Sabalenka headlines the title futures, while Canadians Diallo and Andreescu present intriguing wagering opportunities today
The National Bank Open is one of the best betting events of the tennis season, as players transition to North American hard courts with the U.S. Open looming in three weeks.
That makes it challenging for bettors, as fitness and surface changes factor in almost as much as pure talent. Yesterday, another curveball, as rain played havoc with the women’s event in Toronto, interrupting routines and compressing schedules. The men are playing in Montreal.
Many players excel on North American hard courts. Top players want to adjust during hard-court events like the National Bank Open, but they also don’t want to burn themselves out or injure themselves ahead of tournaments in Cincinnati and then the U.S. Open. That’s why the Unders on total games in early rounds are attractive this week.
Canadian bettors are going to flock more to players like Felix Auger-Aliassime, Leylah Fernandez, Gabriel Diallo and Bianca Andreescu, which, in many cases, involves more emotion and patriotism.
The women’s event features Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina, Mirra Andreeva, and others, but WTA 1000 tournaments often produce more upsets in the opening rounds than ATP Masters events. Sabalenka enters Toronto refreshed after a lighter summer schedule and says she’s excited to return to hard courts before the U.S. Open, according to Reuters reporting.
In tennis betting at Betway, Alexander Zverev is the favourite to win the tournament, at +250, but Auger-Aliassime is No. 2 at +900. His serve is going to be a major weapon on Canadian hard courts, plus there’s crowd support behind him.
I am going to take Sabalenka to win the women’s tournament at +250. Hard courts are her best surface, and she comes in rested and motivated with the U.S. Open on the horizon.
If you’re looking for an upset today, how’s about Gael Monfils, playing Kamil Majchrzak, tonight at 7 p.m. on centre court in Montreal?
Monfils, a Frenchman, has announced that he will step away from tennis after this season, with an emotional send-off at the French Open. He’s always had great support in Montreal.
Betway has the match Majchrzak -334, Monfils +250, but Monfils will be charged up, since he loves it in Montreal. What about one more, special au revoir?
I am going to go Over 21.5 games, -120 at Betway, since even if Majchrzak wins, Monfils is a great server and will put on a show. Monfils to win a set is -118.
Auger-Aliassime plays tomorrow in Round 2, after getting a bye, and his opponent has yet to be determined. The Canadian has had an excellent season and is ranked No. 4 in the world, defending his Montpellier championship. This is indeed his best chance to win a Canadian title.
I am also looking at Andreescu to win her match today against Nikola Bartunkova, since she’s got the crowd behind her and Canadian players often overperform at these home events early in the week. Andreescu is a former National Bank Open champion, in 2019. Bartunkova is talented, but this is a big stage, on centre court.
Also, I am taking Canadian Gabriel Diallo to beat Kyrian Jacquet today, with Diallo at -125, Jacquet at +100. Diallo’s height and serve will play well on the hard court. Jacquet has got some fight. Three sets is +120 at Betway.
The National Bank Open this year runs through Aug. 13.
