The opening round continues at the National Bank Open in Montreal with a mix of experienced campaigners, rising stars, and players looking to build momentum ahead of the US Open. While some competitors are trying to carry strong summer form into Canada’s biggest event, others will be hoping a change of venue sparks a turnaround. As always, we here at LWOT will be offering our predictions for every match on the schedule. But who will advance?
ATP Montreal Masters Day 1 Predictions
Aleksandar Vukic vs Daniel Altmaier
Head-to-Head: Vukic 2-1 Altmaier
Neither player has managed to string together consistent results throughout the season, making this one of the more difficult matches to call. Vukic has looked most comfortable on hard courts during his ATP career, using his powerful first serve and aggressive forehand to keep points short. When those weapons are working, he is capable of putting even higher-ranked opponents under pressure.
Altmaier has continued to develop into a more complete player over the last couple of seasons. Although his biggest results have come on clay, the German has become increasingly comfortable on hard courts and has shown he can compete well on faster surfaces. He is an excellent mover and often forces opponents to hit extra shots, but he can struggle when rivals consistently attack his second serve.
This matchup could come down to who serves better on the day. Vukic’s game is naturally suited to these conditions, and his willingness to take control of rallies early should allow him to edge enough of the important moments.
Prediction: Vukic in 3
Aleksandar Kovacevic vs Nuno Borges
Head-to-Head: Kovacevic 1-0 Borges
This promises to be one of the more entertaining first-round contests. Kovacevic has enjoyed some of his best tennis on North American hard courts and tends to raise his level when playing close to home. His aggressive style, backed by a heavy serve and flat groundstrokes, makes him a dangerous opponent when he is playing with confidence.
Borges, meanwhile, has quietly established himself as one of the ATP Tour’s most reliable performers over the past 18 months. The Portuguese player no longer relies solely on clay for his best results, with several impressive performances on hard courts proving he can adapt his game. His movement, consistency from the baseline, and improved return game have allowed him to stay competitive against some of the Tour’s biggest names.
Kovacevic will likely have periods where he dictates play, especially if his first serve is landing consistently. However, Borges has become very good at absorbing pressure before turning defence into attack. His ability to stay patient and make smart decisions in the longer rallies could prove decisive over three sets.
Prediction: Borges in 3
Marin Cilic vs Sho Shimabukuro
Head-to-Head: First meeting
Shimabukuro has continued his steady rise with strong performances on the Challenger Tour, earning another opportunity to compete at Masters level. The Japanese player covers the court well, competes for every point, and has shown he is capable of frustrating more experienced opponents with his consistency from the baseline.
Cilic arrives with renewed confidence after enjoying one of the better stretches of his comeback season. The former US Open champion remains a dangerous hard-court player thanks to his booming serve and ability to flatten out both wings. Even after spending time away from the top level, he has shown that his biggest weapons are still capable of producing high-quality tennis against strong opposition.
Shimabukuro’s movement should help him extend rallies and make Cilic work for his points, but the Croatian’s experience in Masters 1000 events and his ability to take time away from opponents are difficult advantages to overlook. If Cilic serves at his usual level, he should be able to control most of the key exchanges and progress without too many setbacks.
Prediction: Cilic in 2
Main Photo Credit: Susan Mullane-Imagn Images
