Fund Development Update: 2025, A Year to Remember

By Tennis Canada

February 4, 2026

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In the packed stands of Montreal, a hush fell over the crowd as 18-year-old Vicky Mboko stepped up to serve for the final point of her WTA 1000 final. Seconds later, her victorious shout echoed throughout the stadium. That moment was not just about a young athlete: it was the symbol of a dream made possible thanks to you, our donors. 

“Without the support of donor-funded programs, I would never have been able to travel as much to train and compete in international tournaments” Vicky shared after her victory. Her story perfectly illustrates the impact of your generosity: turning potential into world-class success. 

When Passion Meets Opportunity

Thanks to the ongoing commitment of your donations, Canadian results at the highest level continue to rise. By the end of this year, Félix Auger-Aliassime reached a career-high ranking of No. 5 in the ATP standings, his best ranking to date and only the second Canadian to reach this milestone. With 13 Canadian players in the top 200, Canada ranked third worldwide in ATP, WTA, and ITF titles, with 54 professional titles won in 2025. The vision of a dominant Canadian tennis presence is becoming a reality. 

Children Discovering a Passion 

In school gymnasiums, children line up, racquets sometimes too big for their hands, eager to hit their first ball. For a long time, tennis was a sport they only saw on television. Today, thanks to the Tennis in Schools program, it has become a tangible and accessible experience. 

These moments are made possible by your generosity, which helps fund equipment purchases and the presence of qualified educators. And who knows among these young beginners may be the future stars of Canadian tennis, ready to follow in the footsteps of today’s champions. 

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To turn these dreams into reality, Tennis Canada, in collaboration with the Provincial and Territorial Tennis Associations (PTTAs), has set an ambitious goal: to increase the number of young tennis participants by 100,000 by 2027. Already in 2025, significant progress has been made through initiatives deployed across the country, proving that every act of support helps build a national movement. 

This momentum was especially visible during Tennis Month in Canada, celebrated in June for the second consecutive year. The 2025 edition was the largest and most inclusive to date, with more than 140 activities organized: 108 of them through the Rogers First Set program, which introduces children to tennis. As a result, more than 2,000 young people discovered the joy of playing, confirming that tennis can be a lifelong sport, accessible and inspiring from an early age. 

Communities Transformed 

Across the country, new tennis infrastructure projects are coming to life and revitalizing neighborhoods. In cities such as Sherbrooke, Drummondville, and Winnipeg, the opening of brand-new courts has become a true community event: children discover the joy of the game, parents connect, and seniors rediscover the pleasure of hitting a few balls. These shared moments stem from initiatives designed to revitalize and expand access to tennis for all. 

In 2025, Tennis Canada continued to roll out two major infrastructure programs that are transforming the community tennis landscape: 

National Bank Play Your Court Program: Launched in 2022, this program includes a $3 million investment to revitalize 100 courts by 2030. Court resurfacing, new posts and nets, upgraded fencing, and improved signage directly enhance the quality and safety of playing environments. Since its launch, seven completed projects have already revitalized or added 34 outdoor courts. 

Year-Round Community Tennis Courts Program Presented by Rogers: Also launched in 2022, this initiative aims to build 160 covered courts across 30 facilities by 2029, ensuring year-round access to tennis. Co-funded by Tennis Canada and Rogers with a total investment of $5.6 million, the program offers up to $200,000 in seed funding per project. In 2025, 15 projects completed or underway have already resulted in the creation of 77 covered courts reaching half of the program’s target. 

These initiatives go beyond numbers. They create meeting places, promote intergenerational participation, and strengthen the social fabric of communities. Tennis thus becomes much more than a sport: it is a vehicle for bringing people together and boosting local vitality. 

Accessible Tennis for All 

Wheelchair tennis in Canada continues to experience remarkable growth, made possible through the generosity of donors. More than 100 athletes benefit from this essential support, and their outstanding 2025 results speak for themselves: seven Canadians captured 12 international titles, including Shawn Courchesne with four victories, Thomas Venos with a double win in Windsor, and Rob Shaw, who set a historic national record with 54 ITF titles. Natalia Lanucha, Anne-Marie Dolinar, and Mitch McIntyre also stood out this season. 

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Canada also hosted eight ITF wheelchair tennis tournaments and the prestigious Birmingham Canadian Wheelchair Tennis Championships. This is the largest event of its kind in the country featuring a $15,000 prize purse.

The year also marked a historic milestone: the first-ever wheelchair tennis exhibition at the National Bank Open at Sobeys Stadium in Toronto, firmly placing the sport at the heart of Canada’s premier tennis events. These achievements go far beyond wins and titles: they embody a vision of tennis that is accessible, competitive, and inspiring, paving the way for a new generation of athletes. By supporting this discipline, you are directly helping build a united community centered on excellence and inclusion, while giving wheelchair athletes the opportunity to shine on national and international stages. 

A Legacy Built Together 

The numbers speak for themselves: 

*5 million Canadians now play tennis—one million more than three years ago. 
Female participation has grown from 29% to 46%.
 
*77 covered courts and 34 revitalized outdoor courts now ensure year-round access. 
But beyond the statistics are human stories: children discovering a passion, families seeing their dreams take shape, and communities coming together through sport. 
Annual Fundraising Event Brought over $100,000 for Tennis Canada 

On November 21-23rd 2025, the Badminton & Racquet Club brought its community together for its annual Pro-Am tournament, raising an incredible $115,000 for Tennis Canada high performance athletes.  

This event brings together the Toronto-based Badminton & Racquet Club members for an exciting weekend of high-stakes tennis. Pairing skilled amateur players with professional players in a competitive and unforgettable experience. 

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This year the club’s committee selected Cleeve Harper, the high energy Albertan native, and Justin Boulais, the talented Toronto raised player, to each receive a bursary to help offset the significant costs of competing on the professional tour. 
 
Past bursary winners include Katherine Sebov, Vicky Mboko, and Ariana Arsenault- all of whom continue to make headlines for their hard work and dedication to the sport.  
The Badminton & Raquet Club’s Pro Am is a strong example of how third-party events create meaningful impact while delivering a memorable experience for players and members. 

If you would like more information on hosting a third-party event with Tennis Canada, please contact Pauline Makk (pmakk@tenniscanada.com). 

Exceptional Tennis Packages — Very Limited Availability 

This year, we are pleased to offer a select number of the world’s most sought-after tennis experiences, combining elite sporting moments with meaningful philanthropic impact. 

Roland-Garros 2026 | Paris 

Two exclusive package options are available:  

Option 1 | May 20–23: Gold or Category 1 tickets to experience the tournament’s early marquee matches from some of the best seats in the stadium. 

Option 2 | May 29–31: An unforgettable experience during the semi-finals and finals, when the intensity is at its peak. 

Wimbledon 2026 | London July 1–3 

A rare opportunity to experience Wimbledon, the most iconic and traditional tournament in world tennis. Very limited quantities are available for each package. 

Each experience is offered in exchange for a $30,000 donation, which includes a charitable tax receipt for at least 50% of the amount, while directly supporting the growth of tennis and access to sport for the next generation. 

To learn more or to reserve one of these exclusive packages, we encourage you to contact Anne-Catherine Rioux: acrioux@tenniscanada.com 

Thank You for Writing the Story of Canadian Tennis 

Thank you for helping write the story of Canadian tennis. Your support goes far beyond financial contributions: it is emotional, social, and deeply human. Because of you, children have discovered a passion, athletes have found the confidence to believe in themselves, and communities have grown stronger around shared values of inclusion and excellence.
 
In 2025, you demonstrated that together, we can open doors, inspire access, and build a lasting legacy. Your commitment is a source of light for wheelchair tennis, for young players hitting their first ball, and for champions representing Canada on the international stage. And this is only the beginning with you, the future of Canadian tennis is brighter, more inclusive, and more inspiring than ever.