Cross Earns Main-Draw Spot
London tennis player Kayla Cross has secured a wild-card entry into the main draw of the National Bank Open, marking her second consecutive appearance in Canada’s premier tennis tournament. The event is scheduled to take place in Toronto from August 1-13. Cross, who holds a career-high ranking of 168, recently discussed her preparations and the significance of playing on home soil.
Her qualification for the main draw follows a significant victory at the Granby National Bank Open, where she claimed the women’s singles title. This win represents the largest singles title of her career to date and contributed to her securing the wild card for the Toronto tournament.
Cross reflected on the experience of earning the wild card, noting a difference from her previous attempt. She mentioned feeling less nervous this year, approaching the qualifying matches with an open mind. This mindset allowed her to focus on her tennis, and she was surprised when informed she had secured the spot after her final match.
Significance of Home-Court Advantage
Playing in Canada holds a special meaning for Cross. She described the atmosphere at the Granby tournament as “insane,” with the crowd’s support helping her in challenging moments. She anticipates a similar experience in Toronto, where friends and family will be present.
While acknowledging a degree of pressure when competing in front of familiar faces, Cross believes the knowledge that her supporters want her to succeed outweighs any apprehension. She highlighted that crowds in Canada or one’s home country are particularly supportive, eager to see their local player win.
The victory in Granby was particularly meaningful as it allowed her to “flip the script” from her first professional final, which also took place in Granby two years prior. Winning on home soil not only boosted her ranking but also helps her gain entry into other tournaments and secure additional wild cards.
A Dream Realized
Cross shared that participating in the National Bank Open was a long-held aspiration. She trained at both the Toronto and Montreal sites that host the tournament when she was younger, observing the event and dreaming of being part of it. She described it as a “far-fetched dream” that she worked diligently to achieve.
Her journey in competitive tennis began at a young age, influenced by her father and two older brothers who also played. She estimates she started playing around the age of four, stating she doesn’t recall a time when she wasn’t involved in the sport. Around the age of 12, she began dedicating more effort, and by 15, tennis became her sole focus, with a clear goal of pursuing a professional career.
Her training involved sessions at the Hunt Club and Greenhills, eventually leading to frequent trips to Toronto for training. Her family eventually rented a place in Toronto to facilitate her training schedule, highlighting the commitment made to her career.
Cross is motivated by the prospect of competing on major stages like the National Bank Open and the main draws of Grand Slams. She emphasizes the continuous drive for the next level while also celebrating smaller victories along the way.
Canadian Presence in the Tournament
Kayla Cross will also participate in the doubles draw, partnering with former U.S. Open champion Bianca Andreescu. This pairing recently represented Canada together at the Billie Jean King Cup. The tournament director, Karl Hale, noted that having eight Canadians in the main draw reflects the growth and depth of tennis in the country.
Other Canadian players receiving main-draw singles wild cards include Carol Zhao, Ariana Arseneault, Katherine Sebov, Cadence Brace, and Rebecca Marino. Zhao, who turned professional in 2016 and has represented Canada multiple times at the Billie Jean King Cup, has confirmed that the 2026 season will be her final year on the professional tour. She will make her final home open appearance at the National Bank Open.
In doubles, Leylah Annie Fernandez will reunite with her sister, Bianca Jolie Fernandez. Tennis Canada also announced that Avery Alexander and Ana Grubor have received qualifying wild cards for the event.
The National Bank Open provides a significant opportunity for Canadian players to compete on home soil, with the wild card selections reflecting contributions to Canadian tennis, as stated by Noelle van Lottum, Tennis Canada‘s head of women’s tennis.
Source: lfpress.com
