Earlier in October, we introduced the players and staff that will be part of the 2025-26 season at the National Tennis Centre in Montreal.
To help fans get to know the next generation of Canadian tennis, we asked the players to tell us about themselves through a series of questions. Here’s a sample of what they had to say.
How did you get started in tennis?
Antoine Clavel: My father introduced me to tennis, and I really liked it right away.
Caden Colburne: My mom was running a tennis facility in Truro, Nova Scotia so she enrolled my sister and I in lessons, probably so that she could watch over us at work. We both loved it so much and we’ve been playing ever since.
Laurence Demers: I also played soccer and did figure skating, but I eventually decided to focus on tennis.
Antoine Généreux: I wanted to emulate my older brother who also played.
Nadia Lagaev: My brother player Division I tennis at the University of Arizona and I wanted to be just like him.
Callum MacKinnon: I learned to play in a small cottage country at some local courts.
Clémence Mercier: I started playing when I was six years old after my parents signed me up for a recreational lesson with my cousin. I played for fun and quickly got hooked.
Andrea Taylor: I played at a small club 5 minutes from where I grew up in Pickering, Ontario. I found my love for the sport there.
Andy Tchinda Kepche: I started playing with my dad when I was five years old.
Who is your tennis inspiration?
Clavel: Rafael Nadal. Because I loved the way he fought for every point. He made me want to start playing.
Colburne: I don’t really have one inspiration. I would say everyone around me are big motivators.
Demers: Mirra Andreeva. She inspires me a lot with her determination, and I like her style of play.
Généreux: My brother is my biggest inspiration.
Lagaev: Angelique Kerber. I think we have similar game styles.
MacKinnon: Jannik Sinner. I love how he carries himself and who he is as a person.
Mercier: Karolina Muchova. The way she plays is really impressive and I would love to play like her someday and maybe even play against her. .
Taylor: Novak Djokovic was my idol growing up.
Tchinda Kepche: My dad is my biggest inspiration.
How would you describe yourself as a player?
Clavel: I try to impose my game from the back of the court and at the baseline.
Colburne: I am a pretty classic player. I don’t love to stay at the baseline and rally all day long. I like the serve-forehand combination and come to net and volley.
Demers: I am aggressive, and I am tall, so I have a good serve. I try to gain the advantage during points as quickly as possible.
Généreux: I am a player who never gives up and I’m solid from the back of the court.
Lagaev: I’m steady and competitive.
MacKinnon: I am an all-around player, but I like to stick to the baseline and play aggressively.
Mercier:I am an aggressive player, and I also have some variety in my game.
Taylor: Aggressive. And sometime a little bit chaotic.
Tchinda Kepche: I like to play my forehand, take the ball early, and use my speed to get to balls quicker.
When you’re not playing tennis, what do you like to do away from the court?
Clavel: I like to play golf and video games.
Colburne: Me and the guys have picked up golf recently
Lagaev: I like to hang out with my friends and watch sunsets.
Demers: I like to shop and hang out with my friends.
Généreux: I like to play golf and video games. The boys at the NTC are on a golf kick these days.
MacKinnon: I used to play hockey so in the winter I try to get on skates and play when I can.
Mercier: I like to play Nintendo Switch and soccer.
Taylor: I like to shop and hang out with friends.
Tchinda Kepche: I like to play other sports including soccer and basketball.
How would your friends describe you?
Clavel: As someone who’s positive and who laughs a lot
Colburne: Energetic and the one to make jokes. Away from them, I am probably more of an introvert though
Demers: Energetic, positive, and someone who is always there for them
Généreux: Energetic and confident
Lagaev: Funny, kind, and competitive
MacKinnon: An introvert, but more outgoing once you get to know me.
Mercier: Funny, kind, and athletic (at least I hope so!)
Taylor: Definitely chaotic, vibrant, and outgoing
Tchinda Kepche: Funny and nonchalant sometimes
Photos: Sarah-Jäde Champagne
