QUEBEC, August 22, 2017 (Press Release)
On Tuesday, Tennis Canada and the organizing committee of the National Bank Cup presented by IGA released the program of activities to mark the 25th anniversary of the tournament, which will be held from September 9 to 17 at the PEPS centre at Université Laval.
25 Aces to celebrate 25 years
If the National Bank Cup is celebrating 25 years, it is thanks to the dedication and support of several individuals. To recognize their commitment and contribution to the event’s success, the organizing committee has selected 25 Aces: tournament ambassadors who will come together during the various activities held as part of the National Bank Cup.
Kick-off in downtown Québec
At noon on Saturday, September 9, the National Bank Cup will kick-off in the heart of downtown Québec. The public will have the chance to watch friendly matches between players who will compete in the tournament and local personalities on a specially designed tennis court. The main draw will also be held as part of the event. Fans are invited to attend and be the first to know the first-round matchups.
Player party on the St. Lawrence
On Sunday, September 10, the players are invited to discover the city of Québec from a new perspective on a St. Lawrence River cruise. The media is invited to attend the red carpet event, which begins at 6 p.m., and the departure on board the Louis-Joliette at 7 p.m.
Opening evening devoted to the 25th anniversary
The main draw of the National Bank Cup presented by IGA will get underway on Monday, September 11. Before the evening session, an opening cocktail will be held to honour the sponsors and individuals who helped build the tournament. Just a few minutes before the night’s first match, a special ceremony to celebrate the tournament’s 25 years will be held on Centre Court.
“Not every tournament or event can boast about their 25th anniversary, so it was important to us to make this edition a memorable one by organizing different activities,” affirmed Jacques Hérisset, director of the National Bank Cup presented by IGA. “The aim of our program is to ensure that fans, builders and players all take part in celebrating our 25 years.”
Bianca Andreescu in the main draw
Tennis Canada has confirmed that homegrown talent Bianca Andreescu was awarded a wild card into the main draw of the tournament. At only 17 years old, the Canadian has already garnered much attention. On the heels of her quarterfinal run in Washington, she received the WTA Breakthrough of the Month Award for the month of July. She also became the youngest player in 29 years to win a match in the main draw of a WTA event. Andreescu will join Eugenie Bouchard and Françoise Abanda, whose world rankings earned them a spot in the main draw. All three will vie to become the first Canadian to take the top honours at the National Bank Cup presented by IGA.
