We turned to members of Team Canada to inspire people of all ages and abilities to pick up a racket. They shared stories about their first introduction to the sport, tips for getting started, and the positive impact that tennis has had on their lives. Here’s what they had to say.
Heidi El Tabakh
“I think the experiences I have gained from tennis are pretty unique and pretty incredible. It gave me all the tools to manage life on and off the court. The toughness, the perseverance, and always trying to find a way on court always translates to life so if you’re a fighter on the court, you’re a fighter off the court too.”
“You can play singles, you can play doubles, you can mixed doubles. It’s a fun sport to pick up as a young kid. You can go to college, try pros, also play with your friends and family later on in life. It’s a great way to get out of the house and be active.”
Marina Stakusic
“My earliest tennis memory would be playing at these public courts next to my house, these gravel tennis courts, they weren’t even properly surfaced. I played there with my first coach and my brother.”
Kayla Cross
“I think the biggest thing that tennis has taught me is independence. Also, getting the chance to learn about different cultures. I have friends from all different backgrounds, and I think that’s really special.”
Rebecca Marino
“Tennis is a huge part of who I am. Off court, I’m really lucky that tennis has taught me a lot of key values including resiliency, honesty, loyalty, perseverance, and hard work. A lot of my childhood friends, who are still my friends today, I met them through tennis so that’s really special to me.”
“I always say it’s never too late to pick up a racquet. I may have started when I was nine, but my dad started when he was in his late thirties, and we were able to play together and make it a family thing. Regardless of your skill level, you can always find a way to make it fun. Don’t be shy or embarrassed about your level because you have to start somewhere.”
Victoria Mboko
“All you need is a friend, two racquets, and a ball to play. If you get the basics down, it can be really fun to get that hand-eye coordination going. People from all age groups are able to enjoy the sport because it brings out the competitiveness, but also it helps you stay active and healthy.”
Gabriel Diallo
“Make sure you always keep having fun because it’s a long journey. Don’t worry about results in the beginning, make sure you surround yourself with good people, listen to what your coaches are saying and keep it fun and simple.”
Photo: Martin Sidorjak
Alexis Galarneau
“Start with progressive tennis and don’t go straight to full court to get a feel for controlling the ball.”
“It’s been proven scientifically that it’s the sport that helps you live the longest, so that speaks for itself. It’s a healthy sport, it’s fun, and it’s a great community.”
Vasek Pospisil
“Keep it fun, keep enjoying learning new things on the court and all the hard work will pay off.”
Antoine Généreux
“I started playing tennis thanks to my brother. At first, I was a hockey player and a soccer player. But I always wanted to be like my brother. I enjoy being on the court, fighting to be better than my opponent and cutting out outside distractions to enjoy the moment.”
Clémence Mercier
“My favourite thing about tennis is that you can be creative on the court, you can make different shot choices and let your imagination flow.”
Caden Colburne
“I started playing tennis when I was three or four. My mom worked at a club in Nova Scotia, so I spent a lot of time at the courts. Eventually I picked up a racket and I have been playing ever since. I like playing matches, I like winning, but most of all, I enjoy being with my friends and building connections with all the people in the tennis world.”
Feature photo: Sarah-Jade Champagne
