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Luz and Matos Make Brazilian History as Siniakova and Zhang Win National Bank Open Doubles Titles

Orlando Luz and Rafael Matos became the first all-Brazilian team to win an ATP Masters 1000 doubles title, while Katerina Siniakova and Zhang Shuai secured the National Bank Open women’s doubles championship in Toronto.

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The 2026 National Bank Open crowned two very different doubles champions on its final day.

In Montreal, Orlando Luz and Rafael Matos produced a historic breakthrough for Brazilian tennis, recovering from a set down to defeat Marcelo Arévalo and Mate Pavić 5-7, 6-4, 10-6 in the men’s doubles final.

Several hundred kilometers away in Toronto, Katerina Siniakova and Zhang Shuai completed a more controlled championship performance, beating Sara Errani and Nicole Melichar-Martinez 6-3, 6-4 in the women’s doubles final.

The results completed the doubles programs at the 2026 National Bank Open and delivered two contrasting championship stories: one built around a first-of-its-kind Brazilian milestone, the other around the quality and experience of two established doubles specialists.

National Bank Open 2026 Doubles Finals at a Glance

EventChampionsRunners-upFinal Score
Men’s DoublesOrlando Luz / Rafael MatosMarcelo Arévalo / Mate Pavić5-7, 6-4, 10-6
Women’s DoublesKaterina Siniakova / Zhang ShuaiSara Errani / Nicole Melichar-Martinez6-3, 6-4

Luz and Matos Complete a Historic Brazilian Breakthrough

The men’s doubles final in Montreal carried a level of national significance that went well beyond the trophy itself.

Orlando Luz and Rafael Matos became the first all-Brazilian pairing to win an ATP Masters 1000 doubles title, defeating one of the most accomplished teams in the field in dramatic fashion.

The Brazilian pair lost the opening set 7-5 after a closely fought exchange of service games and late pressure from Arévalo and Pavić.

The response was immediate.

Luz and Matos broke early in the second set, protected that advantage, and forced the final into the match tiebreak with a 6-4 set.

Once the championship was reduced to 10 points, the Brazilians took control.

They raced to a 6-1 lead in the super tiebreak and managed the advantage from there, closing the match 10-6.

The victory delivered their biggest title together and another major landmark for Brazilian doubles tennis.

The Opening Set Belonged to Arévalo and Pavić

Arévalo and Pavić entered the final with the experience advantage.

The third seeds had already established themselves as one of the strongest doubles teams of the past two seasons and arrived in the championship match without dropping a set during the tournament.

The first set reflected that confidence.

Luz and Matos earned the first break of serve to move ahead 4-3, but Arévalo and Pavić broke back immediately.

At 5-5, the match tightened again.

The experienced pair then created pressure on the Brazilian serve and converted the decisive opening to take the set 7-5.

At that stage, the final appeared to be following the expected script.

It did not stay that way.

Brazilian Pair Change the Momentum in the Second Set

Luz and Matos started the second set aggressively and broke serve immediately.

That early advantage changed the shape of the contest.

Rather than chasing the scoreboard, the Brazilians were able to play from in front and force Arévalo and Pavić to take more risks on return.

The serving patterns improved, the first volley became cleaner, and the Brazilians protected their lead through the middle of the set.

Arévalo and Pavić kept the pressure alive at 5-4, but Luz and Matos served out the set and pushed the title into a deciding match tiebreak.

The Super Tiebreak Turns Into a Brazilian Sprint

The championship was effectively decided in the opening minutes of the tiebreak.

Luz and Matos surged to a 6-1 lead.

That margin gave them breathing room against a pair that normally thrives in tight, high-pressure situations.

Arévalo and Pavić recovered enough points to make the score respectable, but the early deficit was too large.

The Brazilians closed the tiebreak 10-6 and celebrated the biggest title of their partnership.

Why the Montreal Title Matters for Brazilian Tennis

The result carries historical significance.

Luz and Matos became the first entirely Brazilian team to win an ATP Masters 1000 doubles title.

They had already established themselves as a successful partnership, winning ATP 250 titles together in Santiago and Buenos Aires during 2026 and previously lifting the trophy in Bastad.

Montreal represents a different level.

Masters 1000 titles are among the most prestigious prizes available outside the Grand Slams and ATP Finals.

The win also came against opponents with enormous championship experience.

Pavić is a former world No. 1 and multiple Grand Slam champion, while Arévalo has also reached No. 1 in the ATP doubles rankings and won major titles.

For Luz and Matos to defeat that pair after losing the opening set makes the achievement even more significant.

Readers can follow more ATP coverage in The Sports Encounter’s tennis section.

Siniakova and Zhang Take Control in Toronto

The women’s doubles final unfolded very differently.

Katerina Siniakova and Zhang Shuai defeated Sara Errani and Nicole Melichar-Martinez 6-3, 6-4 in straight sets to claim the Toronto title.

The champions established control early and did not allow the final to develop into a prolonged tactical battle.

Siniakova’s elite doubles instincts combined naturally with Zhang’s experience and clean ball-striking, giving the top-seeded pair a balanced mix of baseline stability, net pressure and return quality.

Errani and Melichar-Martinez remained competitive, particularly in the second set, but the champions consistently found the stronger points in the most important moments.

Siniakova’s Doubles Instincts Set the Tone

Few active players understand doubles geometry better than Siniakova.

Her ability to read passing lanes, anticipate returns and close toward the net has made her one of the most accomplished doubles players of her generation.

That awareness was visible throughout the final.

Rather than relying only on power, Siniakova and Zhang consistently forced Errani and Melichar-Martinez into awkward court positions.

The first set moved quickly in their direction.

A 6-3 scoreline gave the champions early control and placed immediate pressure on the third seeds to change the rhythm.

Errani and Melichar-Martinez Push Back in the Second Set

The second set was more competitive.

Errani’s touch and ability to construct points around the net gave the challengers more opportunities, while Melichar-Martinez added greater pace from the baseline and return position.

Still, Siniakova and Zhang rarely looked rushed.

They protected the crucial service games and maintained enough pressure on return to secure the decisive break.

At 6-4, the championship was complete.

Zhang Adds Another Significant Doubles Title

Zhang has spent much of her career proving she can succeed across multiple formats.

Her doubles résumé includes Grand Slam success and deep runs across the biggest tournaments in the sport.

Toronto adds another important title to that record.

Playing alongside Siniakova also created a pairing with enormous combined experience.

Both players understand how to manage momentum, alter return positions and shift formations according to the opponent.

That versatility was a major reason they were able to keep the final under control.

Errani’s Doubles Legacy Remains Secure

For Sara Errani, reaching another major final extends a remarkable doubles career.

The Italian has won major championships, Olympic gold and multiple high-level titles across different partnerships.

Her ability to remain competitive in elite doubles deep into her career continues to separate her from most players of her generation.

Melichar-Martinez also brought extensive doubles experience to the final, helping the team reach the championship match in a deep WTA 1000 field.

The loss does not diminish their Toronto run.

Two Finals, Two Very Different Championship Stories

The 2026 National Bank Open doubles finals produced a useful reminder of how varied doubles tennis can be.

Montreal delivered drama.

The Brazilian champions lost the first set, changed the momentum and dominated the decisive match tiebreak.

Toronto delivered control.

Siniakova and Zhang took the first set, absorbed the resistance in the second and finished the match without allowing it to reach a deciding set.

Both championships required different skills.

Luz and Matos needed resilience.

Siniakova and Zhang needed precision.

National Bank Open 2026 Champions

CompetitionChampion(s)
Women’s SinglesIga Swiatek
Men’s DoublesOrlando Luz / Rafael Matos
Women’s DoublesKaterina Siniakova / Zhang Shuai
Men’s SinglesTo be decided

The women’s singles championship was also settled on the final day in Toronto, with Iga Swiatek defeating Elena Rybakina 6-2, 6-3.

The Sports Encounter covered that final in detail in our report on Swiatek’s Toronto championship and US Open momentum.

What the Doubles Titles Mean Heading Toward the US Open

The timing of both victories matters.

The US Open is approaching quickly, and hard-court form at Masters 1000 and WTA 1000 level often provides useful evidence before New York.

Luz and Matos leave Montreal with increased confidence that they can beat the strongest doubles teams under pressure.

Siniakova and Zhang leave Toronto having demonstrated a combination capable of handling elite opponents without requiring a deciding set.

Grand Slam doubles introduces different conditions, longer tournament schedules and changing court speeds.

The National Bank Open nevertheless provides an important benchmark.

Both championship teams passed it convincingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who won the 2026 National Bank Open men’s doubles title?

Orlando Luz and Rafael Matos won the men’s doubles title in Montreal by defeating Marcelo Arévalo and Mate Pavić 5-7, 6-4, 10-6.

Who won the 2026 National Bank Open women’s doubles title?

Katerina Siniakova and Zhang Shuai won the women’s doubles championship in Toronto, defeating Sara Errani and Nicole Melichar-Martinez 6-3, 6-4.

Did Luz and Matos make history in Montreal?

Yes. They became the first all-Brazilian team to win an ATP Masters 1000 doubles title.

Who did Luz and Matos beat in the final?

They defeated Marcelo Arévalo of El Salvador and Mate Pavić of Croatia.

What was the men’s doubles final score?

Luz and Matos won 5-7, 6-4, 10-6.

What was the women’s doubles final score?

Siniakova and Zhang defeated Errani and Melichar-Martinez 6-3, 6-4.

Where were the National Bank Open doubles finals played?

The men’s doubles final was played in Montreal, while the women’s doubles final was played in Toronto.

What comes next for the champions?

The North American hard-court season continues toward Cincinnati and the US Open, where both championship teams will look to carry their Canadian momentum into another major stretch of the season.

Canada Crowns Its Doubles Champions

The National Bank Open has now produced two doubles champions with very different stories attached to their trophies.

Luz and Matos leave Montreal with a breakthrough that will occupy a permanent place in Brazilian tennis history.

Siniakova and Zhang leave Toronto with another reminder of how difficult two elite doubles specialists can be to dislodge when they establish control early.

One final was won through recovery.

The other was won through authority.

Together, they provided a fitting conclusion to the doubles competition at one of the most important stops on the summer hard-court calendar.

Follow The Sports Encounter’s tennis coverage for continuing reports from the National Bank Open, Cincinnati Open and the road to the US Open.

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