Zverev, Fritz, and Shelton Lead the Charge at Toronto Masters 1000

The ATP Masters 1000 event in Toronto is set to commence on July 26, 2025, featuring a formidable lineup of players, including Alexander Zverev, Taylor Fritz, and Ben Shelton. The National Bank Open Presented by Rogers, which has expanded to a 12-day format for the first time, promises to deliver thrilling matches for tennis fans from around the world.

Zverev, the top seed in this year's tournament, is seeking to reclaim his status after an unexpected first-round exit at Wimbledon earlier this month. The German tennis star, who previously won the title in Montreal in 2017, is aiming for his eighth ATP Masters 1000 crown, a milestone that has eluded him since his victory in Paris last year (ATP Tour, July 2025).

Fritz, currently ranked fourth in the world, is also a player to watch. Despite having never advanced beyond the third round in Toronto, his recent performance includes a title win in Eastbourne and a semi-final run at Wimbledon, showcasing his strong form leading into the event (ATP Tour, July 2025). He clinched his only Masters 1000 title in Indian Wells in 2022 and is positioned in the same quarter as sixth seed Andrey Rublev, who reached the final in Montreal last year.

The tournament will also spotlight rising stars like Lorenzo Musetti and Shelton, both of whom have demonstrated impressive form this season. Musetti achieved a remarkable 19-4 record during the European clay swing earlier this year, while Shelton's best performances have been noted during North American tournaments, highlighted by his semi-final appearance at the US Open in 2023 (ATP Tour, July 2025).

In addition to the main draw, the event's expanded format includes more matches, enhancing the overall experience for fans. Notably, the tournament will feature a Family Weekend, allowing families to engage with the sport through kid-friendly programming and player appearances, alongside early-round qualifying matches (ATP Tour, July 2025).

The tournament's success is also reflected in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, where Musetti, Fritz, and Shelton currently rank sixth, seventh, and eighth respectively. Their performances in Toronto will be critical as they vie for a place in the Nitto ATP Finals, with other contenders like Alex de Minaur and Casper Ruud also in action (ATP Tour, July 2025).

The inclusion of NextGenATP players such as Jakub Mensik and Joao Fonseca, who are set to make their tournament debuts, further adds to the excitement, with Mensik entering as the 12th seed after a strong showing in Miami earlier this year (ATP Tour, July 2025).

As the tournament approaches, tennis enthusiasts worldwide are eagerly anticipating the matchups and performances from these elite athletes. The National Bank Open not only serves as a pivotal competition in the ATP calendar but also as a stage for emerging talent and established stars alike, promising riveting tennis action in Toronto.