QUEBEC, August 3, 2017
A few of the biggest stars in women’s tennis will be in Quebec for the 25th edition of the National Bank Cup presented by IGA. Tennis Canada announced Wednesday the list of players for the WTA International Series event which will be held at PEPS on the campus of Laval University and it includes three former top 15 players, including former world no. 5 Eugenie Bouchard.
Bouchard, who will be playing in Quebec for the second straight year, will try and become the first Canadian to capture the title. In 2014, she reached the semifinals, her best result in four appearances. The 23-year-old one WTA title to her name, Nurnberg in 2014, and has reached five other finals, including two last year.
“I am happy to be coming back to the National Bank Cup, especially since this will be my only chance to play in Quebec in 2017. I love playing in front of my fans because they always give me so much support. This year, I hope to go all the way and give them a good reason to cheer.”
Also on the list for the 2017 tournament are the 2013 and 2016 champions, Océanne Dodin of France and Czech Lucie Safarova. Last year, Dodin charmed the Quebec crowd thanks to her play and her personality. At 20 years of age, she is one of the WTA’s rising stars. She was ranked no. 132 in the world when she arrived in Quebec in 2016 and today, she sits at no. 55 on the WTA rankings. For her part, Safarova will be playing the National Bank Cup for the fifth time, but the first since she was crowned champion in 2013. The 2015 French Open finalist and former world no. 5, has enjoyed a lot of success in Quebec as she was also a finalist in 2009 and a semifinalist in 2010.
The event’s top seed is slated to be Timea Babos of Hungary. Currently ranked no. 42 in the world, she has won three WTA titles, including earlier this year at her home tournament in Budapest.
Abanda will also be in the main draw
In addition to Bouchard, Montreal’s Françoise Abanda has also earned direct entry into the main draw. The 20-year-old qualified for the main draw and reached the second round at both Roland-Garros and Wimbledon. More Canadians will be awarded wild cards in the coming weeks.
“It will be a special year since we will be celebrating the 25th anniversary of the tournament. The celebrations begin today with the announcement of an impressive player list – a good mix of young players and veterans who have left their mark on the tour,” said Jacques Hérisset, Tournament Director of the National Bank Cup. “The fans will have the chance to see some familiar faces and discover some new rising stars. We know that these incredible athletes will put on a great show.”
“The 25th anniversary of the National Bank Cup is an important milestone. Many partners have contributed to making the event in Quebec a success and National Bank is very proud to have been involved in the tournament from the beginning. Whether you’re a first time visitor, or you’ve been attending the tournament for years, I hope that, like us, that you will enjoy the show put on by these passionate players,” said Diane Déry, Vice-President, company sales and services, Central and Eastern Quebec, for National Bank.
The 32 player draw will be filled out by qualifiers, wild cards, and special exempt spots given by the WTA.
IGA becomes presenting sponsor of the National Bank Cup
Tennis Canda also announced Wednesday that IGA is the new presenting sponsor of the National Bank Cup.
“IGA is proud to be presenting sponsor of the National Bank Cup, an international sporting event. This partnership will help promote a healthy lifestyle like sports and nutrition, but also healthy competition which is what the 25th edition promises!”
