The sport of tennis is not always closely associated with Canada, yet it is perhaps a little-known fact that the Canadian Open is actually the world’s third-oldest tennis tournament, behind only Wimbledon and the US Open.
And with the Sport Information Resource Centre reporting in late 2018 that Tennis Canada has announced a surge in tennis popularity, there has never been a better time for Canadians to add the game to their more traditional choices such as hockey and lacrosse.
Tennis Canada’s report found that in the 12 months between 2017 and 2018, a surprising 18% of the Canadian population had played tennis at least once – this works out at nearly 6.6 million Canadians. And in a 15% increase on the previous study in 2016, 4.5 million Canadians said they had played tennis at least four times in the 12-month period. The study also found that 60% of Canadians are interested in tennis, with Quebec leading the way on popularity levels.
However, Tennis Canada’s President and CEO Michael Downey drew attention to the fact that there are only 750 accessible covered courts across the whole country, a fact he described as a “dire shortage”.
“All the facts are pointing to a real swell in popularity for tennis, and it’s a shame that current facilities in Canada are not prepared to meet this new demand,” said a spokesperson for CrowAll Surface Contractors, an Ontario-based specialist in building tennis courts and court surfaces.
“At CrowAll we know only too well the health benefits and all-round enjoyment that can be gained from playing such an energetic, fast-paced sport like tennis. That’s why we offer a wide variety of court surfaces to suit all individual preferences – just like the professionals.
“So for example, you want to be the ‘King of Clay’ just like Rafael Nadal? We offer installations, resurfacing and maintenance for a range of clay surfaces, such as Har-tru red and green clay, and European clay. Or perhaps you want to emulate Serena Williams and excel on grass – in which case, we can provide artificial grass and turf, which is actually better than real grass because it needs less maintenance and doesn’t damage as easily.”
The Tennis Canada study also found that just over half a million children aged between 6 and 11 played tennis in the year from 2017 to 2018. In the spirit of genuine inclusivity, Tennis Canada has recently helped to promote a special program dedicated to the needs of children with Down Syndrome and autism spectrum disorder.
“With growing interest in tennis across different social groups, it is important that no corners are cut in the quest to ensure supply starts to meet demand,” added the spokesperson. “When constructing a tennis court, we take care of all aspects, including the aesthetics – a full landscape plan and design, professional drainage systems, and excavation, base install and fencing.
“And with Canada’s notoriously harsh winters, we minimise the risks from excessive moisture such as cracking. We use laser-guided grading and top-level acrylic coating that ensures maximum protection against the weather and general wear and tear. We’re so confident in the quality that we offer a ten-year crack-free warranty.”
Media ContactCompany Name: CrowAll Surface Contractors Ltd.Contact Person: Daniel CornacchiaEmail: Send EmailPhone: 416-951-4626Address:2 Briardale Place City: AuroraState: Ontario, L4G 6M4Country: CanadaWebsite: http://crowall.ca/
