Tennis: In Montreal and Toronto, the yellow ball takes center stage this week

After touring Europe in recent weeks, the yellow ball now crosses the Atlantic. At the end of spring, spectators enjoyed thrilling matches on the clay courts of Roland-Garros. On the Parisian clay, Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff were crowned king and queen of ochre.

A month later, the grass season took the spotlight. On Wimbledon’s lawns, Jannik Sinner took his revenge on the Spaniard, while Iga Swiatek crushed Amanda Anisimova with a rare double bagel (6-0, 6-0) in a Grand Slam final.

Now, all eyes turn to the last Major of the season: Flushing Meadows. To prepare for New York’s hard courts, the men are competing in Montreal, while the women battle in Toronto in preparatory tournaments. Here’s everything you need to know to bet smartly on Golden Vegas Sport.

Belgian David Goffin already eliminated

After the excitement of the Tour de France, which thrilled sports fans for three weeks, many experienced the infamous "Blue Monday" blues. To lift their spirits, attention shifted to Canada.

Unfortunately for Belgian fans, David Goffin was defeated by American Mackenzie McDonald (6-4, 6-4) around 7 p.m. Our compatriot has been going through a rough patch since late April. In Madrid, the Liège native suffered a foot injury, which forced him to miss both the Paris and London tournaments.

In Gstaad last week, he reached the second round by defeating Martin Landaluce (7‑6, 6‑3) before falling to Juan Manuel Cerúndolo. This latest loss on Monday puts him back into a period of doubt.

With favorites out, Is the path clear for Zverev?

Who will lift the trophy in the men’s draw? The field is wide open, as several top players have chosen to skip this event. Jannik Sinner, Carlos Alcaraz, Novak Djokovic, and Jack Draper have all withdrawn due to physical issues.

Sinner is dealing with an elbow injury, the Serbian has groin pain, while the Spaniard faces muscle problems. Draper is struggling with his left arm. Among the world’s top five players, only Alexander Zverev has chosen to compete.

He is therefore the favorite, much to the dismay of the organizers, who regret the reduced appeal of their tournament. "We will discuss this with the ATP," said Karl Hale, the tournament director, noting that the 12-day duration of the event raises questions.

"I simply think 12 days is longer, better for the tournament, for the fans, with more broadcasts… more young people watching and engaging with tennis. I believe it’s better for tennis in Canada."

To win, Zverev will need to avoid any surprises. Will the German make it through the first round against Adam Walton, ranked 84th in the ATP?

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends: July 29 at 5 p.m.

Eugenie Bouchard aims to leave her hometown on a high hote

On the women’s side, the spotlight is on Eugenie Bouchard. At 31, the 2014 Wimbledon finalist will hang up her racquet after this tournament, held in her hometown, making the moment even more emotional. She faces Emiliana Arango in the first round.

"I’ve received such incredible support—so many people have reached out, and I’ve seen so much positivity in the universe. This is a unique moment in my life, something I’ve never experienced before and never will again. I can’t wait to be there, and I want to savour every moment," she said.

But the biggest first-round match will take place on centre court with world No. 1 Coco Gauff. She will face Danielle Rose Collins in an all-American clash. Gauff is the favourite in the absence of Sabalenka.

Does she have the motivation to go for the win while her rival rests comfortably just weeks before the US Open?

"One of the reasons is that this is a WTA 1000, and it’s mandatory to play them. Honestly, it’s a great tournament, so I try not to miss any," she said. "I don’t know if the conditions suit my tennis. History says I usually don’t perform my best here. My best result is a quarterfinal, so I’d like to improve on that."

But first, she must get through the opening round.

*Odds are subject to change. Event ends: July 30 at 3 p.m.

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