The weather provided to be less challenging than expected Monday in Toronto which allowed a full schedule of main draw matches to be completed along with the remaining batch of qualifiers as well. The forecast for the rest of the week looks pretty sporadic, so tournament organizers must have been relieved that opening day was a success.

A highlight today for many was the appearance of former world number one and six time Grand Slam champion Boris Becker of Germany. “Boom Boom” was in town to be inducted into the Rogers Cup Hall of Fame. Although he only competed in Canada three times during his illustrious career, he did win the title back in 1986. Becker played in an early evening exhibition match against Canada’s Daniel Nestor.
In his pre-match press conference, Becker spoke of the expectations for the match and in reference to his opponent Nestor he said, “hopefully you’ve briefed him that he’s gentle to me that I’m going to look good tonight.”

When I asked him if we should expect any diving volleys he replied, “No. I’ve done that in the 90’s. This century I haven’t done any diving volleys anymore.”

The match was a light-hearted affair that resulted in a 6-3 victory for Nestor. The Canadian doubles specialist made several rushes to the net, in an obvious attempt to fine-tune his net play for this tournament. Becker still had some pop on his first serves, but his movement was not nearly as quick as it once was and he only came to the net twice the entire set. Still, the crowd was happy to have him back and the tournament honored him with a Toronto Maple Leafs hockey jersey with the number 86 on the back to commemorate his successful title here.

In regular action there were no surprises today, with seeds Fernando Gonzalez, Richard Gasquet, Stan Wawrinka and Tommy Robredo all advancing to the second round. The highlight  match of the day for Canadian tennis fans, was the evening match between Frank Dancevic and Mario Ancic. Dancevic played near flawless tennis, and dispatched of the higher-ranked Croat in straight sets 6-4, 6-4. He displayed an all-court game and had several impressive volleys at the net. The crowd was loving it and the Rexall Centre was rocking for the first time this week. Dancevic has recorded some impressive wins over top opponents in the past year such as Andy Roddick and most recently David Nalbandian at Wimbledon. He will have his work cut out for him however tonight as he faces off against number three seed Novak Djokovic.

Doubles action provided some exciting action as well today with both Andy Roddick and Roger Federer delving into the draw  with their respective partners. You don’t often catch the top ranked singles guys playing doubles, but as this is the first hard court tournament of the year they are looking for all the preparation they can get. The fact that some of them are also entered in the doubles draw at the Olympics is adding a little incentive as well no doubt. Playing on court number one with limited seating, the bleachers were soon packed to the brim with several other fans trying their best to squeeze in around the outside of the court to catch a glimpse of the stars up close.

It was nice to see doubles receive such a favorable reaction from the spectators today. Part of the problem with doubles I believe is that many of the players are not as well known to the fans. Today clearly proved that if you get the stars of the tour involved, the fans will come watch without hesitation.

Photos by Rod Hanna!

[Show as slideshow]

Related posts:

1. Mondays With Bob Greene: Rafael Nadal Wins His First Grass-Court Title
2. Bill Mountford: Olympic Tennis - Citius, Altius, Fortius!