Another exciting Rogers Cup has concluded at York. This year, the Rexall Centre hosted the men’s tournament with the women’s tournament being held in Montreal at the Uniprix Stadium.
Jo-Wilfried Tsonga picked up the win in straight sets against heavily favoured second seeded in the world, Roger Federer.
Classified as a Masters 1000 on the ATP World tour schedule, the tournament drew well over 100,000 spectators to York and the Rexall Centre.
With the tournament now concluded, it would be a good time to reflect on what exactly an event of this magnitude means for York.
According to Jennifer Myers, director of sport and recreation, the Rogers Cup is an opportunity to showcase the university and build up its reputation.
“The university is mentioned every time the Rogers Cup is on TV. This gives us exposure.”
The Rexall Centre is leased to Tennis Canada, and under the terms of the agreement, York receives reciprocating use of the facility. This includes usage by the campus tennis team and intramurals.
In addition, the venue has met the university’s operational needs as they arose by providing substantial space for convocation and examinations.
Although Tennis Canada is not looking to expand their programming at this point, the plethora of renowned coaches descending upon York during the tournament has been a boon for the university’s own tennis team.
“Some of our athletes have worked with the coaches in the high performance group,” says Myers.
As well, Tennis Canada runs a junior development program out of the Rexall Centre which has become a key site for tennis development in Canada.
York is one of only three universities in Canada to regularly host Ontario University Athletics (OUA) championships thanks to the Rexall Centre. Needless to say, the Rogers Cup has provided a boost to tennis across the OUA.
With names like Rafael Nadal, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic regularly associated with York and the Rexall Centre, it is clear that the Rogers Cup has been and continues to be highly beneficial to our campus in many respects.
Alex Kvaskow, Sports Editor
Photo courtesy of Andrea Del Medico
