Rivard : Zhao et Stakusic : The last Canadians standing

While the bulk of the media coverage focused on Leylah, Bianca and Gabriela, it was Carol and Marina who outlasted them all as the last Canadians standing at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers.

But on August 11 at around 5:15 p.m., the veteran and the rookie finally met their match on Rogers Court, in the round of 16, despite coming very, very close to extending their surprising run to the quarters.

Against the fourth-seeded team of Nicole Melichar-Martinez of the US and Ellen Perez of Australia, the Canadians claimed the first set 6-3, lost the second 3-6 and fell just short in the super tiebreak 6-10 after 83 minutes of play.

While there were only three breaks in the first two sets, there were plenty of surprises in store in the super-tiebreak. The 12 mini-breaks in 16 points kept Canadian fans believing right up until the very end.

As the current No.412, 18-year-old Marina Stakusic never expected to be the headliner on Friday at the NBO, in singles or in doubles.

While there were only three breaks in the first two sets, there were plenty of surprises in store in the super-tiebreak. The 12 mini-breaks in 16 points kept Canadian fans believing right up until the very end.

As the current No.412, 18-year-old Marina Stakusic never expected to be the headliner on Friday at the NBO, in singles or in doubles.

A finalist in pre-qualifying tournament, she was then narrowly defeated in the first round of the qualifying event. Her performances this week have been an amazing and unexpected bonus.

Still, at the post-match press conference on Friday night, Marina and Carol were disappointed.

“Obviously we’re disappointed that we lost because we had the match in our hands, especially after the first set,” Marina said. “We were playing very aggressive and controlling lot of the points. Playing for the first time together, it’s nice to be the last Canadians standing. I think this week was positive.”

When asked if Zhao, as the No.244, was the leader, the teammates had only kind words for each other. Ever humble, Carol let her partner speak first.

“Yeah, I definitely learned a lot from Carol. She has more experience like playing in the BJK Cup doubles. I think that we both contributed but I learned a lot from her. She gave me a lot of tips throughout the matches,” said Marina.

“I would say that she didn’t need much of my help. She’s super poised for her age. You know, we had a very tough match in the first round. Both contests needed super tie breaks. Tough situations and she handed them pretty well,” Carol added.

The two players, who’d never teamed up before and only had quick training sessions to get comfy on the courts, loved their experience and wouldn’t hesitate to do it again.

Marina Stakusic is now headed to Spain for a few ITF tournaments and could then make her way to California. As for Carol, she’s on her way back to Stanford, California, to prepare for next week.

“If I can find a way to get there!” Zhao added with a laugh.

Królowa Iga

In Polska, Iga Swiatek is Królowa Iga:Queen Iga.

And even as far as Montréal, Polish Canadians love her. She’s the best player in the world and the GOAT in Polish tennis history.

As the World No.1 since Ashleigh Barty’s surprise retirement, the Warsaw native has reigned supreme over the WTA for the past 71 weeks.

Every time she walks onto a court, the 22-year-old sparks interest and admiration. On July 10, in a repeat of the French Open final, the top seed ran into Karolina Muchova of Czechia.

High in the 300-level seats at IGA Stadium were a father and son, Derek and Michael Greniuk, 27, who were as proud as they were vocal about their countrywoman’s prowess in the first set (6-1).

Derek, a truck driver from Pierrefonds, in the West Island, arrived in Canada at the age of 4. Decades later, his Polish roots still grow strong.

It was Derek’s first time seeing Iga in person, though he’s been following her career since the very beginning. He decided to treat himself and his son to an evening with their queen for Michael’s birthday.

Derek Greniuk was born in Hrubieszów, a town in southeastern Poland with a population of around 20,000 people that sits a mere six kilometres from the Ukrainian border. When he spoke about his loved ones possibly being harm’s way as the war rages on, his words became hesitant and emotional.

Like Iga herself, Polish fans smile at the mention that the stadium and their idol have the same name. It’s a coincidence that suits them just fine.  

But they don’t always rely on chance to imagine their sovereign reigning over the world. Take, for instance, the subtle renaming of Paris’ mythical clay court stadium during their majesty’s quest for the Coupe Suzanne-Lenglen: Poland-Garros!