Last Updated on August 15, 2023

It was that time again! I was back at Sobey’s Stadium in Toronto to watch the Canadian ATP Masters 1000 tournament held in Toronto. The tournament is currently branded as the “National Bank Open presented by Rogers.” The matches are played in Toronto and Montreal simultaneously with the women’s and men’s events alternating between the two cities every year. As I walked the grounds taking in the sights and sounds, I realized there are many reasons to watch a tennis tournament in person vs on TV.

So, here are seven reasons to watch a tennis tournament In person.

You simply get more

Most tournaments allow patrons who hold tickets to the main events to walk in and watch matches taking place on the outside courts. This is especially true for earlier rounds of play when not all celebrity players can be accommodated on Center Court. While my ticket gave me access to see Andy Murray play Lorenzo Sonego and Alexander Zverev play Tallon Griekspoor, I got to sit in on a number of matches that include players such as Cameron Norrie, Mackenzie McDonald, Aslan Karatsev, Alex de Minaur, and others.  

See the quality of play up close

There are some advantages to watching a tennis match on TV. Slow-motion replays and close-up shots of players’ reactions are rarely shown on stadium screens. But, to get a real sense of the high quality of play, you must be close to the action. The serve speeds, heavy groundstrokes, volleys, and the intensity of the rallies are harder to capture on a TV screen. If you have ever doubted the power and quickness of some of the top tennis players, you should watch them in person.

Get a feel for players’ strategies

While all players hit flawless groundstrokes, the variations brought in by players such as Andy Murray, and Alex De Minaur make the matches more interesting. The strategy of breaking an opponent’s rhythm by playing loopy shots and unexpected slices is something best seen and felt courtside than on TV.

Learn from the pros

There is always something you can pick up from watching the professionals play. Whether it is a stroke technique, the timing of a drop, or a chip and charge, being there as it happens makes a difference. Practice courts are often set up to offer a great viewing experience for patrons as players train with their coaches and hitting partners.

Be part of the entertainment

Like any other professional sporting event, a live ATP or WTA tennis tournament is ultimately entertainment. The sponsors, music, food stalls, equipment, and apparel vendors are all part of the experience. And like most entertainment venues, you will find the food and beverage concessions overpriced. The $15 hot dogs and $12 beers at Sobey’s Stadium were a tad higher than I had expected them to be.

Take in the ambiance

Getting into the spirit of the match along with other fans while cheering your favourite players on can make you feel that you are part of the action. With the Canadian players exiting early, I felt myself cheering for the underdogs in each of the matches that I took in.

Be part of history

You never know how an evening may unfold. You may end up witnessing history. Last year, the match between Serena Williams and Belinda Bencic, which I watched, turned up being a serenade for Serena. The fans cheered her on despite her lackluster performance on the court. Having just announced her retirement plans, it would be the last professional tennis match that Serena would play in Canada. That match is now part of tennis history.

So, there you have it. These are just seven reasons to watch a tennis tournament In person.