Rising star Nicolas Arseneault from Richmond Hill, Ontario, is set to honor Vasek Pospisil as the Canadian tennis legend kicks off his final appearance at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers this Sunday evening.
The 18-year-old Arseneault prepped for the spotlight by triumphing over 24-year-old French qualifier Valentin Royer with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (4) in a match lasting one hour and 45 minutes on the grandstand court at Sobeys Stadium.
Despite Royer hitting more winners (21 to Arseneault’s 14), he struggled with unforced errors, totaling 48 compared to Arseneault’s 23.
The Canadian demonstrated his serving prowess with five aces and a solid first serve percentage of 68, while converting five of 11 break points, though he also recorded four double faults.
Royer managed three aces but recorded six double faults, achieving a first serve percentage of 61 and winning only four of nine break points.
Meanwhile, 35-year-old Pospisil, hailing from Vernon, B.C., is set to face Argentina’s Facundo Bagnis on the center court in his opening round of men’s singles.
Pospisil boasts a career-high singles ranking of No. 25 and has reached No. 4 in doubles. Notably, he captured the Wimbledon Championships in 2014 alongside Jack Sock, as well as the 2015 Indian Wells Masters men’s doubles titles. He also made a remarkable quarterfinal run in singles at the 2015 Wimbledon Championships.
In addition, Arseneault’s sister, Ariana, successfully qualified for the NBO on Saturday and will take on four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka on Monday.
— With contributions from Sportsnet Staff
