(Montreal) Tennis Canada has given the three remaining invitations to Canadians Milos Raonic, Gabriel Diallo and Vasek Pospisil for the National Bank Open on Tuesday, meaning that Spaniard Rafael Nadal will not be in Montreal.
Raonic, Diallo and Pospisil therefore join Quebecer Félix Auger-Aliassime and their compatriot Denis Shapovalov in the main draw of this Masters 1000 tournament which will take place from August 3 to 12, at the IGA stadium.
Alexis Galarneau, Liam Draxl, Taha Baadi and Nicolas Arseneault could join them since they received invitations for the qualifications.
“We are delighted to announce that Milos, Gabriel and Vasek will participate in the Montreal tournament this year,” said Valérie Tétreault, director of the National Bank Montreal Open.
PHOTO PAUL CHILDS, ARCHIVES ACTION IMAGES VIA REUTERS
Milos Raonic
“Our tennis fans will surely remember the semi-final clash between Milos and Vasek in 2013 for a spot in the final against none other than Rafael Nadal. Being able to welcome back these two players who have done so much for our sport, as well as the addition of Gabriel, one of Canada’s rising stars, only contributes to the excitement that will reign at IGA Stadium.”
Nadal lost to Novak Djokovic in the first round of the Paris Olympics. His current ATP ranking did not allow him to directly enter the main draw in Montreal, as he contemplates retirement at 38.
Djokovic also gave up the Montreal tournament because of this victory at Roland-Garros which allowed him to reach the third round of the Olympics.