TORONTO — Just one day before the most significant match of his career on home turf, Gabriel Diallo engaged in an hour-long practice session that attracted over 50 enthusiastic fans. Many were clutching oversized tennis balls and hats for autographs, while others captured his powerful serves on their smartphones, ensuring they would have a memorable selfie with the beaming Diallo.
“You’ve got this! You can beat him tomorrow!” cheered one supporter, referencing Diallo’s upcoming showdown against Taylor Fritz, the world No. 4. With a knowing glance, Diallo returned to the baseline to send another ball flying.
The 23-year-old from Montreal is the sole Canadian man left standing in the singles competition of the National Bank Open presented by Rogers. On Friday, he will take on Fritz for the second time, having previously faced him in a nail-biting five-set loss at Wimbledon just a few weeks ago. This matchup not only marks a rematch but is also Diallo’s second-ever encounter with a Top-5 player after his remarkable rise in the sport over the past year.
His parents will be in the audience, along with a crowd of friends and relatives — “basically everyone,” he noted, glistening with sweat as he finished his practice and posed for one last selfie, penning his final autograph.
Ranked No. 36 in the world, Diallo is still adjusting to the spotlight and attention that come with being seeded 27th and receiving a bye to the second round. Yet as the first Canadian ever to win his debut match at the NBO, he is relishing the backing of his home crowd and eagerly anticipating what will be his first-ever night match on center court at home.
“All of us Canadians feel a sense of gratitude and joy to compete here, even during practices,” Diallo expressed while weaving through the throng of fans. Standing tall at six-foot-eight and carrying a striking red Wilson tennis bag, he certainly attracts attention.
Later that Thursday, Diallo and fellow Canadian Alexis Galarneau faced elimination in their doubles opening match. Now Diallo is left with 24 hours to recharge before squaring off against Fritz, the second seed, at 7 p.m. ET. This matchup is set against the backdrop of their earlier showdown at Wimbledon, where Diallo claimed it was “arguably” the finest match of his career, stretching the American to five sets.
After overcoming Diallo, the 27-year-old Fritz advanced to the semifinals of Wimbledon. He also reached the U.S. Open final and the ATP finals last year, amassing 10 ATP titles, including a Masters 1000 victory at Indian Wells in 2022.
“I’m anticipating a strong performance from him — he’s incredibly consistent,” Diallo remarked about Fritz. “Our last battle at Wimbledon was fantastic, so I plan to match that level and create some opportunities.”
Diallo’s chances of success against Fritz may be even better this time around. Their previous contest was on grass, a surface Diallo was still mastering. This Friday, they will face off on Diallo’s preferred surface, in a best-of-three format he finds most comfortable.
“These courts are incredibly fast,” said Diallo’s coach, Martin Laurendeau, who communicates with his player in a blend of French and English. “He’s always thrived on quick courts, which suits his playing style. Fast balls on fast surfaces are ideal for him, and he’s eager for any challenge that comes under these conditions. He believes in himself more than ever here.”
Both Diallo and Fritz are renowned for their formidable serves — their prior encounter featured an astounding 53 aces — combined with powerful overall play.
“It’ll be about maintaining a sprint-like mode, putting together quick and effective shot combinations repeatedly,” Laurendeau explained. “That’s the approach Gabe needs to take. If he can replicate the same level he exhibited at Wimbledon, he’ll be competitive. This match may also hinge on just a few pivotal points.”
Diallo believes that his ability to take two sets off Fritz at Wimbledon has fortified his confidence more than any other achievement this season, which includes wins across all three Grand Slams and securing his first ATP 250 title.
“Losing a close match to a player of his caliber was incredibly beneficial for my development. I was able to review the match to identify what I did well and where I could improve,” Diallo reflected. “I’m hoping to tweak some elements and deliver another strong performance.”
He cites an aggressive style as a key aspect. “I took him to five sets by believing in myself from the first point to the last, so I intend to replicate that spirit,” he expressed eagerly.
And if Diallo finds himself in a tough spot, don’t count him out. In his first match here against wild card Matteo Gigante, he fought back after trailing by a break in the second set, eventually winning 6-3, 7-6 (5) after coming back from 2-4 in the tiebreak.
“This year, he faced matches where he was down, even facing match points, yet he turned many of those around with his competitive spirit,” Laurendeau noted. “That tenacity has become his trademark.”
Diallo is praised for his steady mindset and his accountability when things don’t go as planned. This perspective, along with his natural talent, is what resonates most with his long-time coach.
“His playing style is disruptive. His identity lies in playing aggressively, serving powerfully, and utilizing his strength,” Laurendeau explained. “He’s physically imposing, an excellent athlete, and he aims not to get trapped in long rallies. Instead, he seeks to disrupt his opponent’s rhythm, aiming to dominate from the onset.”
“When he’s at his best, he doesn’t allow opponents to settle in, which often throws them off their game.”
Competing against a player of Fritz’s caliber poses unique challenges, but gaining more experience against the top-tier athletes will only refine Diallo’s skills further. “The more he encounters these players, the more opportunities he’ll uncover, improving his chances of victory,” Laurendeau concluded.
On the men’s side, Canada’s elite were eliminated early in the tournament, with both Felix Auger-Aliassime and Denis Shapovalov bowing out in their initial matches.
Diallo wishes the circumstances were different, understanding the benefit it brings to the NBO when more Canadians contend. He’s keen to see his fellow countrymen thrive.
“Things have unfolded as they have,” Diallo said. “But I’m determined to carry the torch forward.”
