Carol Zhao is set to compete in the final home open of her illustrious career, having been granted a main-draw singles wild card for the upcoming tournament in Toronto.
Tennis Canada announced on Sunday that both Zhao and Ariana Arseneault, hailing from Richmond Hill, Ontario, have received the last available main-draw singles wild cards for the National Bank Open presented by Rogers.
Turning professional in 2016, Zhao has proudly represented Canada in the Billie Jean King Cup seven times and clinched a doubles gold medal alongside Gabriela Dabrowski at the 2015 Pan American Games. She has announced that the 2026 season will mark her farewell to the professional circuit.
In the doubles category, Leylah Annie Fernandez from Laval, Quebec, will join forces with her sister, Bianca Jolie Fernandez, while former U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu is set to partner with Kayla Cross.
This dynamic duo of Andreescu and Cross has recently represented Canada together at the Billie Jean King Cup.
“The National Bank Open has consistently been a remarkable platform for Canadian players to shine on home turf, and the presence of eight Canadians in the main draw showcases the flourishing talent and depth of tennis in our nation,” said tournament director Karl Hale in a statement.
“Fans will be thrilled to witness the reunion of the Fernandez sisters, who reached the semifinals in Toronto in 2024, while Billie Jean King Cup teammates Bianca Andreescu and Kayla Cross bring even more excitement to the doubles lineup.”
Noelle van Lottum, Tennis Canada’s head of women’s tennis, emphasized that Zhao and Arseneault have earned this opportunity through their impressive contributions to Canadian tennis.
“Carol has been a cherished figure in Canadian tennis for many years, and we are excited to provide her the chance to compete at her home tournament one last time,” remarked van Lottum. “Ariana’s gameplay is on an upward trajectory, and she is making all the right moves to compete at the highest levels.”
All eight wild cards for the women’s main draw have now been awarded. Earlier recipients include Andreescu, Cross, Katherine Sebov from Toronto, Cadence Brace from Toronto, Rebecca Marino from Vancouver, and Venus Williams.
In addition, Tennis Canada announced that Avery Alexander and Ana Grubor have secured qualifying wild cards. A third Canadian will qualify through a competitive four-player playoff, while the final qualifying wild card has been exchanged via a reciprocal agreement with another tournament.
