The decision to become the face of the program was an easy one for the 26-year-old Canadian who is eager to give back to a sport that has allowed him to achieve his biggest dreams on the court despite a humble upbringing. It gives him more purpose to play for something bigger than himself.
“I think it’s important to give back to tennis in general, but of course tennis in Canada,” Shapovalov said. “Teaming up with Rogers with the First Set program was a great way to do that for me. Obviously, any way to bring new kids and new people of all ages into tennis, it’s always great especially in Canada where it’s so hockey prone to get their feet wet into tennis I think is great, so I am very excited to be a part of it. I came up with parents that are not originally from Canada, so they didn’t have all the money in the world to start me off in tennis so having a program to help all kids play tennis I think it’s super important, so it definitely means a lot to me.”
Founded in partnership with Rogers in 2023, First Set is delivered in collaboration with Canada’s Provincial and Territorial Tennis Associations (PTTAs) and aims to inspire participants to develop fundamental skills in a fun, welcoming, safe, and positive environment. The program is delivered through four key pillars: Try, Learn, Play, and Compete, and takes a holistic approach – focusing as much on the development of the person as the player. Getting more racquets in more kids’ hands not only increases their chances of adopting tennis as a sport for life but also grows the prospect pipeline for success at the highest level.
“I think that’s the goal, I really think that Canada can become a tennis nation, I feel like we’re proving it more and more. I think winning Davis Cup and Billlie Jean King Cup was a big milestone for Canada so I hope that we can continue to push in that direction and try to get closer to hockey,” Shapovalov added.
Shapovalov will take part in several promotional opportunities, including during the National Bank Open presented by Rogers in Toronto a few weeks from now. Rogers First Set Day will be celebrated at the tournament on Tuesday, July 29.
Learn more about Rogers First Set, register your interest in becoming a participant, and someone from Tennis Canada will reach out to you.
