National Bank Open: Jiri Lehecka vs Alexander Blockx

Prediction markets put the probability at 68%: National Bank Open: Jiri Lehecka vs Alexander Blockx. Currently, markets are divided (68% YES, 32% NO).

What’s Happening

The Round of 32 at the **National Bank Open: Jiri Lehecka vs Alexander Blockx** is scheduled for 6 p.m. ET on Thursday, August 6, 2026, at the ATP Masters 1000 event in Montreal. Lehecka enters the match as the 11th seed after a strong clay-court campaign that included a quarterfinal run at the Monte Carlo Masters in April, where he defeated Alejandro Tabilo in three sets before falling to Alexander Bublik. Blockx, who came through qualifying at Monte Carlo, has also shown form on hard courts, reaching the third round at the 2026 Australian Open and defeating Francisco Cerúndolo at the Madrid Open in late April. The two players have not faced each other on the ATP Tour previously, making this a first career meeting with a spot in the Round of 16 on the line. [NYT, Aug 06]

The matchup carries significant ranking implications for both players. Lehecka, currently ranked inside the top 15, is looking to build on a season that included a semifinal appearance at the Madrid Open, where he beat Lorenzo Musetti in straight sets before exiting to Jannik Sinner. Blockx, a Belgian qualifier who has climbed steadily through the Challenger ranks, is seeking his first Masters 1000 third-round appearance after reaching the second round in Monte Carlo. The winner of the **National Bank Open: Jiri Lehecka vs Alexander Blockx** will face either Casper Ruud or Joao Fonseca in the next round, according to the official draw released by Tennis Majors. Lehecka’s experience in best-of-three-set Masters events gives him an edge, but Blockx’s aggressive baseline game has proven dangerous against higher-ranked opponents this year. [Tennis Majors, Jan 06]

Both players arrive in Montreal with recent match fitness, though their paths diverged in the lead-up. Lehecka played a tight three-setter against Alejandro Tabilo at Monte Carlo in April, showing resilience after dropping the opening set, while Blockx cruised past Flavio Cobolli in straight sets in the same tournament. More recently, at the Madrid Open, Lehecka dispatched Musetti 6-3, 6-3 before falling to Bublik, while Blockx edged Cerúndolo in a second-set tiebreak. The hard courts in Montreal are expected to favor Lehecka’s powerful serve and flat groundstrokes, but Blockx’s quick footwork and return game could keep the match competitive. The winner advances to the third round, with play continuing through the weekend at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers. [Perfect Tennis, Apr 29]

Traded on Polymarket — $79K Volume

Lower-volume market on Polymarket ($79K). Wider spreads expected — enter with limit orders and be aware of slippage risk. Currently 68c YES.