MONTREAL —
Leyla Fernandez is The Most very important identify in Canadian sports activities proper now.
The power, the velocity, that indomitable spirit — distinctive for any participant, Not to mention somephysique who simply turned 19.
It has The complete world asking how Canadians — and Notably, Quebecers — acquired so good at tennis.
And The reply begins, of all places, on a baseball area.
FROM THE DIAMOND TO THE Courtroom
Jarry Park was house to the Montreal Expos between 1969 and 1976.
However after the Expos left for the Olympic Stadium, Jarry Park started internet hosting tennis touridentifynts.
Eugene Lapierre, Vice chairman of Tennis Canada, says The sport’s governing physique Did not like tennis being performed in an previous ballpark, So as that they constructed a mannequin new tennis stadium.
“From then on, it actually took off,” he said. “I imply the touridentifynt turned so worthwhile, and we have been In a place To place Tons Further money into the recreation afterwards.”
An factor of That money went to constructing a nationwide tennis centre. Not prolonged after it opened in 2007, it started churning out tennis stars.
“Definitely one of many first college students we had was Milos Raonic and he reached the Wimbledon final,” said Lapierre.
Genie Bouchard educated there, and so did 2019 U.S. Open champion Bianca Andrescu.
To not level out Felix Auger-Aliassime and Leylah Fernandez, who additionally handed by way of.
“I really feel we’ve started a enchancment, I hope it’s going to proceed,” said Lapierre.
MOTIVATED Gamers
Lapierre says half of the success was attracting good individuals, who he says have good heads on their shoulders.
However he believes The key weapon is the centre’s VP of Extreme Efficiency, Louis Borfiga.
“The man was in cost, for 20 years in France, of All of the very biggest French individuals.”
He says Borfiga made Canadian individuals understand They will win On the highest diploma.
“Canadians Aren’t shy anymore of whOn They will do on the worldwide scene.”
TSN tennis analyst Mark Masters says it finally comes Right down to the participant, and Canada retains discovering gems.
“Canada is A rustic of immigrants. This period of individuals are all tied to immigrant tales are All of the youngsters of immigrants,” he said. “Dennis Shapovalov, his mom and father are from the soviet union By Method of Israel, Milos Raonic by way of Montenegro, Fernandez with a father from Ecuador and a mom with Filipina roots.”
“A lot Greater than the nationwide tennis centre, Canada has given these individuals An alternative to pursue their goals.”
Source: https://montreal.ctvnews.ca/quebec-is-churning-out-exceptional-tennis-players-why-1.5582108