An American tennis player took an unprompted swipe at Toronto as he spoke to fans following a runner-up performance at the National Bank Open in Montreal on Thursday night.
The National Bank Open is held every August in Toronto and Montreal but the two cities rotate as hosts of the men’s and the women’s fields.
This year the men were in Montreal and the women competed in Toronto.
“I am going to be honest I really enjoy it here in Montreal more than in Toronto,” Brandon Nakashima said during a post-match interview on the court at Montreal’s IGA Stadium. “I am not just saying that sitting here in the final today but even before this week I really enjoy my time here, thanks to all the people, it feels like home here so I really appreciate all of you guys.”
Nakashima’s comments were well received by the fans in Montreal who erupted in cheers and began singing “Ole, Ole” at the mention of Toronto.
After pausing for about 30 seconds while the fans continued to sing, Nakashima then took his criticism of Toronto one step further.
“Unfortunately, we will be back in Toronto next year. But I really look forward to coming back here in two years,” he said.
While Nakashima seemed to throw shade at Toronto, the ultimate champion of the National Bank Open - American tennis star Ben Shelton – didn’t share the sentiment.
Speaking to fans following Nakashima’s speech, Shelton said he was “not going to say anything bad about Toronto.”
“I love Toronto too. But Montreal just as much,” he said.
This year’s National Bank Open in Toronto set a new attendance record with a total of 215,872 fans packing Sobeys Stadium during the 12-day event.
