The 2025 National Bank Open now features 96 players instead of 56, making it a 12-day event rather than the usual week-long format. This expansion puts the Canadian Open in line with other major tournaments like Indian Wells and Miami.
Australian Open champion Madison Keys recently spoke about how these changes affect players, giving fans a look at what it’s really like to compete in these longer events.
The expanded format means more rest days between matches for players. It also gives all 32 seeded players a first-round bye. While some might think this sounds easier, Keys explains that the reality is quite different. Players must stay tournament-ready for nearly two weeks, which creates its own set of challenges.
Madison Keys Speaks on Tournament Management and Player Routines
The question posed to Keys was: “This is the first time there’s been an expanded field here in Canada. With more players, that means early rounds with byes and more time between matches. Does that change anything for you, in terms of rest and recovery?”
Keys gave a candid response about the tournament experience.
“If you’re playing a long match, it’s always good to have a day off afterward, but once you’re in a tournament, there try to manage and do what you can,” Keys said. “The ‘off’ days aren’t really relaxing, we’re still there training and doing everything else.
“With this format becoming more common, we are a bit on autopilot now, we know how to manage the weeks.”
Keys’ response shows that what looks like extra rest time is actually just a different kind of work schedule for players. Even on days without matches, players still need to practice, work with their coaches, and stay in competition mode.
Australian Open champ Madison Keys has arrived in Montreal. pic.twitter.com/dgI6tZruXl
— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) July 27, 2025
Keys saying “on autopilot” suggests that players have developed systems to handle these longer tournament formats, but it also hints at the routine nature of managing extended events.
The Updated Tournament Format and Player Perspectives
The Canadian Open’s move to a 96-player field reflects broader changes happening across tennis. Several WTA 1000 events have adopted this expanded format as part of efforts to align with ATP tournaments and eventually achieve equal prize money.
Frances Tiafoe, another top player, has also shared his thoughts on the Canadian Open’s new scheduling. He called the Thursday final “garbage” and noted how unusual it feels compared to other tournaments. However, Tiafoe did mention some benefits of playing in Toronto.
“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.”
Tiafoe’s girlfriend is from Toronto, and he has many friends there, which makes the location more comfortable for him.
“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,” he explained.
The tournament changes have drawn mixed reactions from players and fans. Some appreciate the additional opportunities and prize money, while others worry about the impact on player schedules and the traditional weekend finals format.
