QUÉBEC, May 18, 2016
Québecor and Tennis Canada announced Tuesday that the rights to the National Bank Cup are in the process of being transferred, with Québecor giving the property to Tennis Canada. The 24th edition of the National Bank Cup, a WTA International Series event, will be played from September 10-18, 2016 at PEPS on the campus of Laval University.
“It was important for Québecor to ensure that this important women’s international tournament be given to experts who are able to offer the best possible product to the fans. Tennis Canada is an organization with a very credible reputation and we are convinced that the National Bank Cup is in excellent hands,” said Myrainne Collin, Vice-President of Marketing and Client Experience for the sports and entertainment division at Québecor.
Thanks to this transaction, which should be finalized at the next WTA board meeting during Wimbledon, the tournament returns to its original owner since Tennis Canada staged the first event in 1993 with the help of other businessmen in the region. Jacques Tanguay took over the reins in 2005. In the fall of 2014, Québecor became owner of the National Bank Cup after their purchase of the Quebec Remparts.
“We are very happy to keep the tournament in Quebec, a city where tennis has always been popular, and the credit for that goes to Québecor,” said Kelly Murumets, President and C.E.O. at Tennis Canada. “The National Bank Cup is the third largest tournament in Canada which makes the event a crucial pillar for the growth of our sport.” The tournament has an excellent reputation on the WTA circuit and has been voted by the players “best tournament of its category” on eight different occasions.”
“We know that the organizing committee already in place in Quebec City has greatly contributed to the success of the tournament over the years. That’s why it was important for us to continue moving forward with this dynamic team in the forefront,” said Eugène Lapierre, Vice-President of professional tennis in Quebec. “We are anxious to work with the team in Quebec to ensure that the 24th edition is a success.”
Tennis Canada is committed to working with the organizing committee in Quebec that has grown the tournament into what it is today. Pierre-Luc Tessier will assume the role of Tournament Director for the National Bank Cup and will be seconded by his predecessor Jack Hérisset who chose to pass him the torch.
“This is very good news for tennis in Quebec to know that not only will Tennis Canada continue to be involved with the tournament, but also that their priority was to keep the tournament in the provincial capital,” said Pierre-Luc Tessier. “For our junior players, having a tournament like the National Bank Cup in Canada allows them to showcase their talent in front of their home crowd and to play against international calibre players.”
“This is excellent news for the future of the event which has been kept in Quebec by business people in the city. The tournament is also a source of pride for Quebecers because it hosts the best tennis players in the world,” said Jack Hérisset. “I would like to thank Québecor and Jacques Tanguay and welcome Tennis Canada into the fold.”
Eugenie Bouchard is coming to Quebec
Eugène Lapierre also confirmed that Eugenie Bouchard will play the National Bank Cup in 2016. The 22-year-old will make her return to the event after reaching the semifinals in 2013. The 2014 Wimbledon finalist will have the chance to play in her home province on two occasions this season, in Montreal at the Rogers Cup presented by National Bank followed by a visit to the provincial capital.
“I am excited to return to Quebec City for the National Bank Cup,” said Bouchard. “I have good memories from my last visit and the support I received for each of my matches. I hope I can go all the way this time.”
The tournament has yet to crown a Canadian champion, but some of the biggest names in women’s tennis have played in Quebec including Serena Williams, Venus Williams, Jennifer Capriati, Lindsay Davenport, Nathalie Tauziat, and Maria Sharapova.
National Bank, always present
“National Bank is proud to team with Tennis Canada once again and continue our collaboration with the organizers in Quebec to ensure the success of the tournament,” said Sophie Paquet, Investment Advisor and Vice-President of National Bank Financial.
Tickets are now on sale
The new tournament director has revised ticket prices, which will be more affordable for this year’s event. Fans who would like to purchase tickets for the 24th edition of the National Bank Cup can do so online at https://www.reservatech.net/, or by calling 1 866.653.6203. Tickets are also available in person at the PEPS box office on the campus of Laval University.
