We’ve all heard the expression “it takes a village.” Canada’s achievements in tennis highlight the truth in that saying, as success in the sport has relied on a cohesive national effort starting at the grassroots level.
As the country has asserted itself in recent years as a powerhouse tennis nation—with wins in the Davis Cup and Billie Jean King Cup, a Grand Slam singles title by Bianca Andreescu (2019 US Open), and recent WTA Finals champions Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routliffe—it’s more crucial than ever to ensure the building blocks are in place to sustain future success.
That’s why Tennis Canada has prioritized a series of initiatives to ensure it not only maintains its staying power as a strong tennis nation but also secures a promising future for the years to come.
Year-Round Community Tennis Courts Program
The Year-Round Community Tennis Courts Program aims to make tennis accessible to all Canadians year-round, with a particular focus on increasing youth participation. This is one of several key initiatives shaping the future of tennis in Canada.
The program aims to build 160 year-round courts across up to 30 facilities by 2029. Prior to the program’s inception, Canada lagged behind other top tennis nations in providing year-round access to the sport, with only 750 publicly accessible covered courts nationwide. This translates to just one year-round court for every 50,000 people—a stark contrast to global competitors. Now, the program has garnered significant momentum, and an overwhelming 90% of Canadians agree that municipalities should collaborate with Tennis Canada on this crucial initiative.
Revitalization of Outdoor Community Courts
Along with a commitment to providing year-round courts, Tennis Canada is also on a mission to revitalize current outdoor courts. The “Play Your Court” program funds local communities across Canada to revitalize existing outdoor courts.
In partnership with National Bank and Tennis Canada, the program collaborates with municipalities to enhance accessibility to the sport for all Canadians. With an investment of $3 million, the program plans to transform over 100 outdoor courts by 2030.
Prioritizing Inclusion and Equity
Another key priority for Tennis Canada is advancing gender equity at all levels of the sport. In partnership with National Bank, the organization aims to become a global leader in this area. It’s a cause close to the heart of Canadian star Bianca Andreescu.
“I hope that through this work, we can inspire more women and girls to play tennis, lead a healthy lifestyle, and even pursue a future in the sport, whether on the court or off it,” said the 2019 US Open champion. Andreescu has committed to the funding campaign and will be matching donations up to $50,000.
There is also extensive support for wheelchair tennis players, helping them achieve success at major events such as the Paralympic Games, Parapan Am Games, World Team Cup, and more. Benefits include travel and training assistance, on-road coaching, training camps, court privileges, and access to sport specialists.
Read: Wheelchair update – Rob Shaw finishes as top-ranked Canadian
Tennis Canada has also invested in camps for youth from underserved communities, creating more pathways for young players to access the sport.
Looking to the future, lending financial support can not only solidify Canada’s position as a leading tennis nation but elevate it to even greater heights.
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