Tennis Canada Press Release, August 6, 2020

Due to the exceptional situation caused by the crisis related to COVID-19, it is with regret that Tennis Canada announced on Thursday the cancellation of all its national and international tournament scheduled up until October 31.

Tennis Canada continues to closely monitor the coronavirus (COVID-19) situation and is in contact with Public Health Canada and the various national and international tennis organizations. Given the evolution of the crisis around the world, the recommendations from Public Health officials and the travel restrictions still in effect between certain countries, Tennis Canada deems it more prudent to cancel its tournaments to ensure the health and safety of all.

“The cancellation of these events is not ideal but the health and safety of the players, their teams, the fans and host communities in charge of these tournaments remains our top priority,” stated Hatem McDadi, Senior Vice-President of Tennis Development at Tennis Canada. “With this in mind, we are closely monitoring the international competitive landscape as we prepare for a return to safe competitive play nationally and internationally. We are also working with partners to explore options and opportunities to strengthen our domestic competitive structure in the short term to help ensure our players are able to compete on home soil as travel restrictions continue to ease.”

“Since the start of this crisis, more than four months ago, we have been forced to cancel close to 30 tournaments, affecting all categories of players. We also had to postpone the Rogers Cup presented by National Bank in Montreal and Toronto, which represented a great financial loss for the development of tennis in Canada,” stated Michael Downey, President and CEO at Tennis Canada. “We know that the situation is not any easier for our Provincial Tennis Associations, clubs, municipalities and partners on the ground. It goes without saying that this is a very difficult time for the entire tennis industry. However, we are committed to making decisions that favour a safe sporting environment. We are pleased to see that indoor and outdoor tennis courts are very busy across the country since the various provincial plans to reopen were implemented. We believe that our sport is one that can be practiced while respecting social distancing. A few provincial associations were also able to proceed with a gradual return of regional and provincial tournaments. These are important and encouraging steps which will lead us to an eventual return of more tournaments across Canada.”

Tennis Canada will continue to communicate any changes with all stakeholders.

List of cancelled tournaments (in addition to the tournaments cancelled as of May 8):

Junior International Tournaments

September 12-19 – Coupe LeBlanc – ITF World Tennis Tour J5 Quebec – Victoria Tennis Club, Quebec (QC)

September 19-25 – ITF World Tennis Tour J2 Montreal – IGA Stadium, Montreal (QC)

September 26-October 2 – ITF World Tennis Tour J5 Burnaby – Burnaby Tennis Club, Burnaby (BC)

October 3-10 – ITF World Tennis Tour J5 Victoria – Panorama Recreation Centre, Victoria (BC)

October 10-19 – Davis Trading Jr ITF Indoor Championships – ITF World Tennis Tour J4 North Vancouver – North Vancouver Recreation Centre, North Vancouver (BC)

October 26-November 1 – Advantage Tennis International – ITF World Tennis Tour J4 Woodbridge – Woodbridge (ON)

Professional Tournaments

October 19-25 – Saguenay National Bank Challenger – Women’s $60,000 ITF event – Club de tennis intérieur de Saguenay, Saguenay (QC)

October 26-November 1 – Tevlin Challenger – Women’s $60,000 ITF event – Aviva Centre, Toronto (ON)

Wheelchair Tennis Tournaments

October 29-November 1 – Birmingham National Wheelchair Tennis Championships – IGA Stadium, Montreal (QC)