every match carries additional significance as players look to build momentum during one of the most important stretches of the tennis calendar.
Jack Draper Returns to Hard Courts in Montreal
Few players enter the North American swing with more intrigue than Jack Draper.
The British left-hander enjoyed another impressive first half of the 2026 season, continuing to establish himself among the ATP Tour’s elite. After showing his versatility across multiple surfaces, Draper now returns to the hard courts where his aggressive baseline game and powerful serve can be especially dangerous.
Standing across the net will be France’s Terence Atmane, a dangerous shot-maker who has steadily climbed the rankings through consistent Challenger and ATP-level performances. The Frenchman possesses one of the heavier forehands on tour and will look to dictate rallies whenever possible.
Tactical Matchup
This contest may ultimately come down to first-strike tennis.
Draper thrives when he controls points with his left-handed serve, particularly out wide on the ad court before finishing with his explosive forehand. His ability to redirect pace and attack short balls makes him one of the ATP Tour’s most complete offensive players.
Atmane, meanwhile, will attempt to shorten points with aggressive returning and early ball striking. If he can prevent Draper from settling into rhythm on serve, the Frenchman could create opportunities to pressure one of the tournament’s top contenders.
The faster hard courts in Montreal should reward Draper’s powerful serve and willingness to move forward, but Atmane has proven capable of producing inspired performances against higher-ranked opponents.
What’s at Stake
For Draper, this tournament represents an opportunity to immediately establish himself as a legitimate title contender heading into Cincinnati and the US Open.
Strong results throughout the North American swing could further strengthen his position among the ATP Tour’s elite while building valuable confidence before the season’s final Grand Slam.
Rebecca Marino Looks to Feed Off Canadian Support
One of Monday’s most anticipated matches in Toronto features Canadian wildcard Rebecca Marino taking on Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez.
Marino returns to the National Bank Open once again carrying the hopes of the home fans after earning a main-draw wildcard from Tennis Canada. Tournament Director Karl Hale praised the veteran’s inclusion, highlighting the importance of showcasing Canadian talent at one of the country’s premier sporting events.
The experienced Canadian has enjoyed memorable moments throughout her career and will once again rely on her biggest weapon—one of the hardest first serves in women’s tennis.
Sonmez Continues Her Rise
Across the net stands one of the WTA Tour’s emerging talents.
Zeynep Sonmez has steadily climbed the rankings thanks to improved consistency, athletic movement and growing confidence against top-level competition. The Turkish player has shown she can compete deep into WTA tournaments while continuing to develop an increasingly complete all-court game.
Keys to the Match
For Marino, success begins behind her serve.
If she lands a high percentage of first serves, she’ll be able to dictate with her powerful forehand and shorten rallies before Sonmez can extend exchanges.
The Turkish star, however, will aim to absorb Marino’s pace, force longer rallies and test the Canadian’s movement. Sonmez excels in baseline consistency and possesses the patience to capitalize on any drop in first-serve percentage.
The emotional support from the Toronto crowd could also play a major factor. Marino has repeatedly produced some of her best tennis on Canadian soil, and Sobeys Stadium is expected to provide a tremendous atmosphere for one of Canada’s most popular players.
North American Swing Officially Begins
The National Bank Open traditionally marks the true beginning of the North American hard-court season, offering valuable ATP Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 ranking points while providing one of the final major opportunities for players to fine-tune their games before the US Open.
For contenders like Jack Draper, every victory builds momentum toward New York.
For Canadians like Rebecca Marino, performing well at home represents a unique opportunity to create unforgettable memories while inspiring the next generation of Canadian tennis.
Day 2 promises another full slate of world-class tennis as established stars, rising contenders and hometown favourites all look to take another step forward in one of the sport’s most prestigious tournaments.
