Triple Heartbreak on Home Soil: Andreescu, Fernandez, and Marino Crash Out of National Bank Open in Stunning Exit…Read More…
Toronto, July 29, 2025 — In a gut-wrenching turn of events for Canadian tennis fans, homegrown stars Bianca Andreescu, Leylah Fernandez, and Rebecca Marino were all ousted early from the National Bank Open, dashing hopes for a deep domestic run at one of the most prestigious tournaments on Canadian soil. Their collective exit—within just 48 hours—has sent shockwaves through the local tennis community and sparked widespread disappointment from coast to coast.
This year’s edition of the WTA 1000 tournament, held in Toronto, was supposed to be a celebration of Canadian tennis. With a sold-out crowd, national pride in full display, and hometown players drawing center-court spotlight, expectations were high. However, those hopes were swiftly crushed as all three Canadian women bowed out in either the first or second round, with each match revealing struggles that mirrored their recent on-court inconsistencies.
Andreescu’s Painful Return Ends Prematurely
Bianca Andreescu, the 2019 U.S. Open champion and once the brightest star of Canadian tennis, was the centerpiece of pre-tournament excitement. Making her much-anticipated return after a lengthy injury layoff, Andreescu was expected to reintroduce her powerful baseline game and strategic court sense that once dazzled the world.
Instead, what fans witnessed was a shadow of her former self.
Facing Italy’s Lucia Bronzetti in the opening round, Andreescu appeared tentative and out of rhythm, committing 34 unforced errors and struggling with her first serve. Despite flashes of brilliance in the second set, she ultimately fell in straight sets, 6-4, 6-3.
“It’s heartbreaking,” Andreescu admitted during a teary post-match press conference. “Playing in front of my home fans again was emotional, but I just couldn’t find my rhythm. I know I have a long way to go, but this isn’t the return I envisioned.”
The loss was particularly crushing given the crowd’s loud and unwavering support throughout the match. Andreescu’s walk off the court was met with a standing ovation, but the sense of loss was palpable.
Fernandez Fights Hard, But Comes Up Short
Leylah Fernandez, the 2021 U.S. Open finalist and Montreal native, had perhaps the best chance to make a strong run at the National Bank Open. Coming off decent showings in the grass season, Fernandez was optimistic and came into the tournament with momentum and energy.
Paired against world No. 20 Ekaterina Alexandrova in the second round, Fernandez engaged in a tight three-set thriller that saw long rallies, dramatic breaks, and emotional swings. After taking the first set 7-5, Fernandez appeared in control, but Alexandrova’s aggressive play and superior serving flipped the match. Fernandez would drop the final two sets 6-3, 6-4.
“Losing at home is never easy,” Fernandez said. “I gave it everything I had, but today just wasn’t enough. The fans were amazing, and I wanted to do more for them.”
Though disappointed, Fernandez showed signs of progress and maturity in her game, suggesting that she remains a vital figure in Canada’s tennis future.
Marino’s Power Game Falters
Veteran Rebecca Marino, once the face of resilience in Canadian tennis, faced an uphill battle in her first-round match against rising Czech star Linda Nosková. Marino’s booming serve and powerful forehand have long been her weapons, but Nosková’s court coverage and relentless returns neutralized those advantages.
Marino was defeated in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4, and admitted afterward that she felt overwhelmed by her opponent’s speed and shot-making.
“She played an exceptional match. I tried to be aggressive, but I was missing too much,” Marino said. “Still, it means a lot to play here in front of Canadians who’ve supported me through everything.”
Canadian Fans Left Reeling
For a country that has seen a tennis renaissance over the past decade, the early exits of all three top Canadian women felt like a step backward. Crowds at Sobeys Stadium were notably subdued following the trio of losses, with many fans lamenting the missed opportunity for a fairytale run at home.
“It’s like watching your favorite band lose their voices in the middle of a concert,” said Toronto native Sophie Lambert, who attended Andreescu’s match. “You love them no matter what, but your heart still breaks.”
Social media was flooded with both support and concern, with hashtags like #StillWithYouBianca, #ComebackQueenLeylah, and #ProudOfMarino trending nationwide. Tennis Canada also issued a statement encouraging fans to continue supporting the players through their journeys.
“These are not just matches lost—they are moments of growth,” said Michael Downey, Tennis Canada’s President and CEO. “Our athletes continue to inspire, even in defeat. Their courage and resilience will drive them forward.”
What’s Next?
The trio now shifts their focus to the hard-court swing leading up to the U.S. Open. Andreescu has confirmed she will travel to Cincinnati for the Western & Southern Open, while Fernandez and Marino are expected to compete in smaller tune-up tournaments.
With the U.S. Open just weeks away, all three players know the clock is ticking to regain their form, confidence, and rhythm. For Andreescu, it’s about rediscovering her body and belief. For Fernandez, it’s about building consistency. For Marino, it’s about staying healthy and competitive in a field that’s increasingly younger and faster.
Despite the heartbreak, one thing remains certain: the story of Canadian tennis is far from over.
As the echoes of disappointment fade in Toronto, the spotlight now turns to what lies ahead—a chance for redemption, reinvention, and, perhaps, a second wind for Canada’s finest.
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