Charlie McLean takes on technical director position

Charlie McLean is the new Tennis
Manitoba Technical Director

Tennis Manitoba is pleased to announce the appointment of Charlie McLean as Technical Director of tennis in our province. Charlie’s knowledge and experience will greatly support Tennis Manitoba's efforts to improve player development among competitive juniors aged 18 years and under.

Charlie’s extensive tennis background includes:

• Coach to players reaching ATP and WTA world rankings
• Tennis Canada Coach 3 – Level 3 certification
• Team Captain – Under 10 British Champions
• British Lawn Tennis Association Development Award – Level 3
• British Lawn Tennis Association Performance Coach – Level 3
• Tennis Alberta’s Coach of the Year – 2011
• Current Head Professional at World Health, Calgary
• Current High Performance Co-ordinator with Tennis Alberta.

The Tennis Manitoba Technical Director is currently a part time contract position with responsibility for creating long term player development plans and programs which involve Tennis Manitoba staff and Manitoba-based tennis coaches. Charlie starts December 14th with a series of player identification sessions in Winnipeg.

Kids team tennis leagues to start January

Kids tennis leagues will be starting up again this January at several locations throughout Winnipeg. The leagues are for children ages 12 years and under who are new to tennis. Participants can play right away due to the modified tennis format which uses slower balls, smaller courts, and right sized racquets.

Kids team tennis league details

• Tennis experience is not required
• Modified tennis equipment is provided
• Kids will be placed on a team with a coach
• League sessions also include practices
• Kids earn points for their team
• All participants receive a T-shirt and modified ball.

The Tennis Manitoba kids tennis leagues offer children the opportunity to develop their individual and team tennis skills in a fun, yet competitive atmosphere. For more information or to register, visit tennismanitoba.com/aces

First time champs at WWC Indoor Singles Open

Kylie Waschuk and Lisa Bayko meet in the Women's Open
finals at the 2012 WWC Indoor Singles Open.

The Winnipeg Winter Club saw several new champions crowned at the recent 2012 WWC Indoor Singles Open. Shane Nicholls secured his first Open Men's title by methodically marching through the draw without dropping a set in the process. Nicholls kept his composure in the championship final, outlasting the fiesty unseeded Mike Lodewyks in a hard hitting, back and forth battle.

Even the Men's 3.5 seeded players had difficulty making their way through to the semifinals in the draw. After the dust settled, unseeded Joe Cyr had sliced and diced his way to win the championship over fellow unseeded finalist, Gene Podliesecki.

However, the Men's 4.5 number one seed, Patrick Fu lived up to his top billing going into the event. Fu was able to take the title losing only 11 games in his 4 matches.

Kylie Waschuk continued her dominating local play, as she dropped only three games while cruising to defend her Women's Open title. The win for the 16 year old junior moved her up to a year ending second spot on the Rogers Rankings for females in the province.

In other women's events, Samantha Lee from Brandon was victorious in the Women's 4.5, and Shauna Filuk took the Women's 3.5 title. The tournament organizers acknowledged the largest turnout for the women's events in recent memory. We certainly hope this trend continues for future Tennis Manitoba Open Tour tournaments.

The 2012 WWC Doubles & Mixed Christmas Classic is the final tournament on the Tennis Manitoba schedule, and takes place at the Winnipeg Winter Club on December 15th - 20th. The online entry deadline is Tuesday, December 11th at 11:59pm. Don't miss out on your last opportunity to compete for doubles supremacy in Manitoba.

> Register today for the WWC Doubles & Mixed Christmas Classic

Winter Tennis Fun Day

Norwood Community Center in partnership with Tennis Manitoba and Manitoba Wheelchair Sport Association will be hosting a Kids Wheelchair Tennis Fun Day on Saturday December 15th. There will be activities and games followed by pizza and snacks!

To sign up please contact Brian Pound at (204) 231-3383 bripou@shaw.ca or Ryan at mwsa.proc@sportmanitba.ca 

This event is intended to be a casual precursor to the MWSA Multi Sport Jamboree and the Tennis Manitoba Youth Wheelchair Tennis Program both starting in the new year. So if you or anyone you know maybe interested in participating in this event please contact us for further information or click here.

Tennis Manitoba Player ID Camp

Tennis Manitoba will be running a Player ID Camp for juniors aged 10 and under. This camp is a Tennis Canada initiative aimed at kids who have tried tennis and who are keen to play more. The camp will be offered by top level tennis coaches in Manitoba and will be a fun experience for kids of all levels.

Along with the camp for the kids, there will also be a parents session to discuss the tennis programs in the province for those children that wish to become more involved in the sport.

For more details, visit tennismanitoba.com/aces

True North will begin refunding ticket deposits from ADVANTAGE Winnipeg campaign

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 19, 2012

True North will begin refunding ticket deposits from ADVANTAGE Winnipeg campaign

WINNIPEG, MB –True North Sports & Entertainment Ltd, along with Tennis Manitoba, learned today the city of Vancouver was chosen by Tennis Canada to host the 2013 Davis Cup tie between Canada and Spain.

Winnipeg’s own bid to host the Davis Cup was greatly enhanced by the response shown during a five-day ticket deposit drive from October 25-29. During that time, supporters for Winnipeg’s Davis Cup bid contributed 2,385 ticket deposits at $25 each.

“With the ticket deposits collected and tremendous support from the city, we felt very confident about Winnipeg’s bid to host the 2013 Davis Cup event,” said Bruce Waschuk, President of Tennis Manitoba. “Winnipeg can now consider itself a major destination for Tennis Canada when considering future events.”

True North will immediately begin refunding ticket deposits. Depending on the bank or credit provider, all refunds will be automatically processed in the next 3-5 business days.

“We are in no way discouraged by the decision of Tennis Canada—in fact the opposite,” said Kevin Donnelly, General Manager of MTS Centre. “The response from the public was key in creating a very strong case for Winnipeg. We now have a very open door and have enjoyed tremendous dialogue with Tennis Canada on the potential of future events.”

The President & CEO of Tennis Canada, Michael Downey, acknowledged the response to ADVANTAGE Winnipeg and the possibility of events to come. “It’s very notable that Winnipeg showed major support for an event that had not yet been awarded. That gesture goes to show Winnipeg is passionate about the sport and certainly capable of supporting a major tennis event in the future.”

Vancouver will host the top players from Canada and World number-one ranked Spain in the Davis Cup tie on February 1-3, 2013.

-30-

Please go to www.tennismanitoba.com to learn more. For media requests, please contact:

Scott Brown
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
True North Sports & Entertainment Ltd
(204) 926-5570
sbrown@winnipegjets.com

Nancy Chappell-Pollack
Coordinator
ADVANTAGE Winnipeg
(204) 997-6141
nancy@tennismanitoba.com

Sean Bailey earns OVC Scholar-Athlete award

Austin Peay Governors Tennis’ Sean Bailey earns Ohio Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete award

(Courtesy of TN Online, November 7, 2012

2012 Ohio Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete Award,
APSU’s Sean Bailey

Brentwood, TN – Austin Peay State University senior men’s tennis player Sean Bailey [from Winnipeg, Manitoba] has earned one of six prestigious Ohio Valley Conference Scholar-Athlete Awards for 2011-12, the conference office announced Wednesday.

Bailey is one of six selected recipients – three men and three women – determined by a vote of OVC Faculty Athletics Representatives.

Candidates must have performed athletically with distinction, earned at least a 3.25 GPA and conducted themselves in a manner which has brought credit to the student-athlete, his or her institution, intercollegiate athletics and the OVC. The award is based on academic and athletic criteria/accomplishments achieved during the 2011-12 school year.

“Sean is truly an exceptional young man,” said head coach Ross Brown. “He is a tremendous tennis player and student-athlete, as well as a tireless worker in all areas of his life.”

Joining Bailey as an OVC Scholar-Athlete for the 2011-12 school year were Eastern Illinois’ Stephanie Arnold (volleyball), Tennessee Tech’s Kellie Cook (basketball), Eastern Kentucky’s Patrick Ford (football), UT Martin’s Leah Taylor (softball) and Murray State’s Hunter York (golf).

Since the award’s inception in 1981-82, 20 Austin Peay athletes have earned a Scholar-Athlete award from the OVC. Bailey is the 13th male to be honored, and the first since Leonardo Locatelli for the 2009-10 year.

Bailey, the 2012 OVC Men’s Tennis Player of the Year and Austin Peay’s Most Outstanding Male Athlete, continues to collect accolades from what has been a stand-out career at Austin Peay. A second-team All-OVC selection as a freshman, Bailey’s junior campaign saw him post a 19-5 singles record, including a 7-0 OVC mark. He recorded a team-best 21 victories as a sophomore and went 20-6 in doubles play.

In the classroom, Bailey has a 3.94 grade-point average with a double major in corporate communication and French. A two-time OVC Commissioner’s Honor Roll honoree and CoSIDA Academic All-District selection, as well as a five-time member of the APSU President’s List and a six-time Dean’s List honoree, Bailey was Austin Peay’s 2012 Male Scholar-Athlete of the Year.

Off the court, Bailey has been an active member of the Student-Athlete Advisory Committee (SAAC), serving as both president and vice-president during his tenure with the group. He is also an active member of the Public Relations Society of America and the French Club. He has volunteered with the Wounded Warrior Benefit Dinner, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Food Drive, the Liberty Elementary Book Fair, Austin Peay’s Kid’s Day and Govs Give Back.

“In 18 years of coaching college tennis and being involved with exceptional student-athletes, Sean is one of the best I’ve been around,” Brown said. “Our program is fortunate to have him, and I’m lucky to get the opportunity to coach him for a year.”

Bailey and the rest of the Govs kick off the spring portion of the 2012-13 season, January 26th, at Samford.

Austin Peay Mens Tennis’ Sean Bailey.
(Courtesy: Austin Peay Sports Information)

Rogers Rookie Tour visits WWC

The Winnipeg Winter Club hosted a Rogers Rookie Tour this past Sunday, Nov. 4, 2012. 14 kids played in this fun event for new junior tennis players. The event was a great success.

The Rogers Rookie Tour is an entry level competitive program designed to provide the novice player with a fun competitive experience. It provides juniors 4+ an opportunity to play in competitions which guarantees multiple matches.

Tour Highlights

• Boys and girls aged 4+ eligible to participate.
• All events are non-elimination tournaments for new tennis youngsters with multiple opportunities to play regardless of result.
• Positive learning environment to develop and display tennis and sportsmanship skills while competing against a variety of opponents.
• Each participant receives a Gift Bag care of Rogers!

For more information about Rogers Rookie Tours and the next event, please visit tennismanitoba.com/aces

2012 WWC Indoor Singles Open

The Winnipeg Winter Club is once again hosting an indoor adult tennis tournament this November for those wishing to play singles events, with a doubles tournament scheduled later in December. Tournament registration is now available for men's and women's Open, 4.5 and 3.5 categories. There will be drop-down categories in each event, with the opening weekend filled with main draw and drop-down matches.

Participants will be allowed to play two singles events, but be prepared to play a lot of matches during the opening weekend. Please note that requests for time accommodations or restrictions can not be accommodated for matches scheduled on either Saturday and Sunday. Only online tournament entries will be accepted. (Sorry, no phone, fax, email, or text entries permitted.) Registration deadline is Tuesday, November 13th at 11:59 p.m.

The tournament committee is excited to have the King's Head Pub and Eatery, Domino’s Pizza, and Colony Insurance Agencies Ltd. as our Silver and Bronze sponsors for this Tennis Manitoba Open Tour sanctioned event.

Don't miss out on your chance to compete, as this is the last singles tournament on the 2012 Tennis Manitoba tournament schedule. Here is your opportunity to go for the title while playing on the exclusive indoor courts at the Winnipeg Winter Club. Enter online, challenge your singles game, socialize with your tennis friends, and support our sport!

WWC Tournament Committee

» WWC Indoor Singles Open online registration

Tennis Manitoba and TNSE encouraged by response to ADVANTAGE Winnipeg

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 30, 2012

Tennis Manitoba and TNSE encouraged by response to ADVANTAGE Winnipeg

Awaiting decision by Tennis Canada

WINNIPEG, MB –True North Sports & Entertainment Ltd, along with Tennis Manitoba, are pleased to announce the results of the ticket deposit campaign launched to support Winnipeg’s bid to host the 2013 Davis Cup. At the end of the five-day drive that ran through Ticketmaster from October 25 at 10 AM until October 29 at 10 PM, supporters for Winnipeg’s Davis Cup bid committed 2,385 ticket deposits at $25 each.

The total ticket deposits sold have helped strengthen Winnipeg’s bid to host the Davis Cup on February 1-3, 2013. A decision by Tennis Canada is expected sometime in the next 7-10 days.

“We have closed off the deposit campaign at 2,385 deposits, and will continue to lobby Tennis Canada in our efforts to secure the event,” said Kevin Donnelly, General Manager of MTS Centre. “We view the campaign as a success and continue to receive many inquiries from people wishing to place deposits. Our results from the campaign have sufficiently satisfied our belief that Winnipeg can successfully host a Davis Cup event.”

Winnipeg is competing with bids from Vancouver and Calgary to host the major tennis event. The winning bid will host the top players from host nation Canada and World number-one ranked Spain.

“Our goal through ADVANTAGE Winnipeg was to distinguish our bid to host the Davis Cup from the two competing cities,” said Bruce Waschuk, President of Tennis Manitoba. “The tremendous response through both ticket deposits and social media has proven there is significant tangible support for the event in Winnipeg.”

Information will be passed on as it’s made available about the winning bid to host the 2013 Davis Cup. With regards to ticket options or deposit refunds, True North asks for the patience of those who have made a ticket deposit as a response will be issued when possible.

To continue to show support, Tennis Manitoba urges Winnipeg to “like” our page on Facebook at facebook.com/WinnipegDavisCup, and also voice your support on Tennis Canada’s page at facebook.com/TennisCanada. You can also follow the ADVANTAGE Winnipeg campaign on twitter @WpgDavisCup for tennis news and the latest on Winnipeg’s hosting bid.

-30-

Please go to www.tennismanitoba.com to learn more. For media requests, please contact:

Scott Brown
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
True North Sports & Entertainment Ltd
(204) 926-5570
sbrown@winnipegjets.com

Nancy Chappell-Pollack
Coordinator
ADVANTAGE Winnipeg
(204) 997-6141
nancy@tennismanitoba.com

Tennis Manitoba Hosts Provincial Regroupings

Tennis Manitoba recently hosted Provincial Regroupings for 26 juniors in the U8, U10, and U12 categories. Each age group participated in a 2 hour training event at Taylor Tennis Club with several of Manitoba's coaches including Jared Connell, Robert Kennedy, and George Kylar. The event included on-court fitness, drills and training, and match play as well as a coach/parent information session.

Tennis Manitoba is looking to develop a Provincial Regrouping Program that will run on a consistent basis so it can monitor and aid in the progress of it's upcoming tennis players. In the past Tennis Canada has sent its U12 National Coach to these Provincial Regroupings to aid in offering Manitoba's juniors with everything they need to aspire to be the best players they can be.

For more questions or information, please contact Rob Langan at rob@tennismanitoba.com or at the office at 204-925-5660.

Fans show they want Davis Cup to be held in Winnipeg

(Winnipeg Free Press - ONLINE EDITION | By: Staff Writer, Posted: 10/30/2012)

Rafael Nadal.

Winnipeg may be 2,385 steps closer to hosting a Davis Cup tie than it was a week ago.

True North Sports & Entertainment received that many $25 deposits from sports fans hoping to see Milos Raonic and his Canadian teammates take on Rafael Nadal and his fellow Spaniards at the MTS Centre in the first week of February.

Winnipeg is in a three-way battle to host the three-day event - which is worth millions to the local economy - with Calgary and Vancouver.

Kevin Donnelly, senior vice-president at True North, said even though sales were below an admittedly aggressive goal of 5,101, he is encouraged by the response he has received from Tennis Canada.

The four-day blitz wrapped up Monday night at 10 p.m.

A decision on the successful bid is expected by the end of next week.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press online edition October 30, 2012

Please "LIKE" our bid to bring the Davis Cup to Winnipeg at facebook.com/WinnipegDavisCup

Tennis Manitoba looks to host Davis Cup tie by getting fans behind plan

(The Globe and Mail | The Canadian Press, October 25, 2012)

Canadian team members celebrate after Milos Raonic
(in white shirt) won his match over South Africa's
Izak van der Merwe in Davis Cup action at Stade Uniprix
tennis stadium at Jarry Park in Montreal, Sunday,
September 16, 2012 (The Canadian Press)

Tennis Manitoba is trying to get people to put their cash on the line as it bids to host Canada’s Davis Cup tennis tie against Spain in February.

The organization has teamed with True North Sports and Entertainment, which owns the MTS Centre, to ask for refundable $25 deposits on tickets to prove there is widespread interest.

Tennis Manitoba president Bruce Waschuk said of the three cities left in the running, Winnipeg is the best choice because it can offer the MTS Centre on the Feb. 1-3 dates.

“MTS Centre provides Winnipeg with an early advantage, as it’s the only city on the short list that can host the event in a full-sized arena,” said Waschuk.

He added that social media is also being used to drum up interest in the Advantage Winnipeg campaign. The other cities on the shortlist are Vancouver and Calgary.

The World Group tie could see Canada’s world No. 15-ranked Milos Raonic face off against Rafael Nadal. The fourth-ranked Spaniard hasn’t played in months due to a left knee injury.

Canada team captain Martin Laurendeau has said the choice of surface and venue are among the few advantages his side against the top-ranked Spaniards.

A Tennis Canada spokesperson said Thursday that the host city will likely be named by mid-November.

Canada is ranked No. 12 in the 16-team World Group and kept its spot in the competition’s elite group with a victory over South Africa last month.

Republished from the The Globe and Mail October 25, 2012

Please "LIKE" our bid to bring the Davis Cup to Winnipeg at facebook.com/WinnipegDavisCup

Tennis Manitoba launches ‘ADVANTAGE Winnipeg’ campaign to score Davis Cup

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 24, 2012

Tennis Manitoba launches ‘ADVANTAGE Winnipeg’ campaign to score Davis Cup

WINNIPEG, MB –True North Sports & Entertainment Ltd in conjunction with Tennis Manitoba are pleased to launch ADVANTAGE Winnipeg, a ticket sale deposit and social media campaign to support Winnipeg’s bid to host the Davis Cup tennis competition, February 1-3, 2013.

It is currently down to three Canadian cities who could act as host when Canada takes on World number-one ranked Spain during the Davis Cup. Possible participants in the elite tennis competition include Spain’s Rafael Nadal (currently ranked No. 4 by the ATP World Tour) and Canada’s Milos Raonic (currently ranked No. 15).

“Winnipeg is undoubtedly the best choice to host the Davis Cup in Canada,” says Bruce Waschuk, President of Tennis Manitoba. “Between our city, Vancouver and Calgary, we have the largest venue available to host the event. And more importantly, Winnipeg has a strong and passionate fan base that would leap at the opportunity to see world-class tennis.”

Spain is currently the leader in the Davis Cup rankings and is a tremendous draw for Canada this February.

“We would be part of an exclusive group of cities from around the world that have an opportunity to host the Davis Cup,” says Waschuk. “MTS Centre provides Winnipeg with an early advantage, as it’s the only city on the short list that can host the event in a full sized arena.”

In order to support Winnipeg’s bid for the 2013 Davis Cup, ADVANTAGE Winnipeg includes the Rally to 5101 campaign, which aims to secure enough seat deposits that could guarantee the greatest attendance for the event in Canada to date.. Rally to 5101 is a $25 deposit on tickets or a ticket package, which is 100% refundable if Winnipeg fails to secure its Davis Cup bid.

Ticket deposits can be made through Ticketmaster, either at www.ticketmaster.ca or by phone at 1-855-985-5000, beginning on Thursday, October 25 at 10 AM through until Monday, October 29 at 10 PM.

In order to show Tennis Canada that there is significant interest, Winnipeggers are also asked to “like” us on facebook.com/WinnipegDavisCup, and voice your support on Tennis Canada’s page at facebook.com/TennisCanada. You can also follow the ADVANTAGE Winnipeg campaign on twitter @WpgDavisCup for tennis news and the latest on Winnipeg’s hosting bid.

-30-

Please go to www.tennismanitoba.com to learn more. For media requests, please contact:

Scott Brown
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
True North Sports & Entertainment Ltd
(204) 926-5570
sbrown@winnipegjets.com
 

Nancy Chappell-Pollack
Coordinator
ADVANTAGE Winnipeg
(204) 997-6141
nancy@tennismanitoba.com

In Vancouver or Winnipeg

Milos Raonic tentera de mener le Canada à la victoire lors de la
confrontation contre l'Espagne en février 2013.
(PHOTO CHARLES WILLIAM PELLETIER/AGENCE QMI)

Le Journal de Montréal published the article 'À Vancouver ou Winnipeg' in reference to Tennis Canada's host city selection for the up-coming Canada vs. Spain Davis Cup tie to be played February 1-3, 2013. Although we believe it is still a three city race which also includes Calgary, we thought you might be interested in reading the article.

Note: We apologize to Le Journal de Montréal should the translation (via Google Translate) not be accurate.

-----------------------------

The cities of Vancouver and Winnipeg are the two cities most likely to host the next Davis Cup Canada.

The red and white will take on the powerful Spanish team in the first round of the World Group in early February 2013.

"There is nothing confirmed yet, but it looks more to these two cities, told QMI Agency Valérie Tétreault, Communications Coordinator at Tennis Canada, Monday. The host of this meeting should be chosen in November. "

Vancouver hosted the most recent confrontation World Group of the Davis Cup Canadian squad in February, against France. Nation tricolor was imposed 4-1 ground for British Columbian and eject the World Group Canada (note: the country has qualified again in September, thanks to a convincing victory over South Africa ).

In the case of Winnipeg, we must go back more than 40 years to see the city hosting a battle of the tennis team competition. Canada had been visited by the team of Caribbean / West Indies Federation in June 1970 and New Zealand, a week later, Winnipeg Canoe Club, on clay.

"Winnipeg really wants to host this event, continued Tétreault. [...] However, tennis is very popular in Vancouver and the players liked to play (against France). "

It must be said that all tickets for the duel against France had been sold, an element that ultimately should weigh heavily in the balance.

Montreal, not ruled out, but ...

If Montreal is still not ruled out of the race, there would be little chance that it receives the event. I must say that the fans have not moved as expected in the last match against South Africa, while the National Bank court at Uniprix Stadium was barely filled to half its capacity of just over 4,000 people.

"We must be careful since the lockout that has plagued NHL, we must not forget the lecture (note: as the Bell Centre in Montreal or the Air Canada Centre in Toronto), since it is unknown when the season resumes ".

In short, whatever the city designated by Tennis Canada, the Canadian team will be at his best to face Spain. Although the presence of Rafael Nadal (fourth) remains uncertain, the country of Cervantes nation can count on several players among the top players to take over the world, including David Ferrer (5th), Nicolas Almagro (12th), Fernando Verdasco ( 24th), Marcel Granollers (25th) and Feliciano Lopez (35th).

Milos Raonic Vasek Pospisil, Daniel Nestor and all other representatives unifoliate will not have much leeway high if they want to pitch this intractable Spain.

In Vancouver, Winnipeg or elsewhere.

Republished from the Le Journal de Montréal October 22, 2012

Please "LIKE" our bid to bring the Davis Cup to Winnipeg at facebook.com/WinnipegDavisCup

Tennis Canada eyeing Winnipeg for Davis Cup

(The Manitoban | By: Adam Peleshaty, Posted: October 8th, 2012)

After last month’s win against South Africa and advancing to the World Group for the second straight year, Canada’s Davis Cup team learned that they would be hosting Spain in the first round of the 2013 Davis Cup World Group from February 1-3. Spain is the reigning champions and will play for the 2012 title next month against the Czech Republic.

Tennis Canada has instituted a bidding process to determine the city to host the event. The opportunity to showcase up-and-coming Canadian tennis star Milos Raonic and (potentially) Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal will undoubtedly be coveted by many cities across Canada. Tennis Canada president and CEO Michael Downey told the Winnipeg Free Press that they are looking at a shortlist of a “half-dozen cities.”

And Winnipeg is one of them.

Tennis Manitoba has officially submitted their bid to Tennis Canada to host Canada’s Davis Cup tie at the MTS Centre and their Facebook page called “Davis Cup Winnipeg” has over 300 likes. Vancouver is looking to host again, as they did last year when Canada played France in Davis Cup play. However, there are factors that may give Winnipeg an advantage when Tennis Canada makes their decision next month.

One of the main factors is the availability of the MTS Centre at the time of the tie. Currently, no events are being held at the arena from January 20 to February 4, which is more than enough time to turn it into a tennis court as well as holding other events for fans and media in conjunction with the tie. Meanwhile, all of the other six NHL arenas are hosting hockey games and other arenas, such as Hamilton’s Copps Coliseum and Toronto’s Ricoh Coliseum, are also unavailable. UBC’s Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Arena, last year’s Davis Cup venue, however, is available.

Winnipeg’s location may also give an advantage to the Canadian team. The first round of the Davis Cup will be held the week after the Australian Open in Melbourne, meaning players will likely fly to Canada immediately after the tournament. Downey told the Free Press that despite the event being held indoors, no matter where it is held “there’s no doubt Winnipeg’s cold weather in February would be an advantage against our guests from Spain.”

The Davis Cup would be the most high-profile tennis event Winnipeg would ever host. With the exception of two exhibitions held at the Winnipeg Arena (Boris Becker vs. Kevin Curran in 1987 and Monica Seles vs. Anna Kournikova in 2002), the city has not seen elite level tennis for some time. The ITF Manshield Futures, a low-level professional tournament that Winnipeg hosted this August, was the first professional tennis tournament in the city since the 1999 Pan Am Games.

The popularity of tennis in Canada appears to be localized in Ontario, Quebec, and British Columbia and almost all of its elite players are from those provinces. With the sport growing in popularity across the country, Tennis Canada may be inclined to choose Winnipeg if it wants interest in tennis to grow not only in Manitoba, but also throughout the Prairies. If Canada wants to become a tennis nation, Tennis Canada must promote the sport nationally.

Every time a Canadian national sports team plays in Winnipeg, the event turns out to be a success. Whether it was the 1999 World Junior Hockey Championship, the 2007 World Women’s Hockey Championship, or the Pan Am Games, Winnipeg always has a penchant for hosting successful one-off sporting events. The return of the Jets has also proven that fans in this city have tremendous enthusiasm for the home team. Even if only the lower bowl of the MTS Centre were filled, there would still be more people in attendance than in Vancouver.

Winnipeg would be an ideal candidate to host a Davis Cup tie but it also needs to be shown that there would be enough fan support. Downey told the Vancouver Sun that social media would definitely help in trying to attract this event.

By the way, the “Bring Davis Cup Back to Vancouver” Facebook page has over 3,350 likes. Winnipeg, we have some work to do.

Republished from the The Manitoban October 8, 2012

Please "LIKE" our bid to bring the Davis Cup to Winnipeg at facebook.com/WinnipegDavisCup

Mark Arndt named Executive Director of Tennis Manitoba

Mark Arndt joins Tennis Manitoba as Executive Director.

Tennis Manitoba is excited to announce the hiring of Mark Arndt as the new Executive Director of the official governing body for the sport of tennis in Manitoba.

A resident in the Winnipeg area, Mark, with his wife and three children, have been strong supporters of tennis in Manitoba. Mark has achieved a top four ranking in Manitoba men's tennis, served as a club board member and teaching professional, and recently partnered to bring the ITF Pro Circuit to Winnipeg this past August. His athletic achievements have also been recognized as a Canada Summer Games medalist in soccer, drafted by Winnipeg Fury professional soccer team, and co-founder of the indoor Soccer Spectrum facility.

Mark's training in business administration, extensive experience with staff management, sales and marketing to schools, sports organizations, and businesses will help immensely in Tennis Manitoba's continued efforts to grow tennis participation among community groups, improve services to member clubs, and increase value with our various stakeholders.

As Executive Director of Tennis Manitoba, Mark will work with Tennis Canada, Sport Manitoba, other provincial tennis associations and the tennis community across Manitoba to grow and support tennis at all levels of the sport. He will assume his new role on October 15, 2012.

For more information on Tennis Manitoba, and the programs we offer, please call us at (204) 925-5660 or visit our web site at www.tennismanitoba.com.

2012 Manshield Tennis Futures tournament chair Mark Arndt (left),
with men's singles champion Reid Carleton, and tournament director
 George Kylar. (August 2012)

'Peg to host Davis Cup matches?

Tennis MB has placed bid to get opening round between Canada and Spain

(WINNIPEG SUN | By: JIM BENDER, Posted: MONDAY, OCTOBER 01, 2012)

Canada's Milos Raonic during the Thailand Open last week.
Tennis Manitoba has bid to host the first round of 2013 Davis Cup
matches pitting Spain against Raonic and the Canadian team.
(Pornchai Kittiwongsakul/AFP)

How would you 'LIKE' to see top-notch tennis in your own backyard?

Tennis Manitoba has bid to host the opening round of the 2013 Davis Cup against Spain, the top-ranked team in the world, this February.

"Tennis fans in the 'Peg would be downright giddy with the prospects of witnessing Milos "Maple Leaf Missile" Raonic launch his massive serves at the likes of Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer," the Tennis Manitoba website says. "Or watching the greatest doubles player ever, Daniel Nestor, and the young Vasek Pospisil battle Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez on lightning-quick hard courts."

To show your support, vote "LIKE" on Tennis Manitoba's Winnipeg Davis Cup event page on Facebook at facebook.com/WinnipegDavisCup (there's no "LOVE" link).

Canada was granted the tennis tie in the first round of the World Group, to be played Feb. 1-3, 2013 and the site was put up for bid.

There has been some suggestion that Winnipeg's frigid winter would be to Canada's advantage over Spain, the defending champs, even if the matches will be played indoors, likely the MTS Centre.

Republished from the Winnipeg Sun October 1, 2012

Please "LIKE" our bid to bring the Davis Cup to Winnipeg at facebook.com/WinnipegDavisCup

Nadal to play in 'Peg?

MTS Centre could host Davis Cup tie

(Winnipeg Free Press - PRINT EDITION | By: Geoff Kirbyson, Posted: 09/26/2012)

Spain's Rafael Nadal is recovering from a leg
 injury but is hoping to return soon.
(MICHEL EULER / THE ASSOCIATED PRESS)

One of the best tennis players in history could be wearing his country's colours at the MTS Centre in a few months if the stars align for Bruce Waschuk.

The president of Tennis Manitoba is putting a full-court press on Tennis Canada to host its Davis Cup tie against Spain next February in Winnipeg.

"We've been slowly doing international tennis in Winnipeg for the last three years," Waschuk said, referring to a trio of International Tennis Federation junior tournaments and a "futures" event last month at Sargent Park Tennis Club. "This is the next logical step."

Winnipeg is most definitely on the short list of potential hosts, according to Tennis Canada president and CEO, Michael Downey.

"We're looking at half-dozen cities. We're going through the criteria we need. We want to win the tie. Where do our players want to play? There's no doubt Winnipeg's cold weather in February would be an advantage against our guests from Spain," he said.

Canada has qualified in the Davis Cup's top 16 countries for the second year in a row. The reward is playing the top-ranked Spaniards.

Spain's undisputed leader is Rafael Nadal, currently the No. 4 player in the world and holder of 11 Grand Slam titles, including seven at the French Open. He has been out for several months with a leg injury but it's hoped he'll be back shortly.

Even though Winnipeg has no history hosting tennis events of this magnitude, the city's over-the-top support of the Jets last season will definitely help the pitch, Downey said.

"We want to know we're going to a marketplace that has great tennis fans and a great sporting history. The fact Winnipeg came back to the NHL last year and did so well is important. Winnipeg was the place to be last year. Even though we're a different sport, it says something about the fans," he said.

True North Sports & Entertainment is looking to put as many non-hockey events in the MTS Centre as possible, provided they're appropriate for the market. Regardless of what happens with the NHL lockout, the building is open for the necessary dates, Feb. 1-3, and for the week beforehand (when players from both countries would need to practice.)

There have been very few professional tennis events in Winnipeg over the years.

In 1987, Boris Becker took on Kevin Curren in an exhibition match (with an undercard featuring Vitas Gerulaitis and Canada's top-ranked player at the time, Andrew Sznajder) and ten years ago, Monica Seles played Anna Kournikova.

Both exhibitions were held at the Winnipeg Arena.

Republished from the Winnipeg Free Press print edition September 26, 2012 C6

Please "LIKE" our bid to bring the Davis Cup to Winnipeg at facebook.com/WinnipegDavisCup

Let's bring the Davis Cup to Winnipeg

Canadian tennis appears to be at an all time high, and Winnipeg has been getting closer to the action.

Winnipeg fans were thrilled to watch Filip Peliwo compete recently in Winnipeg at the Manshield Tennis Futures. Peliwo has since claimed his second junior Grand Slam title and left junior tennis ranked first in the world. He joined Daniel Nestor and Milos Raonic in Montreal a couple weeks ago, as the Canadian Davis Cup Team defeated South Africa to move Canada into the World Group for 2013.

Fast forward to February 1-3, 2012, when Spain will face Canada in the opening round of the 2013 Davis Cup. It will be Tennis Canada's turn to select the type of surface as well as the location when the two nations contest the tie. We anticipate that Spain's hopes for a warm locale with red clay tennis courts is not likely to happen.

Tennis fans in the 'Peg would be down right giddy with the prospects of witnessing Milos "Maple Leaf Missile" Raonic launch his massive serves at the likes of Rafael Nadal and David Ferrer. Or watching the greatest doubles player ever, Daniel Nestor, and the young Vasek Pospisil battle Marcel Granollers and Marc Lopez on lightning quick hard courts.

Well, you can't buy your tickets for the Canada versus Spain tilt just yet. However, you can help Tennis Canada find a nice cold, windy spot to host our Spanish friends as they take on our home team this coming February.

Why not bring the Davis Cup to Winnipeg?

To vote for Winnipeg, "LIKE" our Winnipeg Davis Cup event page on Facebook at facebook.com/WinnipegDavisCup

Community Fundamentals Instructors Course

Tennis Manitoba is offering a Community Fundamentals Instructors Level 1 course in October. The course details are as follows:

Date: Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2012
Time: 8:00pm - 10:00pm
Place: Winnipeg Winter Club
Cost: $25

The course focuses on teaching and running tennis programs in school gyms and community centres. People who hold this certificate will be eligible to work in Tennis Manitoba After School Programs, Community Centre Programs, and other community based programs. It is not necessary to be a tennis player to take this course.

For more information or to register, please email Rob Langan at rob@tennismanitoba.com or 204.925.5660.

Angela Earl to leave Tennis Manitoba

Angela Earl has announced she will be leaving the position of Executive Director of Tennis Manitoba. While she has decided to take a slightly different professional direction she looks forward to staying connected with the tennis community. The association is very appreciative of Angela's many contributions during the past year, and her willingness to assist in a transition role while Tennis Manitoba fills the vacant Executive Director position.

The Tennis Manitoba Board is now seeking qualified candidates for the organization's operational management position. For more information, contact Board President, Bruce Waschuk at bruce.waschuk@tennismanitoba.com.

Back to school, back to indoor tennis fun!

Photo of Winnipeg interschool tennis league
courtesy of Derek Bramadat.

Tennis Manitoba (TM) has been working vigorously to prepare for the start of a new school year and season of indoor tennis.

This involves training additional community instructors for Progressive Tennis and team play, developing community contacts and networks, and applying for school gymnasium permits for extra programming. Most importantly, TM is building on previous years experience and creating a school/community/business partnership program to help facilitate community clusters (which includes local clubs) of year-long tennis, and a pathway of learning and fun. A flux and flow of school programming to community programming to club programming is the goal. It’s exciting to see recreational tennis activity as well as those who catch a true love of  the sport and begin training with high level coaches.

Championing a fun healthy active lifestyle, community connections, affordability and accessibility positions tennis as a wonderful option for families. Age and level appropriate development through the use of Progressive Tennis accelerates the ability to play the game. And team play ensures extra hitting, tactical development and fun with friends. We are keen to introduce families to tennis at a grassroots levels and see play flourish all year. If you would like to see a community cluster and partnerships grow in your area, please give us a shout! You may reach Rob Langan, Manager of Community Tennis Development, via  rob@tennismanitoba.com or 204.925.5660. You may also visit www.tennismantioba.com for a listing of TM member clubs to begin to discover the programming they offer.

This is an excerpt from the August 2012 issue of the Tennis Manitoba 1st Serve magazine.

Kildonan Tennis Club to celebrate 75th anniversary

The Manitoba tennis community is invited to celebrate Kildonan Tennis Club’s 75th anniversary on Friday, October 12, 2012. Join KTC for a special evening including dinner, entertainment, awards presentation and prizes.

Where: Rossmere Country Club, 925 Watt Street
When: Friday, October 12, 2012
Time: Cocktails at 6:30pm, followed by dinner at 7pm
Tickets: $40 per person (guests welcome)

Tickets can be purchased at the Club (17 Valhalla Drive) or by contacting either Alix at 204-667-6420 or Kathy at 204-654-9754.

Wimbledon winner gives 'Peg a try

Wimbledon champ comes to Winnipeg

[Courtesy of Kevin Hirschfield, Winnipeg Sun]

Along with being upset, Vancouver tennis star Filip Peliwo admitted he was worried after losing the final of the French Junior Open in June.

“I was so disappointed with that one, probably the most disappointing loss of the year and even of my life,” said Peliwo. “I was so down after it.”

It was his second straight loss in a junior grand slam final after a loss at the Australian Open in January and the 18-year-old was concerned about bouncing back from consecutive heartbreaks. But just under a month later in London, Peliwo was celebrating a Wimbledon junior title, becoming the first Canadian male to accomplish that feat.

“I just went in to Wimbledon with no expectations, forgot about the French and got my major on the third try,” said Peliwo.

The Wimbledon champ is in Winnipeg this week competing in the ITF Manshield Futures Tournament at Sargent Park Tennis Garden. The ITF Men’s Pro Circuit is known as the third tier tour for professional men’s tennis with the ATP World Tour being the top level and the Challengers Tour being the second level. The inaugural Winnipeg ITF event features a $15,000 prize for the winner, one of the reasons Peliwo decided to make his first trip to Winnipeg.

“I’ve been playing Futures mostly, and the prize here is bigger than most futures tournaments, and I’m ranked pretty high so it’s a chance for me to do well.”

Peliwo is the top-ranked junior player in the world but in this week’s tournament that features some experienced professionals, Peliwo sits as the fifth seed. He is also using this tournament as a tune-up for the final grand slam junior event, the US Junior Open, in New York beginning Sept. 2, which he says will likely be his last junior event as he makes the transition to the full-time pro stage. He says every week playing against professional players is a learning experience.

“You learn what you have to do to beat these guys,” said Peliwo. “Even if you don’t win, like for example when I played in the Rogers Cup (qualifying) a few weeks back, I saw what I had to do to beat the guy and I was trying to go for too much.”

It’s been an outstanding couple of months for tennis in Canada, with Milos Raonic rising up the ATP rankings, and Peliwo and Eugenie Bouchard winning the boys and girls junior crowns at Wimbledon. But Peliwo isn’t worried about any pressure that may be added as the result of his major victory.

“I’ve managed to get my head past that,” he said. “I’ve obviously noticed there’s more attention but I’m just playing it as another tournament and focusing on my game. I find it a lot easier now to keep that pressure off, I just take it as support rather than people having big expectations.”

Peliwo won his first singles match in Winnipeg and was playing in the round of 16 Thursday afternoon. The semifinals go Saturday afternoon at Sargent Park with the final going Sunday.

Pro tennis hits town

Canadian Ian Vincent Filoteo returns to Hans Hach Verdugo
in qualifying. (cole breiland / winnipeg free press)

[Courtesy of Jeff Hamilton, Winnipeg Free Press]

PRO tennis has made its way back to Winnipeg.

Today marks the beginning of the 2012 Manshield Tennis Futures Tournament at Sargent Park Tennis Garden and the first time the city has hosted a pro tennis tournament since the 1999 Pan American Games.

It's the first time Winnipeg has hosted a men's draw sanctioned by the International Tennis Federation, a professional circuit that consists of close to 300 tournaments worldwide each year.

"As far as tennis goes I think we're opening the door," said tournament director George Kylar about the impact of the tournament on local talent. "I think right now we are relying on strictly the (method) take some lessons, work out, and come and play local tournaments which are very average in level and very average in attendance. That's got to grow. Motivation is the biggest aspect to tennis. Hopefully some kids will watch matches and say 'you know what, this is what I want to do' and that will lead to better tennis in this province."

Three Manitobans will be competing in the tournament, all of whom reached the draw thanks to wild-card spots allocated for the tournament host. In men's doubles, Winnipegger Muzeen Ismath and Kevin Kylar will see action. Ismath will play with Mill Bay, B.C native Alden Eakins while Kylar will be matched up with Andrew Ochotta from Scarborough, Ont. Kylar will also be the lone Manitoban in the men's singles draw.

"It's great," said Kylar. "A crowd will come out and I know the courts. It's a big opportunity. You're at home, you have your regular routine, you sleep in your own bed, which is always better than travelling."

Another name expected to grab attention this week is 18-year-old Filip Peliwo, who won the boy's title at Wimbledon this summer in London, England.

"I like it so far. It's a nice calm place and I can do my own thing and relax when I need to," said Peliwo about his time in Winnipeg so far. "It's good to be here and I think it's a really good place to start my first tournament (in his upcoming five-week tour) and I'm happy to be here."

Peliwo is ranked fifth among the tournament hopefuls.

"If I'm playing well I think my chances are great. I'm hoping to get my first pro title here but you never know. Everyone's good here and you can lose to anyone," he said.

Rounding out the top five are No. 1-ranked Daniel Garza from Mexico, followed by Ante Pavic from Croatia, Japan native Hiroyasu Ehara and Joshua Zavala from the U.S.

Action begins today at 10 a.m., running all week. The finals are scheduled for Sunday.

Pro tennis players duke it out at Sargent Park

Three-time Manitoba open doubles champion Museen Ismath waits
for the serve in the qualifying round of the Manshield Tennis Futures
tournament at Sargent Park Tennis Garden.

[Courtesy of Geoff Kirbyson, Winnipeg Free Press]

This might be your only chance to see future tennis champions in the flesh.

The Manshield Tennis Futures, the first professional tennis tournament in Winnipeg since the 1999 Pan Am Games, features a strong international flavour at the Sargent Park tennis complex this week.

Players from across Canada as well as the U.S., Mexico, Italy, Great Britain and New Zealand are vying for valuable ranking points as they try to make their way up the professional tennis ladder.

Vancouver’s Filip Peliwo, 18, who won the boys singles championship at Wimbledon last month – the same title won by legends such as Roger Federer, Bjorn Borg, Stefan Edberg and Pat Cash – is the No. 5 seed.

He said he’s hoping to use this International Tennis Federation tournament as a final step in his preparation for the U.S. Open juniors.

See also WFPtv video.

Tennis Manitoba 1st Serve Magazine: August 2012

The August 2012 issue of the Tennis Manitoba 1st Service magazine is now available. Feature articles include:

• Back to School, Back to Indoor Tennis Fun!
• Manshield ITF Pro Circuit Event
• 2012 Manitoba Open Recap
• Junior High Performance Snapshots
• Coaches Corner
• The Meaning of "Love" in Tennis. 

Get it online at http://tennismanitoba.com/news/12/1st-serve-1208.pdf

Manshield helping build professional tennis careers

With great excitement we announce that for the first time men’s professional tennis is coming to Winnipeg in August 2012!

The International Tennis Federation (ITF) Pro Circuit is an entry level professional tennis initiative. The ITF and its member nations work together to grow the game. As part of the building process, Winnipeg has been chosen to be a host city on this prestigious circuit of pro tournaments.

Athletes from around the world will be on hand at Sargent Park Tennis Garden to compete for valuable world ranking points along with cash prizes totalling $15,000 USD. Most exciting of all is the opportunity provided to local players to springboard their professional careers.

Be a part of building opportunities for our aspiring athletes!

Tournament Director
George Kylar
204.290.4815
gktennis1@hotmail.com

Tournament Chairman
Mark Arndt
204.799.2224
mark@outfitters.ca

manshieldtennis.com

This is an excerpt from the August 2012 issue of the Tennis Manitoba 1st Serve magazine.

Wimbledon junior champ in 'Peg tennis tourney

Filip Peliwo of Canada hits a return to Luke Saville of Australia
 in their boys' singles tennis match at the Wimbledon Tennis
Championships in London July 8, 2012. REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth

[Courtesy of Winnipeg Sun, Kevin Hirschfield, QMI Agency]

The field for Winnipeg’s first professional tennis tournament since the 1999 Pan American Games got much stronger with the addition of a Wimbledon junior champion.

The ITF Men’s Pro Circuit makes its way through the city for the Manshield Futures Tournament from August 18-26 at the Sargent Park Tennis Complex and the field will be highlighted by 18-year-old Canadian Filip Peliwo, who is hot off winning the boys singles championship at Wimbledon last month.

“We were definitely surprised,” said Mark Arndt, tournament chairman. “We’re lucky enough that his schedule lined up, and he had a window where he was able to fit us in.”

An organizer for Tennis Canada said that Peliwo is using Winnipeg as a tune-up for the U.S. Junior Open in New York which begins in a few weeks’ time. Peliwo was also a finalist at the Australian Junior Open and French Junior Open earlier this year.

The ITF Men’s Pro Circuit is known as the third tier tour for professional men’s tennis with the ATP World Tour being the top level and the Challengers Tour being the second level. The inaugural Winnipeg ITF event will feature a $15,000 prize for the winner as well as valuable ranking points.

“Tennis Canada has always made periodic trips to Winnipeg,” said George Kylar, tournament director. “And they were always asking if Winnipeg was going to get something because they always want to get more involved with the prairie regions.”

“George and I discussed it,” said Arndt. “We said why don’t we do something like this. Obviously we won’t get the top level here in Winnipeg but why not try for the next best that we can. Let’s do it for tennis in Winnipeg, there’s an opportunity and a window here for something like this.”

Arndt said the goal is to host a Challengers Tour tournament one day.

The ITF Pro Circuit tour plays “Futures” tournaments year round and hosts some of the top young studs in tennis, who are looking to take the next step.

That means the Wimbledon champ Peliwo, ranked 614th in the world, is only the fifth-ranked player at the Winnipeg tournament. Daniel Garza, the top-ranked Mexican player in the world (421st), will be the top seed followed by Ante Pavic of Croatia (456th) and Hiroyasu Ehara of Japan (585th).

Other players from the United States, Great Britain, Italy, and New Zealand will bring even more international flavour to the event and Manitoba’s No. 1-ranked player Kevin Kylar will also be in the main draw. As for other Manitobans, a local wildcard event got underway Wednesday with the winners earning a berth into the qualifying portion of the tournament. The qualifying stages take place this Sunday and Monday and the winners of that will round out the field of 32 in the main draw, beginning Tuesday.

“We felt it was very important to have a local presence here so we were able to secure five spots for local players to get into qualifying,” said Kylar.

Action begins daily at 10 a.m., with evening draws starting at 5:30 p.m. The tournament concludes with the singles final on Sunday Aug. 26th.

See also Shaw TV previews Manshield ITF Futures

Shaw TV previews Manshield ITF Futures

Shaw TV talks to Manshield ITF Futures Tournament Chairman Mark Arndt and Tournament Director George Kylar.

Sharon Pollack Memorial Tennis Marathon

Honoring the Memory of Sharon Pollack

Sharon Pollack, a long standing member of Manitoba’s tennis community who cheered on her children, Hart and Lisa, on the tennis court through their junior and into their adult years, passed away earlier this year. Hart (a previous President of Tennis Manitoba) and Lisa have created the Sharon Pollack Memorial Tennis Marathon to honor her memory.

The Manitoba tennis community, family and friends are invited to participate in this special event being held at Kildonan Tennis Club on Saturday, August 25, 2012, 9AM-9PM. All levels are welcome!

You may register as a team (up to six players) or as an individual (to be placed on a team). One player from each team is to be on the court at all times. There will be match play, drills, games, door prizes, food & drinks.

 The cost of entry is $40 per person, though everyone is also encouraged raise funds through sponsorship. All proceeds will go to CancerCare Manitoba Foundation to support cancer research and patient care. Come enjoy our community and rally against cancer!

Sign up at www.tennis-marathon.com

Can't make it? Then sponsor Lisa Pollack at www.cancercarefdn.mb.ca

Share event poster on Facebook, Google+, or Pinterest.

And They’re Off!

2012 Rogers Outdoor Junior National Championships

Tennis Manitoba is proud to be sending select high performance juniors to 2012 Outdoor Junior Nationals these next few weeks. U12s include David Krowiak and Shawn Sophasath. U16s include Connor Davies and Kylie Waschuk. And U18s includes Shane Nicholls. 

This is the first Nationals for Shawn and Connor. Kylie is going with the most Nationals experience and with a solid season of preparation having just completed the Western Canadian Junior ITF Circuit, which had stops in Edmonton, Vancouver, and wrapped up in Winnipeg. Connor and Shane also participated in Winnipeg’s U18 ITF tournament in preparation for Nationals. 

For Shane, this Nationals holds more sentimentality than others: it’s Shane’s final year of junior eligibility. He’s already topped the year off by winning Boys U18 at the Manitoba Junior Open earlier in the summer. So here’s to his and the whole team’s growth and success!

Interestingly, the majority of the junior categories for the outdoor national tournaments are played on clay. Clay is an increasingly popular international surface. Tennis Canada intentionally includes clay as one of its surfaces for what it offers in terms of a player’s greater all round development, injury prevention and longevity and integration into the professional arena. Clay courts can be found in Winnipeg at one of Tennis Manitoba’s member clubs, Taylor Tennis Club.

2012 Rogers Outdoor Junior National Championships schedule:

• Jul 29-Aug 4: U12 Rogers Outdoor Junior Nationals, Mont Tremblant, QC
• Aug 5-10: U18 Rogers Outdoor Junior Nationals, Mississauga, ON
• Aug 6-12: U14 Rogers Outdoor Junior Nationals, Mont Tremblant, QC
• Aug 14-19: U16 Rogers Outdoor Junior Nationals, Laval, QC

See also:

• Tennis Manitoba Junior Tour
• Tennis Manitoba’s Junior Nationals Selection Eligibility, Process and Policy

Manitobans dominate 2012 Manitoba Open

Sean Bailey and Saul Shrom claim the 2012 Manitoba
Open men's doubles title.

In all events excluding singles, players from Manitoba were champions. Achieving this great success was not easy with temperatures ranging anywhere between 30-40 degrees celsius all last weekend. Nevertheless, there were a total of five Manitobans who came out with a title. In men’s open doubles, locals Sean Bailey and Saul Shrom teamed up to defeat another Manitoban, Sean Lacap and Albertan, Vuk Radovic in a three set battle 6-1, 3-6, 6-4. Sean Lacap went really deep in the doubles events picking up the mixed doubles title with another Manitoban, Erika Fridrik. Sean and Erika were able to win two tough sets 6-3, 7-5 against Alan Gardiner and Evann Waschuk. Finally, the women’s doubles champions were Winnipegger, Evann Waschuk and Mikaela Bennett. They won 6-4, 6-4 against Kylie Waschuk and Alessandra Miller. Bennett and Miller came from Alberta to play the Canadian Mid-West ITF (U18) and they performed quite well in both tournaments.

Most of the open action can be found on www.ustream.tv with a live broadcast from Trevor Borland and Peter Otto. They were able to record the singles finals as Manitoban, Saul Shrom had a great tournament run but he came up short losing 6-1, 6-1 against Tony Larson of Minneapolis in the final. The women’s finals was played by Alessandra Miller and Mikaela Bennett. It was a tough, windy battle but Alessandra Miller was able to defeat Mikaela Bennett. Earlier in the tournament, Evann Waschuk was able to make the semis putting up a good fight falling 6-4, 6-4 against the tournament winner, Alessandra Miller. The 4.5 and 3.5 part of the tournament are happening now with finals today, Friday, July 27.

See also Manitoba Open tournament website, match video, and photo album.

Kildonan Tennis Club Hosts Manitoba Open

Kildonan Tennis Club's own Sean Bailey in men's open
singles action on Friday. (Photo: B Waschuk)

WINNIPEG, MB - The Manitoba Open will be at Kildonan Tennis Club starting July 17th and ending July 27th. The best tennis players in Manitoba will be battling for the title, along with many other out of town players. Open action will take place from July 17th and the finals will be on July 22nd. The 4.5’s and 3.5’s finals will be played on the 27th.

Along with last year’s winner Kevin Kylar, many of the players who have been playing college tennis in the United States will be back to play the tournament. These players are Saul Shrom (Colorado State University at Pueblo), Sean Bailey (Austin Peay State University), Erika Fridrik (Eckerd College), Alan Gardiner (Bellarmine University), Muzeen Ismath (Gonzaga University) and Evann Waschuk (Bellarmine University) will be playing the biggest tournament of the year.

Two years ago, Tony Larson, from the United States won the title. He is the number one seed and is looking to keep that momentum going another time. The number one seed in women’s draw, Alessandra Miller, from Alberta is back to redeem herself as she lost a tough match in the finals last year. In men’s doubles action, veteran and Manitoba doubles point leader Geoff Kirbyson is signed up with Muzeen Ismath. Meanwhile, on the women's side, local Evann Waschuk and Mikaela Bennett from Alberta will the number one seeds.

See also Provincial championships fast approaching

Winnipeg welcomes international tennis players

Ren Nakamura and Kei Ezaka of Japan were the boys doubles champs
at the recent Canadian Saville ITF U18 2012 (Edmonton). Both high
ranking Japanese juniors are entered to play the Canadian Mid-West
ITF U18 2012, July 16-22 being held at the Winnipeg Lawn Tennis Club.
(Photo: Don Voaklander)

WINNIPEG, MB - The Winnipeg Canadian Mid-West U18 ITF Tournament, one of three Junior ITF tournaments that make up a western Canadian circuit, is being held this week at the Winnipeg Lawn Tennis Club for the third year in a row. Main draw matches start on Wednesday, July 18th, while the semifinals take place on Saturday, July 21 and finals on Sunday, July 22. Admission is free for the public and a special spectators’ progressive tennis event is being hosted during the semis and finals.

Winnipeg is the last stop in the three tournament circuit, which includes Edmonton and Vancouver. The circuit creates a competitive environment that increases the exposure and level of play and experience, along with the opportunity to gain a world ranking.

Players from all over the world have entered Winnipeg’s Junior ITF, from countries such as Japan, Germany, Italy, India, Mexico, Bahamas, Hong Kong, Puerto Rico, Philippines, Pakistan and the U.S.A. Fantastic international tennis action at one venue. Tournament draws and order of play details are available at www.jointhetour.com. Winnipeg Lawn Tennis Club is located at 761 North Drive. See you there!

“This is a great opportunity for our young competitive tennis players in Manitoba to measure up against players from around the world,” says Bruce Waschuk, president of Tennis Manitoba. “Local tennis enthusiasts will also have a chance to see a high level of tennis being played right here in Winnipeg.”

For more information, please contact:

Bruce Waschuk
President, Tennis Manitoba
Chair, Canadian Mid-West ITF U18 2012 Organizing Committee
Telephone: (204) 330-0474
bruce.waschuk@tennismanitoba.com

Media Contact:

Angela Earl
Executive Director, Tennis Manitoba
Telephone: (204) 881-0817
angela.earl@tennismanitoba.com

Manitoba loses a good tennis friend

By Geoff Kirbyson

Manitoba’s tennis community has lost a leader, an organizer, a cheerleader and above all, a friend.

Betty Tough, the longtime executive director of the Manitoba Tennis Association – the predecessor to Tennis Manitoba – died last week in Winnipeg after a brief but dignified battle with cancer. She was 88.

“She was Tennis Manitoba back in the day,” says Peter Otto, head pro at the Kildonan Tennis Club and the Winnipeg Winter Club.

“She wasn’t just a tennis administrator, she was a huge fan. She always supported the local kids both financially and emotionally to do their best to represent the province,” Otto says.

But just because she was in your corner, doesn’t mean she turned a blind eye to the rulebook if you’d tossed a racquet or broke curfew.

“She followed The Yardstick and followed up with any suspensions. Tough was tough,” Otto says.

But Betty will be most remembered for her unwavering support of Manitoba tennis players, particularly juniors, as they prepared for major events such as nationals or Canada Games. A congratulatory note from the executive director after making a provincial team or recording a top-notch result – often read aloud by the recipients in poor impersonations of her

Scottish brogue – were always much appreciated.

Despite having an office, it wasn’t uncommon for juniors to have to visit Betty at her house to sign a form or pick up a team uniform. Her dining room served as a satellite office for the Manitoba Tennis Association as it was full of paperwork, rulebooks and packages from Tennis Canada.

Betty is survived by her husband, Andrew Crawford Tough, and her children Allan (Chris), Brian (Carla), and Sheila (Jim), her grandchildren Colin and Craig, Shannon and Alistair, and Matthew and Ashton, and her great-grandchildren Taylor, Brandon and Connor.

See also Winnipeg Free Press Passages

Provincial championships fast approaching

2010 Manitoba Open champion Tony Larson and
2011 champion Kevin Kylar plan to renew acquaintances
at this year's Manitoba Open.

The 2012 Manitoba Open & Senior Open starts next week at the Kildonan Tennis Club, located along the Red River in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Manitoba's best tennis players will be battling to claim provincial championships from July 17-27. The Open events, along with Senior draws, will begin next Tuesday with finals scheduled for Sunday, July 22nd. Online registration deadline for these events is today. The 4.5 and 3.5 draws begin Monday, July 23rd and wrap up on Friday, July 27th. Entry deadline for 4.5 and 3.5 events is Sunday, July 15th at 11:59pm.

All tournament participants receive:

• 2012 Manitoba Open T-shirt
• Access to Karoake night held on Saturday, July 21st
• An all you can eat brunch on Sunday, July 22nd, catered by Urban Prairie Cuisine
• DewDrop water throughout the tournament courtesy of World of Water, Henderson Highway.

Returning will be last year's men's singles champion Kevin Kylar, along with 2010 champion, Tony Larson. As well, many Manitoba players who spent 2011/2012 on NCAA college tennis teams in the United States will also be participating in the 2012 Manitoba Open. College players include: Sean Bailey* (Austin Peay State University), Erika Fridrik* (Eckerd College), Alan Gardiner (Bellarmine University), Muzeen Ismath* (Gonzaga University), Alex Lesiuk (Colorado State University at Pueblo), Saul Shrom (Colorado State University at Pueblo), and Evann Waschuk* (Bellarmine University).

Visit the 2012 Manitoba Open & Senior Open website.

* Previous Manitoba Open singles, doubles, and/or mixed doubles champions.

2012 Manitoba Junior Open Championships

U10 Boys and Girls double participates from the top, left to
right: Rob Langan, David Kives, Trevor Skidmore.
Bottom: Stefan Barre, Reece Carter, Marcello Audino, Sahand
Marzban, Mya Arksey, Sabrina (Abby) Alano

The 2012 Manitoba Junior Open has come to a close, but not without some remarkable results. The U10 co-ed round robin seemed to entertain the entire crowd at the Winnipeg Lawn Tennis Club all week with their professional like demeanor and incredible shot-making. The tournament was extremely competitive and illustrated the immense amount of talent Manitoba has in this young age group. At the end of the day, Marcello Audino was crowned the provincial champion with a win over Reece Carter.

The Under 12 age group had its share of competitive matches as well. Come Thursday, it was the top two under 12 players in the province battling for hours in a three set fight. By a score of 6-3, 2-6, 6-1, Shawn Sophasath beat David Krowiak to become the provincial champion.

As it has been for the past several tournaments, the Under 16 draw was the event’s largest. With nine of the top u16 players in Manitoba competing, spectators saw some clashes for the ages. After first seed Patrick Fu was forced to battle through Eirenpreet Hirkewal in a tough three set semi-final, it appeared as if he would claim a perfect season in the under 16 age group. However, his only loss in this age category this season was to come the very next day. Fu fell victim to the talented second seed, Miraj Soni, who was able to hit through the extreme Winnipeg wind and capture the title, 6-1, 2-6, 7-5.

The under 18 draw saw outgoing junior Shane Nicholls cap off his junior career in fashion with a victory over Patrick Fu in the finals.

The under 12 girls draw was won by Mackenzie Miller, who closed out an impressive under 12 year by not only winning the provincial title, but also ending the year as the top junior in this age category. In order to reach this feat, she knocked off the highly talented young juniors, Reece Carter and Sabrina Alano.

The under 16 event was captured by Chantel Wallack, the top u14 player in the province. She defeated Jennifer Wang and Malika Sharma in the round robin format to claim provincial supremacy.

Next up is the National Junior Qualifier which will be hosted in Winnipeg starting on Wednesday, July 4th. Manitoba will be represented by the Top 3 finishers in each age group. Good luck to all of our competitors!

Marcello Audino takes the U10 boys
and girls Manitoba Junior Open

Mackenzie Miller claims the
U12 Manitoba Junior Open

Miraj Soni sneaks to the title of the U16 boys
Manitoba Junior Open beating
Patrick Fu 6-1, 2-6, 7-5

Shane Nicholls defeats Patrick Fu in the
U18 Boys Manitoba Junior Open 6-4, 6-2.