Jannik Sinner, the top seed at the National Bank Open Presented by Rogers in Montreal, faces a challenging draw in his bid to defend his Canadian Masters 1000 title. The Italian, who claimed his maiden Masters 1000 crown last year in Toronto, will kick off his campaign against either Spaniard Pedro Martinez or a qualifier.
However, a potential third-round clash with 15th seed Alejandro Tabilo, the Chilean who previously resided in Canada, looms large. The left-handed Tabilo begins his tournament against American Frances Tiafoe.
Sinner's quarter also features fifth seed Andrey Rublev, while former World No. 1 Daniil Medvedev lies in the opposite half of the draw. Despite his meteoric rise to the top of men's tennis, Sinner insists that his approach remains unchanged.
"It's just a different number," Sinner remarked at the draw ceremony. "Me and my team, we try to make the process, our daily routine, to make everything in the best possible way and just try to be ready for every challenge that comes up. I'm very happy to come back here. It started off from last year's Wimbledon semi-finals and then I came here for the first Masters event I won. I've been very consistent throughout one year and that's at least what we will try to do in the next months also."
This will be Sinner's second appearance in Montreal. Two years ago, he suffered a third-round defeat to eventual champion Pablo Carreno Busta. However, Sinner is optimistic about his prospects this time around.
"I'm very happy to be back here. I didn't play very well two years ago so hopefully, I can play a little bit better. But let's see," he said. "I feel like the court here and in Toronto, they're very similar in one way, maybe here it's flying a little bit more. But I'm just happy to be here, the atmosphere is always amazing."
Meanwhile, 2017 Nitto ATP Finals champion Grigor Dimitrov, the seventh seed, will begin his tournament against a qualifier. The Bulgarian currently sits 12th in the PIF ATP Live Race To Turin, just 340 points behind Stefanos Tsitsipas, who holds the eighth and final qualifying spot for the season finale.
Dimitrov, who has enjoyed a strong season, is eager to build upon his recent success. "I never shy away from those moments," he said. "I love how I've been competing throughout the whole year so far and I've had some good results, but I don't want to stop here. I want to capitalise on every single moment I get out there on the court. It's been a very special year for me on so many different levels, so I would like to continue that run."
Second seed Alexander Zverev will face either in-form Australian Jordan Thompson or British left-hander Jack Draper in the second round.
Third seed Medvedev will open his campaign against Alejandro Davidovich Fokina or his doubles partner, Roman Safiullin. Medvedev reached his maiden Masters 1000 final in Montreal five years ago.
Home favourite and former World No. 3 Milos Raonic faces a tough opening test against 13th seed Holger Rune. Both men could potentially meet Zverev in the third round.
Felix Auger-Aliassime, the 14th seed who secured the bronze medal at the Paris Olympics, will take on Italian Flavio Cobolli in the first round.
As the tournament unfolds, the battle for supremacy in Montreal promises to be captivating, with a mix of established stars and rising talents vying for the prestigious title.
