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Many international players, promising Canadian youngsters and established Davis/Fed Cup team members have received wild cards into either the main draw or qualifying tournament at Canada’s international men’s and women’s championships. When a player’s ranking is not high enough to gain entry into a professional event run by Tennis Canada, an Events or Player Development Wild Card may be provided to him/her to enhance the event or meet Tennis Canada’s Player Developments long term objectives.

Events:

• National Bank Open (Men’s and Women’s)
• Challengers events
• ITF junior events
• Open events

Vision:

To provide a Wild Card distribution system capable of meeting our stated national team while respecting our values of excellence, accountable, equity and fairness. These guidelines will be capable of adapting to unpredictable circumstances.

Overview:

The success of the National Bank Open Men’s and Women’s events is important to ensure Player Development funding. Thus, the events department will determine international Wild Cards to enhance and ensure a healthy bottom line for these events, albeit full efforts are made to ensure spots are available for Canadian players. The Player Development department will determine the order of merit for Canadian players vying for Wild Cards.

Player Development has established the long-term objective of cultivating an environment of excellence by developing a strong national team program and a system capable of developing Grand Slam, Olympic & Paralympic singles champions. Wild Cards will be used as tools to achieve these long-term objectives

Wild Card Allocation:

• National Bank Open Men’s and Women’s events Wild Cards to international players.
• Development wild cards to Canadian players. A wild card committee (decision making) will be developed to assist with the decision-making process.

Wild Card Selection Guidelines

To be eligible for a Player Development wild card, a player must:

• Be a Canadian Citizen on the date the wild card selection committee meets.
• If offered, sign a Davis / Fed Cup or National Team Player Agreement with Tennis Canada.
• If asked, make him/herself available to represent Canada in all ties during the calendar year in which the wild card is being allocated.
• If internationally ranked, enter* the event through the appropriate governing body;
• Be in good standing with Tennis Canada, his/her respective Provincial Tennis Association and the official governing body of the event (ATP, WTA, ITF).
• Be physically healthy, fit and pursue a full-time career. ***
• Have given his/her best effort in all matches which he/she has represented Canada and/or in which he/she has received a wild card from Tennis Canada. If any player fails to give his/her best effort, as determined by the wild card selection committee, they will forfeit the right to a Tennis Canada wild card for a twelve month period.

*- As a general rule, players must enter events to be eligible for wild cards. The spirit of this entry guideline is to ensure no Wild Cards are “wasted” due to players not entering events in a timely manner. Exceptions will be made to the above rule due to unforeseen circumstances and modifications to schedules. All exceptions will be determined by the wild card selection committee on a case basis.

*** – Defined as a commitment to compete full time during the calendar year. Players will confirm their intentions by developing and submitting a competitive schedule (upon request). This schedule must be approved by the Wild Card selection committee.

All Wild Cards will be awarded by the Wild Card Selection Committees.