Week of April 26, 2024

Juniors Qualify for BJK Cup

& U14 Boys Worlds’

Team Canada had some great success in Florida last week at qualifying for the U16 Billie Jean King Cup (BJKC), Davis Cup and U14 World Junior Team Competition.

The Girls BJKC team qualified for the finals as did the Boys U14 World Junior Team Competition team. Unfortunately, the Boys U16 Davis Cup team and the Girls U14 World Junior Team Competition squad fell just short.

Ontario was well represented by the following athletes, coaches and captains including:

Boys World Junior Team (U14)

• Players: Callum MacKinnon, Julien Mahdavi
• Coach: David Cysneiros

Junior BJKC (U16)

• Player: Nadia Lagaev
• Captain: Sharon Fichman

Junior Davis Cup (U16)

• Players: Felix Roussel, Quincy Yao

Photo courtesy of Victor Estrella/Tennis Canada
For a detailed wrap up of the tournaments, check out Tennis Canada’s story here.

The ITF World Junior Team Competition Finals will be held August 5-10 in Prostejov, Czech Republic. The Junior BJKC and Junior Davis Cup competition will be held in November at dates and site TBA.

Good Luck Team Canada!!!

2024 OTA Summer Camp Guide!

Check out the OTA’s 2024 Summer on-line Camp Guide. There are over 60 camp listings from OTA clubs and academies across Ontario. Camps range from intro to tennis options for beginners, right up to tournament training boot camps, with many offering full and/or half day options. Get your child enrolled in an OTA club camp or academy now, before they are sold out! To view the 2024 OTA Summer Camp Guide, click here. No login necessary.

OTA AGM Held Last Saturday

at Sobeys Stadium

The OTA held its 2023 AGM in person on April 20 at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto. The yearly gathering of the Association’s member clubs allowed for the presentation of the President’s report from NEW OTA President and CEO Richard Mainella (pictured below), the Chair of the Board report from Dianne Weatherby and the Vice-Chair of Finance & Administration report from Jeannette Loakman; all summarizing the 2023 operating year. It also presented member clubs with an opportunity to vote on the slate of officers for the 2023 year.

Over 50 member-club representatives and over 100 people attended this year’s meeting.

As well as the formal proceedings, club representatives were able to network with each other, enjoy a continental breakfast, meet key OTA sponsors in attendance, and were treated to lunch in the NEW Tennis Canada Premier Lounge in the stadium and play some tennis to end the day.

Thanks to all the club representatives a who attended the AGM, the attending sponsors and Tennis Canada for organizing use of the Premier Lounge! 

Photos: Jag Gundu and OTA

New Community Tennis League Schedule!

Register Now for Spring Session 1 The Ontario Tennis Association in partnership with Tennis Canada, is excited to be extending the CTL program this spring in the following municipalities:

• Kingston
• Bay of Quinte - Hastings
• Toronto East
• Toronto West
• Mississauga
• Niagara
• Oakville-Burlington
• Ottawa
• Markham-Richmond Hill
• Vaughan

Please find the schedule for the upcoming outdoor season below.

Community Tennis Leagues (CTL) helps to connect players so they can organize friendly matches with similarly skilled players in their community

How does it work?

• Register online and pay the registration fee ($20+tax)
• Players are organized into a group based on their level
• Contact info is sent to your group – players are responsible to arrange their match when and where works best for them (at your club, hub, or public court)
• Enter your scores online and win prizes*!

*Complete 4 matches, receive a $5 Tim Hortons gift card!
**For every match you play, you’ll be entered into a draw for a chance to win 2 tickets to the NBO!

Who can play?

• Anyone aged 18 years or older can play.
• For beginners looking to play their first match, or advanced players looking for new competition!

We have three divisions:

• Beginner (2.5 and below)
• Intermediate (3.0 and 3.5)
• Advanced (4.0 and above)

When does it start?

• Registration is OPEN and closes on April 29
• When registration closes, you will be placed in a group of 4-6, playing 4 or 5 matches over a month
• 2024 Spring Session 1 runs from May 1 – June 5
• Check out the Ontario Leagues webpage for updates on future sessions

Interested in learning more? Check out the website for more information or to register: https://www.communitytennisleagues.com/.

Premier Racquet Club

Wheelchair Classic Results

The Premier Racquet Club Wheelchair Classic wrapped up Monday at Premier’s Markham location. The prestigious, first-ever ITF Wheelchair tournament at the club delivered thrilling matches and highlighted the extraordinary skill and athleticism of wheelchair tennis players.

Monday’s finals were also highlighted by dignitaries on hand prior to the championship matches; Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti, Ward Counsellor Karen Rea, OTA President and CEO Richard Mainella and Olympic Gold Medalist and former world No. 1 Daniel Nestor.

The Premier Racquet Club, nestled in the heart of Markham, welcomed competitors, spectators, and tennis enthusiasts from around the world. With its state-of-the-art facilities and commitment to promoting inclusivity in sports, Premier provided an ideal setting for showcasing the talents of wheelchair tennis athletes.

Event Results:

• Men’s singles: Jose Pablo Gil [2] defeated [1] Conner Stroud 6-3, 6-4
• Men’s singles consolation: Marko Golic defeated [2] Se Youn Moon 6-2, 6-1
• Quad Men’s Singles Main Draw Winner Gary Luker
• Junior Singles Boys Main Draw Winner: John Chen
• Men’s Doubles Main Draw: [1] Jose Pablo Gil/Conner Stroud defeated [3] Jason Keatseangsilp/Francesc Tur by w.o.
• Women’s Singles Main Draw: [1] Maria Fernanda Alves defeated [4] Anne-Marie Dolinar 6-2, 6-2
• Women’s Doubles Main Draw: [2] Laura Goodkind/Martha Harris defeated [1] Maria Fernanda Alves/Valeria Valverde 6-1,6-4
• Women’s Singles Consolation: Frederique Berube Perron defeated [2] Dorcas Foluke Shodeinde 7-5 6-7(2),1-0(6)

The Wheelchair Classic served as a platform for both seasoned veterans and rising stars to compete at the highest level. Spectators witnessed exhilarating matches filled with intense rallies, strategic gameplay, and sheer determination as athletes vied for victory and coveted titles. "We are thrilled to have hosted the Premier Racquet Club Wheelchair Classic," said Andy Sutton, Director of Tennis at Premier Racquet Clubs Markham. "This tournament celebrated the incredible skill and resilience of wheelchair tennis players while fostering a sense of community and inclusivity within the sport of tennis. We look forward to welcoming participants back in 2025 for the second edition of this world-class event."

The tournament featured various competitive categories, including singles and doubles matches, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for all involved. Additionally, the event offered opportunities for fans to interact with players and immerse themselves in the excitement of wheelchair tennis. As part of its commitment to accessibility, the Premier Racquet Club ensured that participants could compete comfortably and enjoyably.

The tournament aimed to raise awareness of wheelchair tennis and promote inclusivity within the broader tennis community.

For more information about the Premier Racquet Club Wheelchair Classic, including registration details and event updates, please visit www.premierracquetclubs.com/ or contact Andy Sutton, asutton@premierracquetclubs.com.

Fair Play Award Recipient March 2024

– Tegh Judge!

The recipient of the March 2024 OTA Fair Play Award is Tegh Judge! Tegh is 8 years old and plays in the U10 Rising Stars Circuit. Tegh trains at Concord Tennis Academy under Tessa Shapovalov. Denis Shapovalov is his favourite tennis player.

Congratulations Tegh!!

The Fair Play Award is an OTA program that rewards one U9/U10 Circuit competitor per month for their exemplary conduct during tournaments.
Nominees are selected based off the following criteria:

• Outstanding sportsmanship during matches
• Calling out the score when serving
• Shaking your opponent’s hand after the match
• Maintaining your composure during matches: avoid emotional outbursts.
• Making accurate and fair line calls
• Ability to manage your scores (avoid scoring disputes)
• Avoiding code violations

Each month, a recipient will be awarded a Fair Play Certificate and a Cineplex gift card.

Only one individual is selected from the circuit in Ontario each month. (Includes GTA & Ottawa; U9 & U10; Boys & Girls).

ON SHOES @

MERCHANT OF TENNIS

On THE ROGER Clubhouse Pro and Advantage! Comfortable and stylish tennis shoes with influence from one of the greatest.

Check them out here: www.merchantoftennis.com/collections/on/footwear

MerchantOfTennis.com is open 24/7 with shipping and store pickup services available.
Store hours and updated information: www.merchantoftennis.com/pages/contact-us

Shop Gift Cards: www.merchantoftennis.com/collections/gift-cards/

Connect with Merchant of Tennis:
www.instagram.com/merchanttennis/
www.facebook.com/MerchantTennis/

$5K Ontario Open Doubles Championships

@ 10XTO

Sign up for the $5000 Ontario Open Doubles Championships being held at 10XTO at the iconic Hotel X Toronto, May 22 to 26!

Featuring Men’s and Women’s Doubles, both events promise to have very strong fields! Entries open on April 7th and draws are limited, so sign up early! Open to all players who have an active PTA license. Not currently a member? Click here to register as an OTA competitor.

Located in the heart of the Exhibition Grounds, nestled neatly at the bottom of the 30-storey Hotel X Toronto, 10XTO is an inspired athletic club offering an unmatched member experience. In a 90,000 sq. ft. architectural structure, encased in floor to ceiling glass, 10XTO was deliberately designed to bring the outside in, providing breathtaking views of downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario.

Special hotel rate for players and guests:

• Rate is discounted by 45% of Best Available Rate
• Rate is valid on stays fron May 22-26, 2024
• Free cancellation by 3pm, 1 day prior to arrival
• Booking here

With tennis, fitness, and squash at its core, 10XTO features four world-class indoor DecoTurf tennis courts with 50 ft. ceilings and unparalleled views of the surrounding city and lake, giving players the feeling of year-round outdoor play, without the elements.

For more information on 10XTO, click here.

Don’t miss out on the action, sign up here beginning April 7!

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact Eddy Nguyen at eddy.nguyen@10xto.com.

The Thornhill Club Offers Trial Membership in 2024!

The Thornhill Club Tennis Division is offering a trial membership* for the 2024 outdoor tennis season. You can join the 3-court har-tru surfaced facility for the summer season (May to October) for only $649 + HST, monthly capital fees, contributions to the Prize Fund 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 available for 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

Third Annual UTR/WTN Junior

Mixed Team Championships

A Junior DOUBLES UTR / WTN ranked event is coming to Sobeys Stadium on SATURDAY MAY 4! The Intercounty Tennis Association, Ontario Tennis Association and Tennis Canada have teamed up to present the third annual ICTA Junior Mixed Team Championships.

Learn how to register here!

1. All matches will be UTR / WTN verified with 3 divisions of play:
   Division A1:
   4 players (2 boys, 2 girls) combined UTR ranking average of 8.0+ per player.
2. Division A2:
   4 players (2 boys, 2 girls) combined UTR ranking average 6.5-8.0 per player.
3. Division A3:
   4 players (2 boys, 2 girls) combined UTR ranking average 5.0-6.5 per player.

Last year was a fantastic event, with 48 juniors competing and this year promises to be even bigger and better. Congratulations to last year’s Champions and Finalists.
Pictured above, (left to right): A1 Champions: Aidan Biss-Mantziounis, Isabella Marton, Annabelle Ganescu, Michael Gutkowski, (see more photos below).

How to Register a Team:

• Team Name (be creative): Names of 2 Boys and 2 Girls plus each player’s UTR rating.
• Team / Individual Registration: Contact Todd Orrett at: juniors@intercountytennis.com.
• Team Entry Fee: $160 HST (incl) which includes LUNCH.
• Team Registration Deadline: Sunday, April 28!!!

A2 Champions: (left to right) Polina Tulupkinova, Sophie Dement, Nicolas Burton, Nikita Tulupkinov.

A3 Champions: (left to right) Luca Ambrosi, Alexandra Galanova, Mithulan Nanthakumar, Monica Chiriac.

Special OTA 2024 NBO Ticket Offer!

Get your NBO Tickets for Toronto now, use the OTA promo code and save!

The OTA is pleased to offer tennis fans a special offer on tickets for the 2024 National Bank Open in Toronto and Montreal. 

In Toronto, save 50% on Platinum, Gold, Silver and Bronze tickets for Opening Day (Tuesday) and save 25% on Gold, Silver and Bronze tickets for Tuesday to Sunday evening sessions. Use promo code TO24OTA. To learn more and buy tickets for Toronto, click here. No discounts on Monday night finals.

OTA Club and Regional News

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

Invitation to the Friendship Cup -

Let the Games Begin! - NEW INFO

NEW INFORMATION!

On behalf of the Barbados Tennis Association, it is with great excitement and pleasure that we extend this special invitation to teams from your club to participate in the Barbados Friendship Cup; our upcoming Doubles Team Tennis Festival in the beautiful island of Barbados where sun, sand and tennis enthusiasts converge for an unforgettable experience

The festival has been meticulously planned to offer a unique tennis experience combined with a blend of social activities, ensuring an all-encompassing and enjoyable event for all participants.

The event will take place at our newly expanded tennis facility at the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex.

Event Overview

• Team Event Dates: Monday, October 7th to Friday, October 11th, 2024
• Location: The stunning island of Barbados

• Senior and Open Senior - Ladies over 35 & Men over 45
• Open - Any age group

Match Format

• 3 matches per tie - ladies doubles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles.
• Open Team Event: Men’s Doubles, Ladies Double’s & Mixed Doubles
• Senior Team Event: Men’s Over 45 Doubles, Women’s Over 35 Doubles & Mixed Doubles

Format of Play

• Round Robin
• All teams will be placed in a group to play a round robin format.
• Matches will be first to 9, no ad scoring with a 7-point tiebreaker at 8 all.
• The team that wins 2 or more matches wins the tie.
• In the event that there is a group tie, the number of games won and lost will determine the group standings.
• Teams may be required to play 2 matches (ties) in a day.
• The top team from each group will enter the knock-out phase of the competition, while the other teams in the groups will play a consolation knock-out tournament.
• Each team will play a minimum of three ties against other teams.

Times of Play

• Sunday, October 6, 2024: Sign-in and welcome reception, 6:00pm @ the National Tennis Centre.
• Round Robin Phase: Monday, October 7, 2024, beginning at 9am

Officials

• Tournament Administrator: Ms. Cherise Slocombe
• Contact info.: Tel.#: (246) 427-5300/1 (246) 233-8531 (WhatsApp)
• Email: Barbadostenniscup@gmail.com
• IG: @barbadostenniscup

Venue

• National Tennis Centre, Wildey, St. Michael
• Surface: Hard Court
• Entry Fees: US$ 150.00/BDS $300 per team, (min. 4 to 6 players)

ENTRY DEADLINE

• Saturday, August 31, 2024 @ 12 noon

Entries

• All entries must be submitted using the Google Form on the Instagram page @barbadostenniscup by the entry deadline. No telephone entries will be accepted. All entries must include a valid cell number to be used as the main contact number.

Rules

• The ITF Rules and Code of Contact applicable to the events will be in force.

Why Join Us?

1. Passion for Tennis: Experience the thrill of doubles match play against teams from across the Caribbean, Canada, and the USA.
2. Cultural Delights: Immerse yourself in the rich culture of Barbados through engaging social activities, delicious local cuisine, and the warmth of Bajan hospitality. Play in a breathtaking setting that combines the excitement of competition with the serenity of a Caribbean paradise.
3. International Networking: Connect with tennis enthusiasts from around the globe, fostering friendships and creating memories that extend beyond the courts.

20% off All Silent Partner Machines! 

Save 20% on ANY Silent Partner Machine during the Sunshine Swing and get a gift of court targets with your purchase!  

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 now! 

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.