A few Canadians had shiny starts to the new season as the nation was well represented in North America’s first ITF Masters Tennis Tour events of the year.
Here is the first monthly Masters Tennis update of 2026.
Kristi Tremble led things off for Canada with a 45+ women’s singles title at the MT400 Kirkland, WA, in mid-January. Tremble cruised through her draw without dropping a set in her three matches, sealing her spot in the winner’s circle thanks to a 6-2, 6-4 win over American Joanna Stewart in the final.
Lynette Li had just as comfortable of a time at the MT700 Mexico City. Li went a perfect 4-0 while conceding just nine games in round-robin play to top the field, winning her second title in three years at the event.
Then, at the MT1000 Naucalpan de Juarez, Li headlined the Canadian contingent in the Mexican capital, finishing as runner-up in 45+ women’s singles.
The second seed had a tough opening match against Karla Unzaga, needing three sets to get past the Mexican. Li then cruised by another local Pola Alfie to reach the final but lost to top seed Silvina Delgado of Argentina in a tight two-setter.
Read also: Monday Digest - Vancouver’s Turn to Host Davis Cup Qualifiers
Two Canadians were also seeded in the 60+ women’s singles draw: No. 3 Kelly Stobbe and No. 4 Monika Armstrong. After receiving first-round byes, Strobbe secured a double bagel in her quarter-final match while Armstrong was ousted in straight sets by eventual finalist Maria del Pilar Padilla of Mexico.
In the semifinals, Strobbe was unable to take down top seed Tita Zea as the Peruvian went on to win the title.
Strobbe and Armstrong also teamed in the doubles draw, but the No. 2 seeds lost in the semis, dropping the match tiebreak 10-7 to the Mexican duo of Jaqueline Breton and Padilla.
MT200 Calgary
The Yonex Calgary ITF Masters Championships, Canada’s first Masters event of the year, kicks off on February 12 at the Osten & Victor Alberta Tennis Centre. In 2025, all 18 draws had a Canadian champion.
The Davis Cup returns to Canada in February as Canada hosts Brazil in the Qualifiers First Round in Vancouver, Feb. 6-7 at UBC's Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre. Tickets are on sale. Get yours now!
Feature Photo: Gerald Kripps
