Tournament Preview: The Rogers Cup, Canada

 

Originally published on: 26/02/10 14:15

What’s it all about? Also known as the Canadian Open, the WTA tournament.

When’s it happening? Now here’s a thing. The Rogers Cup is effectively two tournaments – held in different Canadian cities, in different weeks. First up this year are the men, who will be playing in Montreal.

Why should I go there? Outside of the Grand Slams, Masters Series and WTA Tier I tennis is as good as it gets. For the men, entry is mandatory for the elite players, alongside the odd wildcard. Toronto is the second hard-court tune-up event prior to the US Open after Indianapolis, while Montreal follows events in Stanford and Los Angeles.

Who can I see this year? It’s the next chapter of the Roger/Rafa story, although defending champion Novak Djokovic might have something to say about that as he looks to rebuild a season threatening to fall apart. All three have won the Rogers Cup and receive byes to the second round, along with Andy Roddick – also a former champion – Davydenko, Ferrer, Blake and No.8 seed Andy Murray.

The Montreal event looks less clear cut – unlike the men’s event, top players can and have withdrawn in the past to prepare for the US Open. Venus Williams and Lindsay Davenport are likely to miss out with their knee injuries, with Serena a doubt after her retirement in Stanford. Not that the competition won’t be hot enough – there are plenty of top-ranked players with bruised egos keen to get their seasons back on track – the world’s top three Ivanovic, Sharapova and Jankovic to name but a few…

Can I follow it on TV? Sky Sports will be showing the action live each afternoon in the UK.

Little known fact… Odd men head to Montreal. The men’s and women’s tournaments switch between the venues each year. In odd-numbered years, the men’s event is held in Montreal. So…odd: men head to Montreal.

Bet you don’t forget that in a hurry…

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