Tennis Canada exploring all options for National Bank Open events

MONTREAL — Tennis Canada is exploring every option, including a move to a U.S. venue, in its quest to hold the National Bank Open men’s and women’s tournaments this summer.

The WTA women’s event is scheduled for the National Tennis Centre at Jarry Park while the ATP Tour men’s event is scheduled for Toronto. Both events are scheduled for Aug. 7-15.

In a statement released Wednesday, Tennis Canada said it has held productive talks with all levels of government in Canada, as well as the ATP and WTA Tours, regarding their health guidelines. Tennis Canada said it hoped the improving vaccine situation in Canada will allow the events to be held as scheduled with at least some fans in attendance.

The major Canadian tournaments are critical because they provide 90 per cent of the revenue that Tennis Canada invests in the development of the sport.

“We remain confident there are still multiple options for our tournaments to be held in Montreal and Toronto this August, such as in broadcast-only or limitedfan models, both of which have already been planned for in detail,” said Eugène Lapierre, the tournament director for the Montreal event. “We continue to keep our key corporate partners, including National Bank and Rogers Communications, updated regarding the various scenarios and they remain supportive. Tennis Canada has also held preliminary conversations with the USTA to discuss what options might be available as an alternative in the United States. However, it is important to understand this would be considered only after we have exhausted our options in Canada.”

After the Canadian events were cancelled last summer, the Cincinnati men’s and women’s events the following week were moved to New York.