**2021 National Bank Open – Men’s singles**
**Definition:**
The 2021 National Bank Open – Men’s singles was a professional tennis tournament held as part of the ATP Tour Masters 1000 series. It featured top-ranked male tennis players competing on outdoor hard courts in Toronto, Canada.
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# 2021 National Bank Open – Men’s singles
The 2021 National Bank Open – Men’s singles event was a key tournament on the ATP Tour, held in Toronto, Canada, as part of the annual National Bank Open (formerly known as the Rogers Cup). This tournament is one of the prestigious ATP Masters 1000 events, attracting the world’s leading male tennis players. The 2021 edition marked the return of the event after its cancellation in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The competition featured a 56-player singles draw, including seeded players who received byes into the second round.
## Tournament Overview
The National Bank Open is one of the oldest tennis tournaments in the world, with a rich history dating back to the late 19th century. The men’s event alternates annually between Toronto and Montreal, with the 2021 men’s tournament held in Toronto. Played on outdoor hard courts at the Aviva Centre, the tournament is part of the US Open Series, serving as a key preparation event for the US Open Grand Slam.
The 2021 edition took place from August 9 to August 15, 2021. The tournament featured many of the top-ranked players in the world, including Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev, Stefanos Tsitsipas, and Rafael Nadal. The event was notable for its high level of competition and several surprising upsets.
## Seeds and Format
The men’s singles draw consisted of 56 players, with the top eight seeds receiving a bye into the second round. The seeding was based on the ATP rankings as of August 2, 2021. The tournament followed a single-elimination format, with players competing in best-of-three sets matches.
### Top Seeds
1. Novak Djokovic
2. Daniil Medvedev
3. Stefanos Tsitsipas
4. Alexander Zverev
5. Andrey Rublev
6. Matteo Berrettini
7. Diego Schwartzman
8. Pablo Carreño Busta
These players were among the favorites to win the title, given their rankings and recent performances on the ATP Tour.
## Tournament Progress and Key Matches
### Early Rounds
The early rounds saw several notable matches and some unexpected results. Defending champion Rafael Nadal, who was seeded 9th, withdrew from the tournament prior to his second-round match due to a foot injury, which was a significant development given his status as a multiple Grand Slam champion.
Several lower-ranked players and qualifiers made impressive runs, challenging higher-seeded opponents. The tournament also featured strong performances from young players seeking to establish themselves on the ATP Tour.
### Quarterfinals
The quarterfinal stage featured a mix of top seeds and dark horses. Novak Djokovic, the world number one, advanced comfortably through his matches, demonstrating his dominance on hard courts. Daniil Medvedev, known for his strong baseline play and consistency, also progressed to the later stages.
Other quarterfinalists included Stefanos Tsitsipas and Alexander Zverev, both of whom were considered strong contenders for the title. The matches were competitive, with several going to deciding sets.
### Semifinals
The semifinals featured Novak Djokovic facing Alexander Zverev, while Daniil Medvedev played against Stefanos Tsitsipas. Djokovic defeated Zverev in a tightly contested match, showcasing his experience and mental toughness. Medvedev overcame Tsitsipas in a match that highlighted his defensive skills and ability to counterpunch effectively.
### Final
The final was contested between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev, two of the top players on the ATP Tour. Djokovic won the match in straight sets, 6–4, 6–3, to claim the 2021 National Bank Open men’s singles title. This victory marked Djokovic’s fifth Canadian Masters title and further solidified his position as the world’s number one player.
## Champion: Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic’s triumph at the 2021 National Bank Open was a significant achievement in his career. The win added valuable ranking points and momentum as he prepared for the upcoming US Open. Djokovic’s performance throughout the tournament was characterized by his exceptional return game, precise shot-making, and mental resilience.
## Impact and Significance
The 2021 National Bank Open – Men’s singles tournament was notable for several reasons:
– It marked the return of the event after a one-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
– The tournament showcased the continued dominance of Novak Djokovic on the ATP Tour.
– It provided a platform for emerging players to compete against the world’s best.
– The event contributed to the buildup toward the US Open, one of tennis’s four Grand Slam tournaments.
## Draw and Results Summary
The tournament draw featured 56 players, including direct acceptances, qualifiers, and wildcards. The top eight seeds received byes into the second round, while the remaining players competed from the first round.
### Finals
– **Champion:** Novak Djokovic
– **Runner-up:** Daniil Medvedev
– **Final score:** 6–4, 6–3
### Semifinals
– Novak Djokovic def. Alexander Zverev
– Daniil Medvedev def. Stefanos Tsitsipas
### Quarterfinals
– Novak Djokovic def. Roberto Bautista Agut
– Alexander Zverev def. Félix Auger-Aliassime
– Daniil Medvedev def. Hubert Hurkacz
– Stefanos Tsitsipas def. Jannik Sinner
## Notable Withdrawals and Absences
– Rafael Nadal withdrew due to a foot injury.
– Roger Federer did not participate, continuing his recovery from knee surgery.
– Other players also withdrew or were absent due to injuries or scheduling decisions related to the pandemic.
## Conclusion
The 2021 National Bank Open – Men’s singles tournament was a highly competitive event that reaffirmed Novak Djokovic’s status as the world’s leading male tennis player. The tournament’s successful return after the pandemic hiatus was welcomed by players and fans alike, providing exciting matches and memorable moments on the hard courts of Toronto.
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**Meta Description:**
The 2021 National Bank Open – Men’s singles was an ATP Masters 1000 tennis tournament held in Toronto, featuring top players like Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev. Djokovic won the title, marking his fifth Canadian Masters victory.