The Canadian Open’s unusual calendar has drawn mixed reactions as players juggle preparation for the U.S. Open. Frances Tiafoe, one of the tour’s brightest stars, weighed in on the tournament’s condensed format and practical perks.
In a recent interview, he acknowledged the shorter duration compared with Rome and Madrid, criticized the Thursday final, and noted how being close to home eases the usual European grind, all while expressing enthusiasm for Toronto’s vibrant setting.
Frances Tiafoe’s Views On the 10-Day Canadian Open
Tiafoe did not hold back during his interview when discussing the Canadian Open’s new look. Reacting to the shift from the usual weekend finals, he called the Thursday final “garbage” and admitted it felt strange compared to tournaments like Madrid or Rome.
His comments, “Yeah, look, it is what it is. I like that it’s a bit shorter than Madrid, Rome. Weird because the final is on a Thursday. That’s garbage,” reflect other players’ confusion.
“That’s garbage” – Frances Tiafoe makes frustrations clear with Canadian Open schedule, expresses relief about being a ‘quick flight’ away from homehttps://t.co/swyGBiRSfY
— Tennis Updates (@Tennis_Updates5) July 27, 2025
Tiafoe pointed out some upsides: “I think it will be easier since I’m so close to the States. Something goes wrong, I’m a quick flight home. It’s not like when I’m stuck on Europe and playing on red clay and people speaking different languages.”
He emphasized his connection to the city through his girlfriend and friends, saying, “I love the city of Toronto. My girlfriend’s from there. Then I’ve got a lot of friends in the league from there, so I’m going to be set up, have a good time.”
Tiafoe’s words highlight how location can affect a player’s comfort level and readiness, both mentally and physically, which becomes especially important during the packed pre-US Open schedule.
The Extended Format of the Canadian Open
The 2025 Canadian Open, known as the National Bank Open presented by Rogers, marks a significant change from past years. Held from July 28 to August 8, the tournament now features a larger singles draw of 96 players, up from 56, reflecting its new 10-day structure.
The men’s event will occur in Toronto, Canada, at Sobeys Stadium, while the women’s draw will be hosted in Montreal. Unlike other ATP Masters 1000 events, where finals are a weekend showcase, this year’s singles finals are set for Thursday, August 7, a scheduling decision that has puzzled players and fans.
Along with the unusual timing, the prize money for the men’s event stands at $9,193,540, with the singles champion earning over a million dollars in prize money and 1,000 ATP ranking points.
The tournament’s hard-court surface and North American location are seen as helpful for preparation ahead of the US Open, reducing travel fatigue and offering familiar surroundings. Toronto itself boasts a vibrant, multicultural scene and an enthusiastic tennis community, drawing large crowds and providing a lively atmosphere for players both on and off the court.
