August 7, 2026
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STORY OF THE WEEK |
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2026 Bloomex Cup Results! |
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The Bloomex Cup wrapped in Ottawa last weekend. The 4-star National Qualifier had over 240 junior players competing in U12/U14/U16/U18 competition. After a couple of days of heavy rain in the beginning of the week, the players got down to business and played over 350 matches! Pictured above (left to right). U14 Boys singles Champion Kiyann Jabbour, Finalist Noah Gwosdy, third place finisher and Fair Play Award winner Benjamin Woo and fourth place finisher Finn Henry. For complete draws and results, click here. Thanks to title sponsor Bloomex, the Ottawa Tennis Club for for hosting the tournament, the Government of Ontario for hosting grant funding and to Rideau Sports Club and Tennis Club West Ottawa for stepping up to allow the tournament to move indoors during the rain! |
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HEADLINE STORIES |
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Get Your NBO Tickets andSave Using Your Club’s Promo Code! |
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Promo codes are valid until the end of the NBO! Save up to 50% on selected NBO Toronto tickets! The 2026 OTA NBO Promo Code Contest ended last week but the savings continue through the rest of the Tournament. Period 10 this week. Check with your member-club executive to find out your club’s promo code and unique Ticketmaster website landing page. Period 11 OTA NBO Promo Code Contest Results
Use your promo code on the NBO Ticketmaster website; call 416-665-9777 or 1-877-283-6647. For ticket info, email tickets@tenniscanada.com Not affiliated with an OTA Member Club but want to save on NBO Toronto tickets? No problem! Use promo code TO26OTA. |
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OTA Presidents Day at NBO |
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The OTA welcomed over 200 member-club Presidents and representatives to Presidents Day at the National Bank Open on Monday. The guests were treated to a breakfast, intros from OTA Board Chair Arthur Wolf, President and CEO Richard Mainella. Senior Manager of Membership & Club Services Andrew Chappell and Cameron Coulter from Tennis Canada gave a presentation on the World Tennis Number. Special guest speaker, NBO Tournament Karl Hale delighted guests with reminiscences of NBO’s past.
OTA North Central Region Chair Arun Persad presented a new award, the OTA President’s Service Recognition Award, to seven deserving OTA member club presidents (above). After the proceedings, the guests had tickets to the day session matches. Thanks to Tennis Canada for facilitating the tickets and to all the club representatives for their volunteerism at the grass roots level! |
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Rogers First Set Day at NBO! |
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It was Rogers First Set Day at the NBO in Toronto on August 4. The day started with a Rogers giveaway of 500 racquets to children in attendance at the morning NBO session. This was followed by Rogers and Tennis Canada hosting 75 kids from seven tennis clubs across Ontario that had hosted a Rogers First Set event. The kids participated in on-court activities on the Grandstand court. They also formed an on-court guard of honour for pro players to pass through on their way to their match. Two Rogers First Set participants who had previously been given a monthly Fair Play Award, were chosen to be on Centre Court for the pre-match coin toss. This was followed by a behind-the-scenes stadium tour and afternoon of watching tennis in an NBO suite. The kids also had a special guest at the suite; none other than the 2025 NBO Women’s Singles Champion, Burlington’s Vicky Mboko! A day the kids will never forget! For more information on Rogers First Set, click here. |
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Erin Routliffe Visits OTA Booth atNBO to Accept GSM Girls Thank-You! |
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Former OTA Junior star and 2025 US Open Women’s Doubles Champion Erin Routliffe, who won with Ottawa’s Gabriela Dabrowski, visited the OTA booth at the NBO on Wednesday to accept a thank-you card from the girls and young women who attended a recent Girls. Set. Match. (GSM) event at Sobeys Stadium. Erin had stopped by the event to meet the group and offer advice and inspiration, clearly leaving a strong impression. Erin, pictured above right, is shown with Ashley Spironello, GSM Coordinator for the OTA, above left. |
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Check Out the Latest Editionof ONTENNIS Magazine! |
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In this edition of ONTENNIS Magazine we take an in-depth look at the tennis scholarship scene with a story “The Courts or the Classroom” and our regular “By the Numbers” feature. There were almost 300 Canadians playing tennis for a US college or University team in the 2025/2026 season – more than ever! As well, we examine the state of indoor tennis, particularly domed structures in “There’s No Place Like Dome”. We have a historical perspective of the “cradle of Canadian tennis” – the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club, which is celebrating its 150th Anniversary this year. There are other Anniversary stories as well… Bowmanville TC, Scarborough Bluffs TC and Cambridge TC. Looking ahead for a winter tennis vacation? Check out our story “Tennis Anyone? Let’s Go to Club Med!” Lot’s of other great stories as well! Look for a printed copy of ONTENNIS at your club, pick it up at the OTA booth at the NBO or see the “flipbook Version online here! Enjoy! |
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Check Out “Court Side with Marley”on OTA Social Media! |
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The OTA’s summer marketing intern Marley launched a new social media miniseries on the OTA’s Facebook and Instagram platforms this summer. In this week’s segment, Marley lets you know what attractions are a “must-see” at this year’s National Bank Open presented by Rogers. From the OTA booth to the giant Merchant of Tennis tent, to the on-court events and activities (especially for kids!). Oh… and don’t forget, so many great matches! You’ll have a great time at one of Canada’s biggest sporting events! Follow Marley as the start of the NBO nears and the excitement builds! Join her journey, as she promotes all that the OTA does to continue to grow the sport in Ontario. Marley has exposed you to everything tennis in Ontario, including behind-the-scenes tours, OTA tournament and community outreach coverage, up-and-coming Ontario junior and pro players, contests, special events, and as mentioned, peeks into the preparation and running of the National Bank Open in Toronto. The countdown is on! Follow Court Side with Marley on Facebook and Instagram and get all the scoops! |
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Last Available SummerCoaching Course. Register Now!! |
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As we continue into the outdoor season, we’re excited to share two upcoming Coaching Certification opportunities taking place in Ontario. These courses are a great way to begin or continue your professional development, connect with fellow coaches, and advance your coaching pathway. It's not too late to register for the next installment of spring instructor level 1 course. For more information, please see below. Upcoming Certification Courses Premier Instructor August Course #1 Instructor Course Requirements: Please review the following requirements carefully before registering for an Instructor course:
Benefits of TPA/OTA Instructor Certification:
We encourage coaches to register early, as space is limited and demand is expected to be high. If you have questions regarding eligibility, prerequisites, or course details, please don’t hesitate to contact Andrew Chappell, achappell@tennisontario.com. |
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Tennis Canada SweepstakesContinue! Win a VIP Experience! |
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Congratulations to our Community Day winner! Jane W. Jane is headed to the 2027 National Bank Open in Toronto quarterfinals in the Chair's Lounge. The final chapter of the Tennis Canada Sweepstakes begins today, August 6. Six Grand Prizes! Six VIP trips around the world: Roland-Garros, Indian Wells, Cincinnati, Guadalajara. Rotterdam and Predator Ridge Resort in British Columbia!
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UNMATCHED: Gender Equity in SportsConference, Aug. 11 at Sobeys Stadium |
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Limited UNMATCHED 2026 Lounge tickets still Available! Get them before they are sold out! Canada is halfway to its 2035 gender equity commitment. Progress is visible. The question is whether we're moving fast enough. The next phase will not be defined by awareness. It will be defined by what gets built next and who builds it. The fifth edition of the UNMATCHED: Gender Equity in Sports Conference presented by National Bank on August 11 at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto will bring leaders across sport, business, government and community for an interactive experience focused on where progress stands and what it will take to move forward. CBC Sports Broadcaster Anastasia Bucsis will host the conference. The former long-track speed skater represented the Maple Leaf at two Olympic Games (Vancouver 2010 and Sochi 2014) and is a leading advocate for gender equity in sport in Canada. Two-time Olympian Cynthia Appiah will also be this year's conference rover to help engage the audience with our panels. She is a powerhouse in Canadian bobsledding, known for her strength, determination, and trailblazing spirit. UNMATCHED 2026 will be a participant-driven experience designed to spark connection, inspire collaboration and accelerate action toward a more equitable future in sport. Presentations include: 1. What’s Changed and What Hasn’t Canada is halfway to its 2035 commitment to gender equity in sport. So where do we actually stand? This opening conversation examines what’s changed since that commitment was made: policy, visibility, leadership, investment and where the progress has stalled. Because the next phase of equity in sport isn't about new promises. It's about delivering on the commitments already made. Objective: Create a clear, collective understanding of progress and gaps in the implementation of equity in sport in Canada, and surface the key levers that must evolve to accelerate impact toward 2035. 2. What We’re Not Seeing Across every stage of her career, a female athlete's relationship to her body changes in ways that sport systems aren’t designed to support. From training loads and injury patterns to hormonal variations and the postpartum return to sport, the gaps are specific, documented and largely unaddressed. This panel doesn't just name the problem: it brings together the science, lived experiences and inconvenient questions the sport system still isn't asking loudly enough. Objective: Examine how current sport science and training environments are evolving to better support female athletes, and identify what opportunities remain to strengthen performance, health and longevity. 3. What's Working Three perspectives, three examples of change already underway. Allyship and investment: What happens when leaders with influence and resources choose to put both behind women's sport? Designing for women: what changes when athletic spaces are designed around women athletes from the very first sketch? The athlete voice as a force for change: How are athletes using their platforms, communities, and social media presence to build momentum and shift culture from the outside in? This is the session where the room stops asking, "What should we do?" and starts asking, "How do we scale what’s already working?" Objective: Showcase practical models driving progress in sport equity, and help participants understand what makes them effective, sustainable and transferable. Move participants from awareness to possibility. 4. Leadership Conversation Equal prize money 2027: The journey, the milestone and what comes next A landmark conversation on one of the most significant milestones in Tennis Canada's history. How did we get here? What did it take? And what does equal prize money mean for the future of sport equity? 5. Closing Piece Confidence isn't something you discover.. It's something you build. Coach Carey brings UNMATCHED 2026 to a close by making sure no one leaves the room without taking the first step. To get your tickets to UNMATCHED 2026, click here. |
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Check Out the OTA Booth at the NBO! |
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Coming to the NBO in Toronto this year? If you are, be sure to visit the OTA booth on the tournament grounds. Learn about all things tennis in Ontario and get a free emoji sticker for the kids. Get a free virtual picture with some of the top players in this year’s tournament! Sign up for our newsletter, SPIN Weekly. We’re located near thew Merchant of Tennis store. See you there! |
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Welcome to the BurlingtonHall Tennis Academy |
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New Academy Brochure, Performance Program Try-Outs, and Scholarships! At Burlington Hall, we believe tennis is more than a sport, it is a lifelong journey that builds confidence, character, friendships, and a love of being active. Our Junior Pathway is built around three streams: Foundations, Club, and Performance. With programs for players ages 3–18, we offer opportunities for every level of player, from those looking to learn and play to those committed to performance training and competition. Our Performance Stream is designed for players who are committed to reaching their full potential in tennis through a structured, long-term development program. Please see below for our Performance Program Try-Out schedule and registration information. A limited number of scholarships are available for exceptional athletes to support families experiencing financial need. To inquire about the Academy or scholarship opportunities, please contact Craig Mercer, Director of Tennis at craig@burlingtonhall.ca. Click here for the Academy Brochure Burlington Hall Tennis Academy Performance Program Try-Outs Join us for a Performance Program Try-Out at Burlington Hall Tennis Academy! This is a great opportunity for players and families to meet our Director of Tennis and receive a recommendation on the performance program best suited to their current level and long-term development. There is no cost to participate. Schedule U7 Performance
U9 Performance
U10 Performance
U12–14 Performance, U14–18 Performance & Elite Performance
Can't make one of the scheduled try-out times? No problem! Simply contact Craig Mercer, our Director of Tennis at craig@burlingtonhall.ca, and he will be happy to arrange an alternative evaluation time that works with your schedule. Spots are limited. Register here to reserve your place. |
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Merchant of Tennis at the NBO Toronto! |
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Merchant of Tennis is back as the Official Retailer and Stringer of the National Bank Open Toronto! Visit their NBO retail tent to check out the latest top tennis gear, fashion and official NBO Toronto Merch. You'll also find photo ops, special events, and their Grand Slam-experienced stringing team! Don't miss out on the action! Use code TO26MERCHANT and save up to 25% off NBO Toronto tickets. Merchant of Tennis’ Oakville store is now open with limited hours and services as they continue restoring their full in-store product selection over the coming weeks. Check their website for store hours: www.merchantoftennis.com/oakville Keep track of upcoming deals and events: www.merchantoftennis.com/pages/newsletter Shop Gift Cards: www.merchantoftennis.com/collections/gift-cards MerchantOfTennis.com is open 24/7 with shipping and store pickup services available. Store hours and updated information: www.merchantoftennis.com/pages/contact-us |
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Not a member of an OTA Club?You Can Still Save on NBO Tickets! |
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Attention Public Tennis Players! If you’re not a member of an OTA club, you can still save up to 50% on National Bank Open presented by Rogers tickets, starting August 1st at Sobeys stadium in Toronto. Tennis Canada unveiled the player entry list for the 2026 National Bank Open presented by Rogers (NBO) in Toronto on Wednesday, with less than a month remaining until the tournament begins. The list features 72 of the WTA Tour’s Top 75 players, including world number one Aryna Sabalenka Coco Gauff, two-time NBO Singles Champion Jessica Pegula, Mira Andreeva and Canada’s own Leylah Annie Fernandez. Canadian and 2019 NBO and US Open singles champion Bianca Andreescu was also awarded a main-draw wild card, as was seven-time Grand Slam champion and 2014 NBO singles finalist Venus Williams. Scan the QR code in the image above or visit the Ticketmaster OTA promo code landing page here and save! Or, call 416-665-9777 or 1-877-283-6647, use the OTA promo code TO26OTA and save. For ticket info, email tickets@tenniscanada.com. See you at the tournament! |
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2026 OTA Tournament of Champions! |
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The OTA is introducing a fun tournament for our member clubs this fall: The 2026 Tournament of Champions team competition. Now your club has a chance to gain bragging rights as the best of the best in Ontario! When: Fall 2026 Club Eligibility: Your club must be a 2026 member of the OTA and use the either the free Tournament Planner software or free WTN Box Ladder software platform to run your club’s event. Timeline: Club events must be completed by September 30th. Is your club ready to win?! Clubs can get involved and qualify to enter a team by:
Click here for more details on the WTN Match Play software All club software is complimentary when running your club events. Benefits include:
Streamlined registration for box ladders and club tournaments through OTA software platforms. Make sure your club executives sign up to participate ASAP! |
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OTA Club and Regional News |
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ACE International Team Program@Smart VMC - September 2026 |
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ACE is launching a specialized "International Team" program for the 2026–2027 Academy year at our ACE SmartVMC location in Vaughan. Led by Doug Burke and Pierre Lamarche, it’s a highly selective, intensive training track tailored specifically for online-or home-schooled athletes looking to compete internationally. To keep the training quality incredibly high, we are limiting the group to just 8 elite players (ages 13 - 17).
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We Want Your Club and Regional News! |
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Tournaments - Community -Outreach -Courses |
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OTA Marketplace |
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Join Premier Racquet Clubs Markham This Fall & Winter! |
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Your Home for Tennis. Your Community for Life. Looking for a place to play, improve, and connect this season? Premier Racquet Clubs Markham is where players of every age and ability come together to enjoy outstanding tennis in a welcoming, community-focused environment. Membership Has Its Benefits! Become a PRC Markham member and enjoy:
Whether you're a beginner picking up a racquet for the first time or an experienced competitor looking to elevate your game, PRC Markham has a program designed for you. Programs for Every Age & Level Junior Programs
Adult Programs
Our experienced coaching team provides structured instruction that helps every player improve while enjoying the game in a positive and supportive atmosphere. Why Choose PRC Markham?
Clear player development pathway from beginner to competitive tennis Whether you're looking to improve your game, meet new playing partners, or simply stay active throughout the indoor season, Premier Racquet Clubs Markham is the place to be. 73 Wootten Way North, Markham, ON L3P 2Y5 Become a member today and discover why hundreds of players call PRC Markham their tennis home! |
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Airport Tennis Opens in October! |
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Airport Tennis, a brand-new public tennis club in Toronto's west end, will be opening in October. Located just south of Pearson Airport, two minutes from Renforth Drive and Hwy 401, the club will have nine new hard courts in a seasonal bubble. The club will have a full compliment of programming for all levels of players, expertly organized by The Supreme Court team:
Membership is now open, with 14-day advance booking and permanent court time available. We are building a club with a great community and social atmosphere! You should be part of it! |
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Silent Partner Sunshine Special Continues! |
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Up to 25% off All Silent Partner Machines! With over two decades of excellence, Silent Partner has been the go-to choice for tennis enthusiasts and professionals seeking the ultimate training partner. Known for its impressive ball speed, Silent Partner offers the perfect opportunity to refine your skills and up your game. Proudly Canadian! Visit www.sptennis.ca to learn more and place your order starting March 1st! |
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A Marketplace for Everything Tennis |
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