MONTREAL, May 11, 2017

Former professional tennis player Simon Larose will assume the role of Honourary President for the 22nd edition of the Granby National Bank Challenger which will be held from July 22-30, 2017.

The native Cap-de-la-Madeleine, Quebec has been an important figure in Canadian tennis and he has produced some memorable moments in his home province. The best player in the history of the Mauricie region, Larose was named Tennis Canada Player of the Year in 2003 and 2004. In 2003 at the Rogers Cup in Montreal, he played a hotly contested match against Andre Agassi after knocking our former World No. 1 Gustavo Kuerten in the opening round.  The following year, he reached a career-high ranking of no. 189 in the world. His performances on home soil gave him a place in the Rogers Cup Hall of Fame.

“The Granby Challenger has always been a favourite tour stop for the players, including myself,” Larose said. “With the hundreds of volunteers and a first rate organizing committee, the players are treated extremely well and are part of an important tournament. I am expecting another great event for our top Canadian players.” 

Even though Larose has hung up his racquet, he remains actively involved in tennis as a coach. He has been the traveling coach for Stéphanie Dubois, Rebecca Marino, and more recently Françoise Abanda. Today, Larose works for the women’s program at Tennis Canada’s National Training Centre in Montreal and also serves as a coach for the Canadian Fed Cup team.

After making 8 appearances at the Granby Challenger, Larose did not hesitate when asked to be the tournament’s Honourary President for 2017. With his outgoing personality and charisma, he has left his mark on the event and its fans. Larose joins the ranks of former Honourary Presidents in Granby like Réjean Genois, Martin Laurendeau, Isabelle Charest, Mario Brisebois, Geneviève Brouillette, and Bruny Surin.