September 2025 2nd Edition of the Benefit Brunch to Propel Tennis Rising Stars
On Sunday, July 27, the highly anticipated benefit brunch of the OBN in Montreal National Bank Open presented by Rogers (NBO) once again brought together tennis enthusiasts. This event raises funds to support the development of young Canadian talent.
Generous donors had the unique opportunity to meet several WTA players, including Belinda Bencic, Emma Navarro, as well as Victoria Mboko, who would go on to win the entire tournament in an extraordinary run.
Among the distinguished guests were Valérie Tétreault, Tournament Director, Gavin Ziv, Chief Executive Officer of Tennis Canada, Peter Kruyt, Chair of the Board of Directors, and Josée Noiseux, Vice-Chair of Tennis Canada’s Board of Directors.
Mélissa Lacroix engaged with donors about the latest advancements at the National Tennis Centre (NTC), highlighting the connection between sport and science. Young athletes from the Centre also took part in the event, moving from table to table to introduce themselves to attendees.
Noëlle von Lottum and Nathalie Tauziat, former renowned players, shared their views on the progress of the women’s team, generating both enthusiasm and admiration among participants.
For more information about the 2026 edition of the benefit brunch, please feel free to contact Anne-Catherine Rioux at acrioux@tenniscanada.com.
Ambassadors Go the Extra Mile to Support the Future of Canadian Tennis
During the Montréal tournament, our ambassadors once again demonstrated their unwavering commitment to the development of tennis in Canada. Thanks to their outstanding efforts, an impressive $240,000 was raised.
This year, there are 20 ambassadors actively contributing to provide young athletes with the resources they need to reach their full potential. Their generosity and involvement play a key role in building a bright future for Canadian tennis.
We extend our sincerest thanks for their invaluable support. Together, we are laying the foundation for a new generation of champions.
In recognition of their dedication, ambassadors enjoy privileged access behind the scenes of the tournament, including VIP experiences and exclusive meetings with athletes.
If you would like more information about this program, please contact Anne-Catherine Rioux at acrioux@tenniscanada.com.
Thank you to our generous donors!
Rising Star Vicky Mboko Triumphs in Montréal and Makes NBO History
At just 18 years old, Vicky Mboko delivered an exceptional performance, capping off the 2025 National Bank Open in Montréal with brilliance.
On August 7, in front of an ecstatic home crowd, she stunned former World No. 1 Naomi Osaka in three sets (2-6, 6-4, 6-1), capturing the biggest title of her young career on home soil.
Her Historic Journey
- Defeated four Grand Slam champions: Sofia Kenin, Coco Gauff, Elena Rybakina & Naomi Osaka
- Youngest player since Serena Williams in 1999 to beat four Slam champions in one tournament
- 3rd Canadian to win the NBO in the modern era
- 5th youngest NBO champion since 1990 (18 years, 336 days)
This victory is more than a title, it’s proof that Canadian tennis is thriving, thanks to the belief and support of our donors.
The Women’s High-Performance Accelerator
Vicky’s win is a glimpse into what’s possible when talent meets opportunity. To make these moments the new normal, Tennis Canada is launching the Women’s High-Performance Accelerator, a bold step to elevate women’s tennis in Canada.
With donor support, we will invest in:
- Dedicated coaching and sport science expertise, maximizing performance and recovery
- Holistic wellness and mentorship programs, supporting mental and physical wellbeing
- Competition, training and travel support, giving athletes the chance to test themselves on the world stage
- Upgraded facilities and technology, ensuring world-class preparation environments
Goal: Raise $5 Million to accelerate the development of Canada’s women in tennis.
“Canada has long punched above our weight in women’s tennis. Vicky Mboko’s triumph proves what is possible when we invest in our talent, and we’re just getting started.” — Stacey Fung, Pro Athlete
A Legacy We Build Together
Moments like Vicky’s historic win are fueled by donor generosity. Together, we can:
- Elevate more Canadian women into the Top 100 WTA rankings
- Inspire thousands of young girls to pick up a racquet
- Ensure that Vicky’s story is not the exception, but the rule
With your continued support, the Women’s High-Performance Accelerator will make sure Vicky Mboko's success is one of many to come.
Yanik Deschênes owes a lot to tennis and that’s why he’s paying it forward
Yanik Deschênes credits tennis not only for improving his physical and mental health, but also for making him a better person, a better father, a better spouse, and a better employer. “It has a ripple effect on every area of my life. That's why tennis is almost the most important thing I have,” he explained.
Powerful words from someone who quit the sport as a teenager because he didn’t enjoy it.
“At the age of 30, I started playing again, this time with a different perspective”, Deschênes added. “It's not just about winning or losing a match; there are different facets that make it a great life project. Playing tennis is a journey where you never stop learning.”
Deschênes doesn’t just hit balls as a social activity either. He competes at the highest level of Masters Tennis on the ITF Tour, representing Canada in the 50+ division at the World Individual Championships in Lisbon, Portugal this summer. He’s also a donor and every donation has a story. For Deschênes, giving to Tennis Canada is about more than building champions. It’s about building healthier, stronger communities, where every child has the chance to pick up a racquet and discover what the sport can bring to their life.
This summer, Deschênes had the chance to share the court with Andy Tchinda Kepche, a young athlete from Tennis Canada’s National Tennis Centre (NTC) in Montreal. It was more than just a hit; it was a glimpse into the future his donations help create. Every year, gifts like his support dozens of promising athletes at the NTC with world-class coaching, facilities, and competition opportunities. Beyond the elite level, donor generosity fuels programs that introduce over 1.25 million children to tennis across Canada, ensuring that the next Andy, Bianca, or Félix can begin their journey no matter where they come from.
Deschênes knows that giving back to a sport that has contributed so much to his quality of life, both personal and professional, will allow for even more people, especially the younger generation, to experience the many benefits of tennis.
“I give to tennis because it makes me happy. I have seen the impact it has had on my health, both physically and mentally, Deschênes said. “It's a wonderful gift to give to the next generation because, thanks to tennis, they will develop much healthier lifestyles. They will be able to live with resilience, they will certainly be more humble, and they will learn the benefits of physical activity, discipline, and focus.”
Deschênes’ story shows how tennis transforms lives, on and off the court. By supporting Tennis Canada, you’re not just fueling the dreams of future champions, but also advancing our mission: inspiring access by opening courts to every child, promoting equity by creating safe, inclusive environments where girls and newcomers can thrive, and building legacy by nurturing the champions and leaders of tomorrow. Together, we can make tennis a game for all.
Tennis has brought Yanik a lifetime of joy, and his gift ensures that joy is passed on. Join him in building a legacy where every child in Canada has the chance to step onto the court and thrive.
A Life in Motion: Honouring Charles Po’s Legacy Through Tennis Canada
This year, we received a generous in-memoriam gift from the family and friends of Charles Po, a lifelong tennis enthusiast. We are honoured to share his story, a beautiful reminder of how tennis can shape a life, a family, and a sense of community.
Charles’ love for tennis spanned more than 60 years. It was never just a game to him, but a way of life. In his early 20s, Charles left mainland China and moved to Hong Kong after selling his only prized possession, a bicycle. There, he discovered tennis at local racquet clubs. His children often wondered how he managed to join such expensive clubs, but it was clear that for Charles, tennis was always worth the investment.
In the mid-1970s, at the age of 51, Charles made another life-changing decision. He left a successful career in Hong Kong and immigrated to Toronto in hopes of better educational opportunities for his children. His daughter Eunice remembers searching for an apartment that her father could truly feel at home in. She found one with two tennis courts and a view of the Bayview Village Tennis Club. It was perfect.
Bayview Village became Charles’ tennis home. He was known and loved at the community courts. With his sociable personality, calm demeanor, and a signature under-slice that even his children couldn’t beat, Charles quickly became a favourite on the courts. People of all ages wanted to play with him. His granddaughter Courtney remembers watching him as a child and being amazed by how quick and precise he was, playing with much younger athletes, while he was in his 70s.
Tennis kept Charles young and healthy, both physically and emotionally. Even after being diagnosed with stage 4 aortic stenosis, he continued playing. His cardiovascular surgeon, Dr. Cusimano, agreed to a high-risk heart surgery because, as he said, "Mr. Po, you are 83 years old and still play tennis regularly, I will operate on you."
Tennis was more than just a sport. It shaped Charles’ social life, created deep family bonds, and gave him a sense of belonging in a new country. His family’s calendar often revolved around the tennis season and although there were fun arguments about who their favorite players were, they all agreed on the importance of fostering excellence and development for young athletes, a mission that lies at the heart of Tennis Canada’s commitment to growing the sport.
Through tennis, Charles found community, joy, and purpose. Today, his legacy lives on through their generous support.
To our donors and supporters, Charles’s story is a reminder that when you support community tennis, you are helping people of all ages build meaningful connections, stay active, and feel a sense of belonging. Thank you to the Po family for keeping tennis alive in your hearts and communities.
Let’s continue building the future of tennis in Canada, one match and one community at a time.
From Paris to London: A Journey Through Tennis’s Greatest Stages
This spring, Tennis Canada supporters had the chance to take part in two extraordinary donor experiences, each offering privileged access to one of tennis’s most prestigious tournaments. Some lived the thrill of Roland-Garros in Paris, while others stepped inside the rarefied world of Wimbledon in London.
In Paris, donors were immersed in the energy of the French Open. With Gold seats on Philippe-Chatrier and Suzanne-Lenglen courts, they witnessed world-class matches from the best vantage points.
Beyond the competition, they enjoyed rare privileges: dining in the players’ restaurant, normally closed to the public, and an intimate evening at the Racing Tennis Club of Paris with former Wimbledon finalist Nathalie Tauziat and Noëlle van Lottum, Head Coach of Women’s Tennis at Tennis Canada.
Another group of supporters travelled to London for an exclusive experience at The Championships, Wimbledon. With prime Centre Court tickets, they witnessed defending champions open their campaigns on tennis’s most iconic stage.
The experience was enriched with a private tour of the All England Lawn Tennis Club, lunch in the Members’ Enclosure, and breakfast at The Ivy in Wimbledon Village before strolling to the grounds. Guests also enjoyed rare access to the Club’s private dining and hospitality spaces, walking in the footsteps of legends and soaking up Wimbledon’s timeless traditions.
Beyond the Courts: Impact in Canada
These extraordinary experiences were not just about witnessing tennis history, they raised over $165,000 to support Tennis Canada’s programs.
Your generosity helps:
- Develop community tennis across the country
- Nurture emerging Canadian talent
- Make tennis more inclusive and accessible for all
From the clay of Paris to the grass of London, our donors are shaping the future of Canadian tennis, while living its greatest traditions firsthand.
We are already preparing our 2026 Tennis Experiences — new opportunities to live the sport’s greatest traditions while investing in the future of Canadian tennis.
If you would like to be part of next year’s journey, we’d love to hear from you: fundraising@tenniscanada.com
Celebrating Our Incredible Sweepstakes Volunteers at the 2025 National Bank Open
This year’s National Bank Open was nothing short of inspiring, thanks in large part to our incredible sweepstakes volunteer team. Together, they raised over $200,000 in support of youth tennis, helping us continue to grow the game and build brighter futures for young athletes.
From energizing morning warm-up dances to the warm smiles that greeted fans each evening, our volunteers brought joy, passion, and heart to every moment of the tournament. Their enthusiasm made the NBO experience unforgettable for everyone who attended.
A special thank you goes to our dedicated volunteer leaders, Dianne and Karl, whose professionalism, kindness, and steady guidance ensured the team’s success. We truly could not have achieved this without their leadership and support.
Our volunteers are more than tennis enthusiasts and players; they are community builders. They understand the importance of supporting youth tennis, not only for its impact on the sport, but for the way it fosters connection, belonging, and opportunity.
This team exemplifies how the love of tennis and the spirit of community come together to create something extraordinary. We are deeply grateful to every volunteer who made this year’s NBO such a success.
If you’d like to join our amazing team of volunteers and be part of next year’s National Bank Open, sign up here.
