The 2025 National Bank Open in Montreal, a premier WTA 1000 event, brought together some of the brightest stars in women’s tennis, but for several players, the journey ended sooner than hoped. Among those exiting in the first round were Canada’s own Leylah Fernandez, American Caroline Dolehide, and Filipina history-maker Alexandra Eala, alongside other notable names like Ons Jabeur and Sloane Stephens. Despite their early departures, these players earned a share of the tournament’s substantial prize pool, which saw a significant increase from the previous year, reflecting the event’s growing prestige. Each player who fell in the opening round walked away with a respectable sum, offering a glimpse into the financial rewards even for early exits at this high-stakes competition.
For players like Fernandez, the first-round loss was a bitter pill, especially on home soil. The 22-year-old Canadian, fresh off a commanding victory at the Citi DC Open in Washington, where she clinched her fourth WTA title, faced a grueling schedule that left her visibly frustrated. “I received a lot of promises that I would play during Tuesday’s night session, giving me more time to recover,” Fernandez said, her disappointment evident after a swift 6-4, 6-1 defeat to Australia’s Maya Joint in just 75 minutes. Having arrived in Montreal in the early hours of Monday after her Washington triumph, Fernandez criticized the tight turnaround, noting the physical toll it took. Despite the setback, her first-round appearance at the Canadian Open earned her $12,770, a modest addition to her 2025 prize money total of over $1.09 million, bringing her career earnings to nearly $6.75 million.
Caroline Dolehide, a qualifier who fought her way into the main draw, also saw her Montreal campaign cut short. The American, known for her doubles prowess alongside partner Desirae Krawczyk, with whom she won the 2024 Canadian Open women’s doubles title, faced a tough first-round opponent in Anna Blinkova. Though Dolehide’s singles journey ended early, her participation in the main draw secured her $12,770, mirroring the payout for other first-round exits. This sum, while a fraction of her 2025 earnings, underscores the financial baseline provided by WTA 1000 events, even for players who don’t advance far. Dolehide’s season has been marked by steady performances, including a doubles title at the 2025 Citi DC Open with Taylor Townsend, where the pair earned $65,403 for their victory.
Alexandra Eala, the 20-year-old Filipina making her Canadian Open debut, added a historic note to the tournament. As the first player from the Philippines to compete in this prestigious event, Eala brought excitement but fell to a seasoned opponent in the first round. Her effort, though brief, earned her $12,770, a meaningful boost for a rising star still building her career. Eala’s participation highlighted her growing presence on the global stage, and the prize money provides a foundation for her continued development as she aims for deeper runs in future tournaments.
Other players who exited in the first round, including former world No. 3 Ons Jabeur and American veteran Sloane Stephens, also claimed $12,770 each. The Canadian Open’s 2025 prize pool, totaling $9,193,540, marked a nearly 44% increase in the champion’s payout compared to 2024, when Jessica Pegula earned $523,485 for her title defense. This year, the winner’s check soared to $752,275, with the runner-up set to collect $391,600 and semifinalists earning $206,100. Even those reaching the second round secured $19,705, showcasing the tournament’s commitment to rewarding players at every stage.
The early exits of Fernandez, Dolehide, Eala, and others didn’t diminish the electric atmosphere in Montreal, where top seeds like Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka powered through their opening matches. Gauff, the No. 1 seed, advanced past Danielle Collins in a thrilling three-setter, while Sabalenka continued her dominant 2025 season. For players like Fernandez, the disappointment of a first-round loss is tempered by the financial and competitive opportunities provided by events like the Canadian Open. As Fernandez reflected on her Washington triumph, she noted the importance of such moments for her team and family: “It’s been a long, long couple of years with a lot of ups and downs.” The $12,770 she and her peers earned in Montreal, while modest compared to their season totals, serves as a reminder of the sport’s rewards, even in defeat, as they regroup for the US Open and beyond.
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