STORY OF THE WEEK

Mboko Continues Winning

Ways in Guadeloupe!

Fresh off winning the singles and doubles crowns last week at the ITF W35 tournament in Martinique Vicky Mboko, (Burlington, above foreground) was a double winner again this week at the ITF W35 tournament in Guadeloupe. Vicky, seeded third, defeated the second-seeded American Clervie Ngounoue in the final for the second week in a row, this time by the score of 6-4, 6-0. She also partnered with Ngounoue (pictured below, second from right with Vicky) to win the doubles crown, defeating the American/Mexican duo of Jenna Dean and Amanda Elkin 6-3, 6-1. 

Congratulations Vicky! 

For complete tournament results, click here. 

HEADLINE STORIES

Yonex U14/U18 Junior

Indoor Selection #1 Results

The Yonex Junior Indoor Selection #1 U14 and U18 tournaments were played last week at Sobeys Stadium, ATI at Veneto and the Kingston Racquet Centre.. 

Below are the singles and doubles winners and finalists: 

For complete Boy’s U14 and Girl’s U18 results, click here. 

For complete Girl’s U14 results, click here. 

For complete Boy’s U18 results, click here. 

Athletic Mind and Body Webinar Invitation

Next Wednesday!!!

Hello Parents of Competitive Junior Tennis Players, 

The OTA is excited to invite you to a unique and enriching webinar designed specifically for the parents of competitive tennis players: Athletic Mind and Body. Featuring special guests Cecilia Chan and Robyn Honsberger from Honsberger Physio + and Rahul Gopal from Sapphire Studies, this event will provide valuable insights into optimizing both the physical and mental health of young athletes, helping them reach their highest potential, on and off the court. 

Date: Wednesday, January 29, 2025
Time: 7:00 – 8:30pm
Platform: Zoom 

Keynote Speakers: 

Who We Are 

Honsberger Physio+ is a team of sports rehabilitation professionals dedicated to helping athletes of all levels achieve their goals. Using advanced technology to track and prove the effectiveness of our programs in real-time, we specialize in preventing injuries and enhancing performance. Whether you're striving for success on the court or supporting your child in their athletic journey, we’re here to help you thrive. 

What Cecelia and Robyn will cover 

• Understanding What Your Tennis Stroke Says About Your Body Learn how movement patterns reveal insights into physical strengths, limitations, and potential injury risks. 
• Using Technology to Improve Tennis Performance Discover how data-driven tools and real-time feedback can enhance training and optimize performance. 
• Recognizing Performance Plateaus as Injury Indicators Understand why hitting a plateau in performance could signal underlying issues and how to address them.
• Navigating the Challenges of Being a Sport Parent Explore strategies to better support your child’s journey while maintaining a positive and encouraging environment. 

“Does your child dream about being in Wimbledon?” 

For so many young athletes, this dream feels both thrilling and daunting. As parents, you want to give them every possible chance to succeed—not just on the court but in life. Rahul Gopal, founder of Sapphire Studies, believes that success on the court starts with something far deeper than skill: it begins with mindset, resilience, and confidence. 

Rahul will also pose a thought-provoking question: 

“What if your child’s greatest strength isn’t their backhand, but their mindset?” 

In his talk, Rahul will delve into the core principles of mental and academic resilience that empower young athletes to perform at their best—both during high-pressure matches and in the classroom. Drawing on years of experience helping children unlock their full potential, Rahul will provide parents with actionable strategies to: 

• Build their child’s confidence to tackle challenges head-on. 
• Enhance focus and decision-making skills during pivotal moments on the court. 
• Foster resilience and perseverance, turning setbacks into opportunities for growth. 
• Support a healthy balance between academics and athletics, ensuring they excel in both areas. 
• Lay the foundation for lifelong habits that foster independence and success, regardless of the scoreboard. 

Through stories of triumph and real-world strategies, Rahul will inspire parents to look beyond the stats and scores and focus on what truly builds champions. He’ll share how Sapphire Studies helps young players sharpen their competitive edge while managing the demands of elite competition, all with a focus on holistic development. 

Parents will leave this session with practical tools to nurture their child’s dreams, foster unwavering self-belief, and help them navigate life’s challenges with confidence. This talk is for every parent who wants to empower their child to not only succeed in tennis but to thrive in every area of life. 

Why Attend? 

• Learn essential strategies for both physical and mental conditioning. 
• Discover how technology can assist in improving your child’s performance. 
• Gain insights into how to foster resilience, focus, and confidence in your child. 
• Ask questions and interact with experts who are dedicated to helping athletes thrive on the court and in life. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to learn how to empower your child and provide them with the tools they need to succeed in tennis and beyond. Whether they are just starting to compete or are on the verge of reaching the next level, the Athletic Mind and Body webinar will provide you with the guidance you need to support their journey. 

Register Today: Zoom link 

We look forward to having you join us for this informative and impactful session! 

Best regards, 

Kartik Vyas 

Manager, Player Development 

Ontario Tennis Association 

2025 TPA Tennis Symposium –

Feb. 19th, Sobeys Stadium

The 2025 Tennis Symposium will be held at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto on February 19th. This event is designed to bring together tennis professionals, enthusiasts, and innovators for a day focused on the future of tennis and its development. The symposium will feature expert speakers, including Andre Labelle as the confirmed keynote speaker, along with various other prominent figures from the tennis world. 

Keynote Speaker: Andre Labelle 

André Labelle: Head of National Junior Training Program, Tennis Canada (Montreal) 

André Labelle has been a prominent tennis coach in Canada for over 40 years. He began his coaching career in 1978, working at Nun’s Island Tennis Club in Montreal with renowned former Tennis Canada coach Louis Cayer. Between 1984 and 1994, André held many influential coaching positions in Quebec and Ontario. He was a Provincial Coach with Tennis Quebec in the QC U14 provincial training program between 1984 and 1986, where he coached players such as Sebastien Lareau, Sebastien Le Blanc and Greg Rusedski. Between 1986 and 1994 André was the Junior Boy’s National Coach at Tennis Canada’s National Training Centre in Toronto where he coached Daniel Nestor over four years between 15 -18 years old in partnership with All-Canadian Tennis Academy and Sebastien Lareau, Sebastien Le Blanc working along side personal coach Andre Lemaire. 

During this period, he also held various other roles, including the Manager of the Canadian Tennis Team at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, the Captain of the U18 ITF Sunshine Cup Team competition in Florida where he led Team Canada to the championship in 1989 and to the finals in 1990. In 1992, André was the Coach of the Men’s Canadian Tennis Team at the Barcelona Olympic Games. He was also a Davis Cup and Federation Cup (Now Billie Jean King Cup) Coach/Manager at some international ties. 

Between 1995 and 2005 André was an independent Professional Tennis Coach and consultant, while also co-founding, and acting as President, of the International Tennis Academy USA, in Delray Beach, Florida. Since 2005 André has held various positions within the Tennis Canada High Performance Department, including as a U12 national coach in Toronto, where he was the co-leader with Bob Brett, and as Head National Coach for U14 juniors at the Regional Training Centre in Montreal. He later became the Head National Coach at the Regional Training Centre in Toronto and is currently the Head of the National Junior Training Program in Montreal. During his period, was involved in the player development of a number of young players that included Felix Auger-Aliassime and Alexis Galarneau. 

André is probably best known for his pivotal role in the development of Canadian tennis star Bianca Andreescu, particularly during her formative years at Tennis Canada's National Training Centre. Labelle coached Andreescu, alongside Nathalie Tauziat, from when Bianca was 14 years old; a period where she honed her skills and began her serious ascent in tennis. His mentorship was an essential part of her transition from junior to professional tennis. Andreescu made significant strides in her career during their time together, which laid the groundwork for her eventual success on the WTA tour, including her historic 2019 US Open victory. 

Presenter: Katy Shulaeva 

Katy Shulaeva is a Senior Tennis Professional at the Toronto Lawn Tennis Club. She is a TPA Certified Coach 3 and TPA Coach 2 & 3 Course Facilitator. Katy is a Tennis Canada National Coach with the National Junior Training Program. She was also a High- Performance Coach at ACE Toronto Tennis City. Katy was a former Canadian Fed Cup (Billie Jean King Cup) member, a past Canadian National Junior Champion and reached a career high WTA singles ranking of 252 

Presenter: Honsberger Physiotherapy 

Honsberger Physiotherapy specializes in the rehabilitation and injury prevention of tennis players. Their expert physiotherapists offer personalized care to support injury recovery and improve mobility for better on-court performance. With a focus on quick recovery and injury prevention, Honsberger Physiotherapy plays a crucial role in keeping athletes healthy and at the top of their game. 

The 2025 Tennis Symposium is an incredible opportunity to network with and learn from leaders in the industry and experience the future of tennis through technology. 

The Symposium is a re-certification opportunity for current TPA coaches and is also open to the public. Preferred pricing for TPA pros. 

Don’t miss out - join us at Sobeys Stadium on February 19th, 2025! 

For more presenter information and to learn more about the event, click here.
To register for the event, click here.
To learn about 2025 TPA courses and events, click here. 

2025 Club Professional 2 Course Dates Set

The Ontario Tennis Association, in partnership with the Tennis Professionals Association, is excited to announce the launch of the 2025 Club Professional 2 course. CP2 course dates have been officially set for Ontario. 

The objective of the CP2 course is to develop coaches with the skills necessary to become solid, well-rounded club professionals capable of working in all areas of club operations, both on and off the court. 

• On-court focus: Coaches will continue to master CP1 methodologies with an increased emphasis on creating tactically realistic, high-volume environments that enable players to master basic decision-making and fundamentals. 
• Off-court focus: Coaches will gain an understanding of the business aspects of a club, including an introduction to administrative, financial, and budgeting skills necessary to plan, market, and deliver a full range of effective on- and off-court club programming. 

Requirements to apply for the CP2 course include: 

• CP1 certification. 
• Active Tennis Professionals Association (TPA) membership. 
• A minimum playing level of 5.0 NTRP. 
• Minimum age of 20 years.
• Two years of full-time experience at a year-round facility OR five years at a seasonal facility. 

Below and attached to this email, you will find four important links to guide you through the application process: 

1. Fact Sheet: Includes an overview and key details about the course. 
2. Information Guide: Provides comprehensive information on the CP2 course. 
3. Candidate Application: The required form to apply for the CP2 course. 
4. Commitment to Excellence Agreement: A required agreement for all applicants. 

To apply for the CP2 course in 2025, please complete the Candidate Application and Commitment to Excellence Agreement and submit them to the following contacts: 

OTA Representative: 

• Andrew Chappell: achappell@tennisontario.com 

TPA Representative: 

• Merhay Tesfa Endrias: mtesfa-endrias@tenniscanada.com 
• Alastair Millar: amillar_external@tenniscanada.com 

As a gold-standard tennis nation recognized by the International Tennis Federation (ITF), Tennis Canada in partnership with the Ontario Tennis Association are committed to fostering excellence in coaching and tennis development. The CP2 course offers a fantastic opportunity for coaches to advance their careers and contribute to the growth of tennis in Ontario. 

The application deadline is March 1, 2025, and spaces are limited in each province. Priority will be given to candidates with relevant experience and strong profiles. All applicants will receive confirmation upon submitting their applications. 

If you have any questions not covered in the Information Guide, please don’t hesitate to reach out. 

Volunteer at the 2025 NBO!

Volunteer applications for the 2025 National Bank Open in Montreal and Toronto are now open! To learn more and to submit your application, please visit our website: https://nationalbankopen.com/volunteers. 

Wheelchair Tennis Whole

Player Development Pathway Webinar

The TPA invites you to join us for the first in a series of webinars on the Wheelchair Tennis Whole Player Development Pathway (WTWPDP). This holistic pathway is designed to guide wheelchair tennis players of all ages and abilities, from their first time on the court to the highest levels of competition. All coaches, clubs, administrators, provincial association staff are welcome to attend. 

You will learn about: 

• The seven stages of player development 
• The five key entry points into the sport 
• The 5Cs of skill development 
• Upcoming webinar topics 

Date: January 16 at 12 p.m. EST 

Click here to register for the first webinar 

By attending, you will receive half a day of recertification credit towards your TPA membership and professional development. 

Subsequent webinars will take an in depth look at each stage. The next one is: 

February 20 at 12 p.m. EST: Stage 1 - Discovery 

Click here to register for the second webinar 

The Discovery stage of the WTWPDP aims to introduce wheelchair tennis to the public, particularly those with disabilities, and to foster awareness among parents, healthcare professionals, and educators. This stage helps individuals who have acquired disabilities discover new opportunities for physical activity and sport, easing their transition and promoting a healthier lifestyle. 

"Coaching Athletes with a Disability"

eLearning Module

In partnership with the Ontario Para Collective, the Coaches Association of Ontario is offering Ontario residents free access to the National Coaching Certification Program “Coaching Athletes with a Disability” eLearning module for FREE by signing up for a Code with the Coaches Association of Ontario. Ontario residents can access the training for free here until March 31st, 2025. Sign up now! 

ACE Partners with Honsberger Physio +

Honsberger Physio+ is proud to be the official ACE BODY COACH in partnership with ACE Tennis at SmartVMC Racquetsports in Vaughan Metropolitan Centre. This exclusive collaboration is designed to provide comprehensive support for tennis and pickleball players of all levels — from elite junior athletes to high-performance adults and weekend warriors. 

READ MORE 

Babolat Pure drive Gen11

at Merchant of Tennis

Power is yours with the Babolat Pure Drive Gen11 at Merchant of Tennis! 

The new generation of Pure Drive is here. Designed to fit the needs of every type of player in search of optimal feel and power. 

Available now. 

Shop Babolat Pure Drive: www.merchantoftennis.com/collections/babolat-pure-drive-tennis-racquets 

Merchant of Tennis’ Oakville location was recently impacted by a fire in an adjacent unit. They are now offering limited hours. Visit their website for the latest updates: 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
www.facebook.com/MerchantTennis 

The Thornhill Club Offers

Trial Membership in 2025!

The Thornhill Club Tennis Division is offering a trial membership* for the 2025 outdoor tennis season. You can join the 3-court Har-Tru surfaced facility for the summer season (May to October) for only $660 + HST, monthly capital fees, activity fee and contributions to clubs’ OTA membership dues. The club’s initiation fee is waived during the trial period. Members will have access to the club amenities including tennis, pool and dining for the trial period. Fitness and group exercise access is available for an additional fee. For more information and to join, contact Sports and Activities Manager Darryl Jinks at djinks@thornhillgcc.com. 

*not available to any past Thornhill Club member 

OTA Club and Regional News

Premier Racquet Clubs Charity Auction: 

A Resounding Success!

Premier Racquet Clubs is proud to announce the incredible success of our recent Charity Online Auction, which raised an impressive $3,500 for three deserving charities that support youth in our local communities. This initiative would not have been possible without the generosity of our club members and supporters who came together to make a meaningful impact. Supporting Youth Across Our Communities The funds raised have been allocated to three vital organizations dedicated to empowering and supporting youth: * 360kids (Markham): This essential youth shelter provides safety, resources, and guidance to young people facing homelessness and challenging life circumstances. Your contributions will help ensure that vulnerable youth in Markham receive the support they need. * Erin Mills Youth Centre (Mississauga): Focused on youth development, this organization offers programs and opportunities that empower young individuals to reach their full potential. Your donations will help create brighter futures for youth in Mississauga. 

* RESQ Youth International (Brampton): Dedicated to supporting at-risk youth, this charity provides resources and mentorship to help young people overcome obstacles and thrive. The funds raised will directly benefit the lives of Brampton’s at-risk youth.

A Community Effort
This success would not have been possible without the heartfelt contributions of our members. From donating auction items to placing bids, your enthusiasm and support reflect the strong sense of community that defines Premier Racquet Clubs.

Together, we have made a tangible difference in the lives of countless young people.

Looking Ahead
At Premier Racquet Clubs, our mission extends beyond the courts. We remain committed to fostering a culture of giving back and strengthening the ties that unite our communities. Stay tuned for more events and initiatives as we continue to make a positive impact together.

Thank you once again to everyone who participated in the Charity Online Auction. Your generosity has brought hope and opportunity to youth in need, and we are truly grateful for your support.

Together, we serve, inspire, and build stronger communities. Let’s keep the momentum going! 

We Want Your Club and regional News!

Is your club hosting a significant tournament or event, does it have an anniversary coming up, is there a volunteer or player who deserves recognition for their contributions? If so, we want to hear about it. Just send a photo and a short write up to us and we’ll feature it in SPIN in our OTA Club and Regional News section. To submit a story for consideration, just email pmalcomson@tennisontario.com. Tell us why you’re great! 

Tournaments - Community -

Outreach -Courses

Click the calendar above to see the live list of upcoming events

OTA Marketplace

Silent Partner Grand Slam Getaway Promo Jan. 11 to 26!

The Silent Partner Grand Slam Getaway promotion is starting on January 11, continuing until January 26! During this period, the Silent Partner Scoop Rival ball machine will be available at a special discount, and each purchase will include a gift with purchase. 

Promotion Highlights: 

• 20% off the Scoop Rival ball machine. 
• A free Head Pro Duffle Bag and a Head Gravity Team Racquet with ANY ball machine purchase during the promotional period. 

Additionally, purchases of any ball machine made between January 1st, 2025, and February 28th, 2025, will automatically enter the buyer into our tennis trip giveaway! 

More details can be found at www.sptennis.com. 

A Marketplace for Everything Tennis

 Whether you’re pro advertising your coaching services, a company wanting to reach the tennis enthusiast, a club looking for new members or you just want to sell some old wooden tennis racquets – you can reach over 15,000 tennis players in Ontario each week via our weekly newsletter SPIN, with an ad in the OTA Marketplace section. Listings and pictures are only $125 per week and all we need is a horizontal image like the one above (500 pixels deep X 800 pixels wide) and a couple of paragraphs. We’ll do the rest! Need creative help? We offer creative services at a reasonable cost. For more info, email pmalcomson@tennisontario.com. Include “OTA Marketplace" in the Subject line.