It’s confirmed, the best players in the world will be at the National Bank Open in Montreal. Moreover, the players will not be honored only because it is their turn to come to the metropolis, but also because women’s tennis has gained new momentum.

“It’s not the best of women’s tennis. It’s the best of tennis. Point”, launched with delight and pride Valérie Tétreault, Thursday afternoon, at Fabrik8 in Montreal, during the unveiling of the players registered for the Open National Bank of Montreal, which will be presented from August 4 to 13.

“It’s a very strong message and quite appropriate,” continued the one who succeeds Eugène Lapierre.

After all, women’s tennis is living its best moments. The caliber has never been so high, the scholarships awarded to players have never been so high and the enthusiasm for the WTA has never been so widespread.

“It’s because we invest in the advancement of women’s tennis,” explained M.^me Tétreault on the podium facing members of the media and Tennis Canada employees who migrated from the IGA stadium for lunch.

Iga Świątek, Aryna Sabalenka and Elena Rybakina, members of the famous new “Big Women’s Three”, should all be present at Jarry Park in early August. In 14 finals played since the start of the season, at least one of the three has been involved.

Obviously, this trio has dominated the tennis world for almost two seasons. Inevitably, their performance directly influences the curiosity and commitment of amateurs.

Valérie Tétreault is also delighted to see that the tickets are selling very well, notwithstanding the gender of the athletes present in Montreal. “It makes me very proud of the people here. »

According to her, “it’s the best WTA list we’ve ever had”. All the players of top 20 will be present and according to the announced census, there will be 11 former champions of major tournaments and five former champions of the Canadian tournament.

Backtrack

Two heavy hitters have won passes for the tournament.

First, Caroline Wozniacki, champion of the tournament in 2010 and former world number one, will return to competition after a three-year absence.

The Dane wrote a text message via WhatsApp to Valérie Tétreault at the beginning of March to find out if there was a possibility of coming out of retirement, in Montreal, to reconnect with her discipline. “I know her from our junior years, but I don’t expect to receive a message from Caroline Wozniacki every day,” she said.

After thinking about it for a long time, the 2018 Australian Open winner got back in touch with the tournament director to confirm her interest in playing competitively again. “It’s good to see mothers coming back to the top level,” said Tétreault.

Then Venus Williams, now 43, also got a bye. “I don’t know how she can still play at 43,” said M^me Tetreault.

Williams has had a lot of success in the past in Montreal and it is clear, according to the organizers, that fans will enjoy his presence.

Since the start of the season, players who enjoyed their heyday more in the decade leading up to the current one have returned at the height of the race. Petra Kvitová and Victoria Azarenka top the list.

“It’s true that there is a mix between the new rackets, the new faces, and at the same time there are those who refuse to leave. […] I can’t wait to see Wozniacki’s level. For me, that’s the biggest question mark. There can’t be unrealistic expectations either, even though she’s been training for months,” said Valérie Tétreault.

The Canadians

Because they weren’t ranked high enough, Bianca Andreescu, Leylah Annie Fernandez and Rebecca Marino are also among the players who can enjoy a bye.

“We know that Bianca and Leylah have all the potential to go far in the tournament. Rebecca has already proven in the past that she can hold her own.”

Tétreault assures that ticket sales are going “well” and that the organization is on its way to setting a new sales record for a women’s edition in Montreal.