In the build-up to the US Open, the first Masters 1000 event of the North American hard-court swing is set to get underway next week.
The Canadian Open has seen some big names drop out already, with Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic withdrawing, before Carlos Alcaraz announced he would not feature in Toronto.
With multiple stars pulling out, a huge opportunity has presented itself for the likes of Lorenzo Musetti and Ben Shelton, who have never won a Masters crown.
Plenty of points are on offer for stars looking to rise in the rankings, but for one former major champion, the tournament marks one last dance on the ATP Tour.
Denis Shapovalov speaks ahead of ATP star’s retirement in Toronto
At the Canadian Open, former Wimbledon doubles champion Vasek Pospisil will play his last match in front of a home crowd.
Pospisil emerged victorious at the All England Club in 2014 alongside Jack Sock to clinch his first and only Grand Slam title.
His Canadian compatriot, Denis Shapovalov, said of his last dance: “I would love to see his match.
“In terms of his legacy, I mean, for me personally, he’s one of the first big players in Canada, and he’s definitely left a big mark in Canadian tennis.
Pospisil’s best finishes at Grand Slams in doubles:
- 2014: Wimbledon Champion
- 2015: French Open quarter-finalist
- 2016: Australian Open quarter-finalist
“I remember growing up watching him and Milos playing Davis Cup ties, playing in important matches, playing semifinals here, the Rogers Cup.
“I mean, he’s done a lot for Canadian tennis, he’s done a lot for guys like me and Felix [Auger-Aliassime].”
Denis Shapovalov thinks Vasek Pospisil still had ‘more to give’
Shapovalov continued: “When we were coming up, I remember he was one of the first top players that I was able to speak to and get advice from.
“He was always super, super nice, and very welcoming to me. So that definitely always stayed with me, and I think we have a great relationship for that reason.
“I think he’s a great person, obviously with everything he’s done with PTPA and to help the players really shows the type of person that he is.
“I mean, you see more behind closed doors about how good of a teammate he’s been over the years, and how much he’s really given back to my generation and to everyone around
“I think all the Canadians speak very highly of him. It’s very sad to see him go. I definitely feel like he’s got, I think he’s got more to give, you know, if he could get healthy and get in shape, but for sure it’s amazing to look back on what he’s been able to achieve.”
Pospisil has been granted a wildcard for the event and will play his first match on Centre Court.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
