improve at faster rates. It’s a model that
works well for players of all ages, said
Connell.
“I’ve had multiple classes where I’ve
had seniors and seven-year olds and
they can take the same class,” he said.
Kids can get an introduction to
tournament play in Manitoba with the
Rogers Rookie Tour.
“I always tell them if they can hit
the ball – at whatever court size
they’re going to play at – two times
over the net, they’ll do well in a
Rogers Rookie,” said Robert Kennedy,
Tennis Manitoba’s Rogers Rookie Tour
coordinator.
The Rookie Tour tournaments are
all one-day events with an emphasis
on participation – the 2016 schedule
consists of 14 events held at numerous
sites in the province.
Tennis Manitoba organizes junior
and adult tournaments for players of
all levels, including an inaugural YearEnd Championships in September for
the top ranked players in various adult
categories.
Winnipeg also hosts a men’s and
women’s professional tournament – the
National Bank Challenger at Winnipeg
Lawn Tennis Club (WLTC). The event,
held July 9-17, features many activities
including a Pro-Am and a Kids’ Day.
This will mark the fifth straight
summer of professional tennis in
Winnipeg. Top players from around the
world have come to the city, including
Johanna Konta of Great Britain. Konta,
who reached the Australian Open
semifinals in January, won the 2013
Women’s Challenger at WLTC.
The 2016 National Bank Challenger
at WLTC will be the second largest
combined men’s and women’s
Challenger tournament in Canada
of the year following the Granby
Challenger in Quebec. Players ranked
anywhere from 45 to 200 in the world
are expected to make the stop in
Winnipeg. They will compete for
$100,000 in prize money – $75,000
on the men’s side and $25,000 on the
women’s side.
“Our city will see some of the
world’s finest players showcasing their
skills during the nine day event,” said
Mark Arndt, tournament founder
and Executive Director of Tennis
Manitoba. l
For more information on Tennis
Manitoba programs and events,
visit tennismanitoba.com.
PRESENTED BY
July 9 - 17, 2016
WINNIPEG LAWN TENNIS CLUB
761 North Drive
Canada’s 3rd largest men’s and women’s
professional tournament
ADMISSION:
$5 per day – $25 for a week pass
Purchase at the venue
sportslife / 11