December 5, 2025
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STORY OF THE WEEK |
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Another Great Week for Cross in Italy! |
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Kayla Cross (London) continued her great play last week at the ITF W50 Ortisei tournament stop in northern Italy. Cross started out the weekend by winning the doubles with American partner Anna Rogers (pictured with Cross below), defeating an Italian pair in a close final, 7-6(4), 7-6(7). Cross (above, second left) also made it to the singles final, where she lost a close match to Spaniard Eva Guerrero Alvarez, (above, second right), 6-4, 6-4.
The results propelled Cross to her highest ever WTA World Singles ranking of 200 and her doubles ranking to 150, near her career-high of 137. Congratulations on a great week Kayla! For complete tournament results, click here. |
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HEADLINE STORIES |
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How does the OTA Serve?Competitive Player Support |
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Last week the OTA kicked off it’s “Together We Are Ontario Tennis” benefits campaign talking about how member clubs and academies can benefit from hosting an OTA-sanctioned tournament, while at the same time, giving back to the game and future generations of tennis players. Today’s benefit looks at the other side of the coin; how the OTA supports its competitive player base. Aside from the obvious - that the OTA oversees the competitive structure - it also supports competitive players in other ways. The OTA, in partnership with Tennis Canada, offer benefits to young players at the early stages of their development. The Rogers Rookie (U12-U18) and Rising Stars (U9-U10) circuits include participation gifts and prize packs including tennis apparel, Nike shoes via a monthly draw, and gift cards. The OTA also organizes fitness combines for young athletes, where they can be individually assessed and advised by Tennis Canada fitness experts. The latest combine had over 80 players. An important and prestigious benefit that the OTA offers is the naming of young athletes to Team Ontario. Each year approximately 100 of the province’s best junior players from the U12 to U18 age categories are named to Team Ontario based on their tournament results. These young athletes and their families sacrifice a lot in order to compete in the many tournaments the OTA offers. Qualifying for Team Ontario allows players to be eligible to play in the Indoor and/or Outdoor Nationals, run by Tennis Canada. Those players that qualify for the Nationals are provided with team coaches and supervision at the various tournament sites across the country. One of the main pillars of support is the OTA’s All Stars Support Program: the All Stars program supports Team Ontario players competing in the Florida Circuit events and ITF tours organized by their Academies. Financial subsidies are provided to All Stars program candidates. For players looking to transition to “PRO” or the college pathway, the OTA offers Open 1000 prize money events. These events draw the top open level players in the province, Canada and beyond providing a highly competitive environment for Ontario’s rising stars: top level juniors and college level players. In addition to gaining high level ranking points, successful players also earn prize money in these events. Of course, our member clubs also play a part in these benefits by providing first-touch opportunities for young players through club membership and summer camps. Players such as Vicky Mboko, Bianca Andreescu, Dennis Shapovalov, Gabriela Dabrowski and Milos Raonic all got their competitive start by playing at a local Ontario tennis club or academy! And look at them now! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, SPIN newsletter and www.tennisontario.com. |
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2025 Eastern CanadianU10 Team Championships |
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The Eastern Canadian U10 Team Championships presented by the OTA and Tennis Canada were held at Sobeys Stadium from November 26 to 30. 207 U10 players representing 47 teams played in boys and girls team divisions, using a compass draw format. After 5 days of intense team play, the championship rounds were played. In Girls U10 finals action, Team ACE Vicky Mboko (above back row) defeated Team Elsudonaam (above front row) five matches to none.
The Boys division final saw Team Premier Racquet Clubs (above back row) defeat Team Toronto Tennis Academy BS (above front row ) three matches to two. For complete U10 tournament results, click here. |
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Play the Game YOU Love…Anywhere! |
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For many players, especially for those that only play outdoor tennis, the weather over the past few weeks have forced people to put their racquets away and wait for the spring to arrive – 6 long months from now! Guess what? You don’t have to give up the dream of playing tennis in shorts or a skirt during our Canadian winter! Why not book a winter tennis vacation at a fantastic tennis resort in a tropical paradise instead? Go by yourself, with a loved one or family members, or maybe with a group of players from your club or league. Check out the OTA Travel website and look into getting away to work on your game in time for next spring and enjoy a little R & R at a beautiful beach resort as well! Let the OTA Travel experts set you up this winter, but hurry; many resorts are filling up for the season. Plan ahead so you won’t be disappointed! There are many vacation options accessible at www.otatravel.ca. This brand-new travel experience provides curated tennis vacations, vacations with tennis options, and all general travel offerings — including ocean and river cruises, all-inclusive resorts, European getaways, and guided tours — all powered by the travel expertise of The Travel Agent Next Door, Canada’s premier host agency with over 1,600 travel professionals and $500M in annual travel sales. Special Launch Offer To celebrate the launch of OTA Travel, members who sign up at www.OTAtravel.ca will receive four (4) x $50 travel vouchers that can be used toward future bookings — making it even easier to start planning your next match or adventure. Travel With a Purpose Every booking made through OTA Travel does more than provide a world-class experience — it also helps fund grassroots tennis initiatives across the province. A portion of every transaction goes directly back to OTA programming, meaning every trip helps grow the game of tennis in Ontario. About the Ontario Tennis Association The Ontario Tennis Association is the governing body of tennis in Ontario and the largest provincial tennis association in Canada. OTA is committed to growing the game, supporting athletes at all levels, and creating enriching opportunities for its members both on and off the court. About The Travel Agent Next Door The Travel Agent Next Door (TTAND) is Canada’s leading host travel agency network, supporting over 1,600 travel professionals nationwide. Backed by more than $500 million in annual travel sales, TTAND delivers unparalleled buying power, exclusive offers, and personalized service through its extensive advisor network. |
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Have You ConsideredGiving the Gift of Tennis? |
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Have You Considered Giving the Gift of Tennis? This holiday season, the Ontario Tennis Association - through the Ontario Tennis Foundation, a registered charity - invites you to give the gift of tennis. A tax-deductible donation helps support programs that grow and strengthen tennis across Ontario. It’s a meaningful way to make a real impact in communities across the province. Know a tennis enthusiast who’s impossible to shop for or insists they already have everything? Consider a gift made in their honour. It’s thoughtful, it supports a sport they love, and it helps ensure more people can enjoy tennis for years to come. Thank you for your generosity! About the Ontario Tennis Foundation The Ontario Tennis Foundation (OTF) is a national charitable foundation formed to improve lives and inspire personal growth through participation in the sport of tennis. The OTF’s mission is to ensure that every child, young person and adult in Ontario that wishes to, can have access to play tennis and derive the unique physical, mental and emotional benefits that the sport offers. The Foundation was established in 2025 by the Ontario Tennis Association (OTA), the Provincial Sport Organization for tennis in the province. The OTA is formally recognized by the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport. The 107-year-old Association has a long history of promoting tennis at the grass-roots level and believes in inclusion of any and all citizens of Ontario who wish to enjoy the benefits of the sport. The OTF will achieve its goals via three fundamental actions:
The OTF is a recognized Charity by the Canada Revenue Agency. Its charitable number is: #71782 4155 RR0001. |
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Tim Kemp Memorial Open 1000 Tournament |
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The Club at White Oaks, Niagara-on-the-Lake, December 27-31 The second annual $6.6K Tim Kemp Memorial Open 1000 Tournament is scheduled for December 27-31 at The Club at White Oaks in Niagara-on-the-Lake. Players will be vying for a share of the $6,600 purse in Women’s and Men’s single and doubles categories. The exciting tournament celebrates the legacy of the club’s very own Tim Kemp. The tournament, presented by the OTA and the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport, is the final stop of the 2025 Yonex Open. For more information and to enter, click here. |
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Introduction to OfficiatingClinics in Toronto/Ottawa |
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The OTA and Tennis Canada are offering three Introduction to Officiating clinics in the new year at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto and the AC Hotel in downtown Ottawa. They are open to anyone who has an interest in becoming a registered tennis official. Clinic #1 Location: Sobeys Stadium, 1 Shoreham Drive, North York, ON. M3N 3A7 Clinic #2 Location: Sobeys Stadium, 1 Shoreham Drive, North York, ON. M3N 3A7 Clinic #3 Location: AC Hotel, 201 Rideau Street, Ottawa, ON. K1N 5X8 To learn more about the OTA/Tennis Canada Officiating Certification programme, click here. To pre-register for any of the clinics, click here. Any questions? Contact: officiating@tenniscanada.com. Begin your journey to becoming a registered tennis official! |
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Join the PRC Online Charity Auction |
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Bid and help support Premier Racquet Clubs online charity auction to support community initiatives! Hello Friends of Premier Racquet Clubs, We’re excited to announce our upcoming Online Charity Auction, hosted on our official bid portal! This is a wonderful opportunity to support local tennis and pickleball communities — and win some great items or experiences along the way. Why You Should Participate
What to Expect
How it Works:
Thank you for your generosity, support, and for helping us grow our community through this fundraiser. Together, we can make a real impact. See you at the auction, The Premier Racquet Clubs Team |
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Newmarket CommunityTennis Club AGM Awards |
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The Newmarket Community Tennis Club recently hosted their AGM, which was well attended. As well as conducting the usual club business, the club Executive honoured outgoing President Lisa Fung (above, fourth left) with a special “Keith Davis Service Excellence Award”, acknowledging her incredible 16 years of service on their volunteer board. Lisa was truly instrumental in the development and growth of tennis at NCTC; including acquiring various provincial grants for club enhancements, hiring summer students and working closely with the Town of Newmarket in the design and opening of the new Keith Davis Tennis Centre in November 2024. Lisa was also awarded an OTA Bruce Childs award at the OTA North Central’s AGM the previous weekend. Lisa was also awarded a special ‘Town of Newmarket Community Service’ certificate from Mayor John Taylor (centre image below), recognizing her unwavering dedication and service to the Town of Newmarket and the Newmarket Community Tennis Club.
Also recognized at this year’s AGM was Andrea Gillison (above, right image with Lisa Fung), who is officially retiring from the volunteer NCTC Executive after 31 years of dedicated service. Andrea served in many capacities on the board over the years, most notably as Recording Secretary to many past club Presidents. Andrea has also been a past recipient of the OTA Bruce Childs award, for her incredible volunteer service and commitment to the Newmarket Community Tennis Club. Thank you, Lisa and Andrea!! |
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RHLTC Green Means Go at Sobeys! |
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Members from the Richmond Hill Lawn Tennis Club (above). enjoyed an evening at Sobeys Stadium attending the OTA’s Green Means Go program. Participants played in a doubles mixer. Yonex demo racquets were available to try and some giveaways were handed out. Special thanks to the Richmond Hill board for organizing the players. Green Means Go is an OTA program designed for 50+ players. For more information on Green Means Go, click here. |
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Green Means GoSummer Series Goes Indoors |
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For the past four years, the 'Green Means Go!' program at Unionville and Markham Tennis Clubs, organized and lead by Arun Prasad - Vice President Unionville Tennis Club and Regional Chair North Central – OTA, has been a wonderful tradition. Each summer, a lively mixed group of senior men and women from the two clubs came together to play on Mondays from June through September. This year was especially exciting, starting with friendly on-site coaching sessions sponsored by the OTA, as part of the Greens Means Go! program. Each week, over 30 friendly senior players enjoyed these engaging events, alternating between the two clubs. The players gathered for two hours of fun and tennis, with everything from tennis balls, T-shirts giveaways and refreshments, generously sponsored by the OTA under the Green Means Go! initiative. Some of the players are continuing the tradition indoors. Reported by Arun Prasad |
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Merchant of Tennis’2025 Holiday Gift Guide |
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Find the perfect gifts for the tennis players on your list at Merchant of Tennis! Let their experts help inspire you this holiday season. Shop their 2025 Gift Guide: www.merchantoftennis.com/pages/holiday-gift-guide Merchant of Tennis’ Oakville pop up service centre is now closed for the season. They look forward to seeing you in 2026 in their store. Visit their website for the latest information: 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 Connect with Merchant of Tennis: www.instagram.com/merchanttennis |
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RecycleBalls Canada Partnerswith OTA & Tennis Canada! |
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RecycleBalls Canada, the Ontario Tennis Association (OTA) and Tennis Canada are pleased to announce a new partnership which will strengthen ties between the organizations and ensure tennis is more sustainable in Ontario. It is estimated that Canadians use around 15 million tennis balls a year. Since tennis balls are made from materials such as rubber (C5H8), wool (C16H14R7O8), and nylon (C12H22N2O2), they are not biodegradable and don’t naturally break down over time. It is of our responsibility collective as organizations involved in the sport to take action to address this issue. By rethinking what happens to these balls after play, we can reduce greenhouse gas emissions, help protect the environment, and champion a more sustainable future for tennis. Managed by Tendev, a non-profit organization operated by volunteers and tennis lovers, RecycleBalls Canada has been in operation and providing a recycling solution for tennis balls since 2022. So far, more than 500,000 balls have been recycled in Canada. The program is proud to count on the support of Tennis Canada, for whom RecycleBalls Canada recycles balls at their headquarters in Toronto (Sobeys Stadium) and Montreal (IGA Stadium), which house their Regional and National Training Centres respectively. Tennis Canada also participates by recycling balls from ATP and WTA professional tournaments held throughout the country. In addition, these facilities serve as hubs to store the empty and full bins and coordinate the shipping within each province. The RecycleBalls Canada program is based on a collection program at clubs and municipalities’ level. The bins used have been specifically designed to attract the attention of players, be easy to handle and send back once full.
The collected balls are recycled to be used in different ways. For example, balls can be recycled and used as part of tennis court resurfacing, as was the case when Sobeys Stadium in Toronto was resurfaced in 2023. The partnership with the OTA and Tennis Canada will enable the RecycleBalls Canada program to be introduced to club managers and tennis players throughout Ontario. Through this partnership, RecycleBalls Canada hopes to be able to reach its global goal to recycle 1,000 000 balls a year by 2030. We encourage all clubs and academies to join the program and all players to contribute, by making sure to drop all their used balls in the RecycleBalls Canada bins. Together, we can all make a difference! More information on the program and on how to join it can be found at the following websites: Recycleballs Canada: https://recycleballs.ca/ Tendev: https://www.tendev.ca/en |
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OTA Club and Regional News |
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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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Tennispot Business Opportunity |
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A Marketplace for Everything Tennis |
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