Watch ATP Montreal — National Bank Open Round 2 Free.

What's at Stake

As the second round of the National Bank Open gets underway in Montreal, the tournament's top-seeded players make their highly anticipated debuts after receiving first-round byes. Success in this prestigious ATP Masters 1000 event is critical for securing valuable ranking points ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season. Players must quickly adapt to the fast hard courts to avoid an early exit and keep their hopes of a Masters title alive.

Form Guide

The transition to the North American summer hard-court swing brings a mix of momentum and uncertainty, with some competitors arriving fresh from deep runs in recent tournaments while others are adjusting back to the surface after a grueling clay and grass-court season. Early-round matches in Montreal often favor those who have already shaken off the rust in the opening round, putting the incoming seeds on high alert against battle-tested opponents.

Key Players to Watch

• The Defending Champion — Under immense pressure to defend a massive haul of ranking points on a surface that perfectly suits their aggressive baseline game.
• The In-Form Qualifier — Having already secured multiple victories on these courts, this competitor possesses the rhythm and confidence to threaten an upset.
• The Top Seed — Entering the draw with a target on their back, looking to establish dominance early in the hard-court swing and build momentum for the weeks ahead.

Prediction

Expect a highly competitive round of tennis where the seeded players will face stiff resistance as they adjust to the tournament conditions. While a few top names may suffer early scares against opponents with more match play on these courts, the elite seeds should ultimately find their footing. The most likely outcome is a hard-fought three-set victory for the top-ranked favorites as their superior experience in high-pressure moments carries them into the round of 16.