Top-seeded Coco Gauff has made a strong start at the National Bank Open, defeating Yafan Wang 6-4, 6-2, marking her first hard-court match since the Miami Open in April. Gauff's performance is seen as crucial preparation for her U.S. Open title defense, with tennis legend Pam Shriver naming her a top contender, comparing her potential to Aryna Sabalenka’s successful title defense at the Australian Open. Gauff, who is adapting to different surfaces, recently faced a mental challenge at the Paris Olympics. The tournament also saw second-seeded Sabalenka advancing, while other top players like Madison Keys had to retire due to injury. Canadian Leylah Fernandez was defeated by qualifier Ashlyn Krueger, and Marina Stakusic lost to Taylor Townsend.