2026 National Bank Open: 5 Women Who Could Make Some Noise in Toronto

Every WTA 1000 produces surprise runs, and the 2026 National Bank Open won’t be an exception.

While the tournament favorites dominate the headlines, history shows that one or two dangerous floaters often turn the draw upside down.

Whether it’s an unfavorable matchup, a blistering week of serving, or a fearless young star playing with nothing to lose, these five women have all the tools to send a title favorite packing before championship weekend.

1. Iva Jovic — The Brick Wall

Iva Jovic has surged into the WTA Top 20, climbing to a career-high No. 16 behind elite court intelligence, relentless defense, and remarkable composure beyond her years.

Jovic thrives by absorbing pace, redirecting depth, and forcing opponents to hit one extra shot every rally. Her consistency frustrates aggressive ball-strikers, who often press too hard and donate free points through unforced errors.

Few players are more capable of grinding down a favorite over the course of a long three-set battle.

2. Alexandra Eala — The Left-Handed Disruptor

Alexandra Eala has climbed to a career-high No. 28 and continues to establish herself as one of the tour’s most dangerous young talents.

Eala’s left-handed serve, heavy topspin forehand, and aggressive return game create uncomfortable patterns for right-handed opponents.

She takes time away by striking the ball early and consistently looks to dictate rallies from the opening shot. Players who rely on rhythm from the baseline often struggle against her unique angles and relentless first-strike tennis.

3. Naomi Osaka — The Ultimate Wild Card

Currently ranked No. 13 in the world after reaching the Wimbledon quarterfinals, including a statement victory over World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, Naomi Osaka remains one of the most dangerous players in any draw.

Few players can match her combination of serving power and baseline firepower when she’s healthy and confident. Her ability to generate easy holds and overwhelm opponents with sheer pace makes her a nightmare matchup for even the tournament’s highest seeds.

If Osaka catches fire, she has the level to beat anyone in Toronto.

4. Linda Nosková — The Power Player

Fresh off capturing her first Wimbledon title, the 21-year-old Czech has climbed to World No. 7 and arrives in Toronto with enormous confidence.

Nosková’s explosive serve and punishing groundstrokes allow her to seize control of rallies almost immediately.

She excels at finishing at the point quickly and rarely backs down under pressure, making her one of the most dangerous offensive players outside the top favorites.

5. Marta Kostyuk — The Tempo Setter

World No. 11 Marta Kostyuk enters the North American hard-court swing riding the momentum of a Madrid WTA 1000 title and semifinal appearances at both Roland Garros and Wimbledon.

One of the fastest athletes on tour, Kostyuk combines elite movement with flat, penetrating groundstrokes that rob opponents of time.

She loves to attack early in rallies, forcing opponents onto the defensive before they can settle into their preferred patterns. When she’s striking the ball cleanly, few players can match her relentless pace from the baseline.

Final Word

The favorites may own the betting markets, but championships at WTA 1000 events are often decided by the players no one wants to face in the early rounds.

Jovic’s relentless consistency, Eala’s left-handed creativity, Osaka’s championship ceiling, Nosková’s overwhelming power, and Kostyuk’s relentless pace each present unique matchup problems capable of blowing open the Toronto draw.

Phil Naessens

Phil Naessens is a tennis betting analyst and former tennis coach with decades of experience in player development and match analysis. He is the founder of Crush Rush News and host of the Crush & Rush Tennis Podcast, focusing on price-first betting strategy, market efficiency, and transparency in sports wagering.