Toronto, July 20, 2022 — Tennis Canada, organizer of the 2022 National Bank Open presented by Rogers, announced today that seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams will receive a wild card into the main draw of the WTA 1000 event in Toronto.
“I’m so excited to be back playing the National Bank Open presented by Rogers, said Williams. “I love the city, the tournament, and I look forward to being back in Toronto.”
Williams, a former world number 1, five-time Wimbledon, and two-time US Open champion, will compete in Toronto for the first time since 2019 and will return to WTA Tour singles action for the first time since August 2021 at the WTA Chicago Women’s Open. Her most recent return to court came when she partnered with Great Britain’s Jamie Murray in the 2022 Wimbledon Mixed Doubles Draw.
“We are thrilled to have both Venus and Serena playing the National Bank Open presented by Rogers this year,” said Karl Hale, Toronto Tournament Director. “They have meant a great deal to our sport and having them at a tournament really puts a spark in everyone from the fans, tournament staff, and even the other players. They’re two of the greatest players in history and we look forward to hosting them in Toronto.”
A 41-time WTA singles title champion and Olympic gold medallist, Williams is also a former world number 1-ranked doubles player with 22 WTA titles throughout her career. Her Top 20 wild card is reserved for players who have previously been ranked No. 1 in the world, who were ranked in the Top 20 in 2021 or who have won a Grand Slam title, a WTA Finals title, or a WTA 1000 tournament during their career. This is the second Top 20 wild card awarded by the 2022 National Bank Open after Tennis Canada announced last week that Mississauga’s Bianca Andreescu (2019 National Bank Open and US Open champion) received the first Top 20 wild card. Three more wild cards will be distributed to Canadian players closer to the start of the tournament, which takes place from August 6-14.
The 2022 National Bank Open player list was unveiled at a press conference on Thursday July 14 at Sobeys Stadium. Boasting an impressive draw, the 2022 edition of the tournament will feature Iga Swiatek, Ons Jabeur, Andreescu, Leylah Annie Fernandez, and Serena Williams. For tickets and additional information about the 2022 National Bank Open presented by Rogers please visit www.nationalbankopen.com for more details.
