GRANBY, February 16, 2022 (Tennis Canada Press Release)
Today, Tennis Canada announced an important transition in 2022 as the tournament in Granby becomes the National Bank Championships: a mixed event featuring a WTA 250 and an ATP Challenger. Moreover, National Bank has confirmed its commitment as title sponsor of the tournament until 2030.Presented from August 20 to 28, 2022, the Granby National Bank Championships join a select group of some thirty WTA 250 tournaments around the world, in cities such as Sydney, Lyon, Istanbul, Prague and Seoul. In addition to giving Canadian players a golden opportunity to compete on home soil and earn valuable ranking points, the tournament provides fans in and around Granby with the chance to see elite competitors in action.Formerly known as National Bank Cup and presented for over 26 years in Québec City before moving to the United States, the WTA 250 competition returns to Canada, ahead of the US Open.Granby a natural fit
Granby has hosted the international tournament formerly known as the Granby National Bank Challenger since 1995. The tournament’s longstanding success and the loyalty of local tennis fans made Granby the logical choice to welcome the WTA 250. QUOTESEugène Lapierre, Senior Vice President, Professional Tennis, Québec, Tennis Canada“We are very pleased to pursue our efforts with the town of Granby, National Bank and the organizing committee to expand this international event, which is already a favourite of players and fans alike. Tennis Canada is also thrilled to offer local fans one of the most competitive tennis tournaments in the country, second only to the National Bank Open presented by Rogers.”Leylah Annie Fernandez, World No. 19 in the WTA rankings and finalist at the 2019 Granby National Bank Challenger“This is great news for Granby and also for Canadian tennis, since it gives us an additional opportunity to play at home and have the support of the crowd. I loved playing in Granby, and I have some very nice memories. I always felt so welcome. It was certainly one of the Challenger tournaments with the largest crowds, and I’m sure fans will be present this summer.” Steve Simon, WTA Chairman and CEO“Visiting Canada is a popular stop on the WTA Tour thanks to the world-class events and passionate home fans, and the WTA is delighted to see the National Bank Championships added to our calendar. Being a combined tournament allows Canadian tennis fans to witness the best players in action on both the WTA and ATP Tours and allows our athletes further vital preparation ahead of the final Grand Slam of the season at the US Open.”Néjib Ranni, Regional Vice President, Eastern Townships, National Bank“I’m very pleased to see a tournament of this calibre coming to Granby this year. We’ve been passionate about tennis for 15 years at National Bank. I’m very proud to be working with Tennis Canada and the city of Granby to offer high quality tennis to fans, while giving athletes the chance to develop and reach new heights.” Richard Quirion, Tournament Director, National Bank Championships “We are very satisfied with the tournament’s place in the WTA and ATP Challenger calendars, since, for many players, the National Bank Championships can serve as preparation for the US Open. Our Canadian players will have the chance to compete at home and collect valuable ranking points, while the up-and-comers will benefit from a wonderful experience at a highly competitive event.” Alain Faucher, Chair, National Bank Championships Organizing Committee“This opportunity to organize a WTA 250 event is a wonderful sign of recognition and trust for our team, which is made up of hundreds of volunteers. Our event turns a spotlight on the town of Granby, which has supported us for 24 years. We are very pleased to be able to host an enhanced tournament for our fans and partners, who have been loyal to us from day one. After two years marked by the pandemic, we are ready to take up the challenge of organizing such an important tournament.” Julie Bourdon, Mayor of Granby“The town of Granby is very pleased that the tournament, which was first played in 1993, is gaining even more prominence and that tennis fans from across our region will benefit from this unique tennis experience. The event has always been an important part of our summer calendar, and we are very proud that it will further raise Granby’s profile in Canada and around the world.” About the WTA 250 tournament
In 2019, the WTA 250 tournament to which Tennis Canada has owned the rights since 2016 was leased for a three-year period to an American promoter. However, because of the pandemic, the contract could not be carried out, and Tennis Canada can now bring the tournament back to Canada. Formerly known as National Bank Cup, the event was presented for 26 years in Québec City. Inaugurated in 1993, the competition was initially organized by Tennis Canada and then handed over to a group of local businesspeople. In 2005, Jacques Tanguay took the reins until 2014, when Québécor became the owner of the tournament through its acquisition of the Remparts junior hockey team. The tournament was transferred back to Tennis Canada in 2016. In its 26 years, National Bank Cup crowned great champions, including Nathalie Tauziat, Lindsay Davenport, Jennifer Capriati and Maria Sharapova.
