Roger's Cup Canada's Best Tennis
Top ATP and WTA Players Head for Montreal & Toronto in August
Roger's Cup Winners Are Who's Who of Tennis
If presented with a list of winners such as Federer (2006), McEnroe (1984, 1985), Borg (1979), Lendl (1980-81, 1983, 1987-89), Becker (1986), and Agassi (1992, 1994-95) for a tournament, one might think that the tournament was one of tennis’ four Grand Slam events. Told that the list of men’s champions also includes Laver (1970), Nastase (1972), Newcombe (1971) and Vilas (1974), names that generate goose bumps in a true tennis fan, there would be little doubt.
The list of champions on the women’s side is no less impressive, with historical greats from Margaret Court (1970), Chris Evert (1980, 84-85), Stefi Graf (1990, 93) and Martina Navratilova (1982-83, 89), to current champions Serena Williams (2001), Amalie Mauresmo (2002, 04), and Justine Henin (2003).
Roger's Cup Third Oldest Tourney
The above lists are not associated with one of tennis’ Grand Slams, but although not considered a Grand Slam, Roger’s Cup, formerly known as the Canadian Open, is as prominent a tournament outside of the four Grand Slams and the Sony Ericcson in Miami as there is in the world of tennis. The third oldest event after Wimbledon and the US Open, it seems as though any player who wants to be considered among tennis' greats, must capture at least one Roger’s Cup.
Biggest Event between Wimbledon and US Open
Sandwiched between Wimbledon at the end of June and the US Open in late August, Roger’s Cup runs from August 4 – 12 for the men and August 11 – 19 for the women. Along with the prestige of the Roger’s Cup title, the $2.45 million dollars U.S. in prize money available to the men, and $1.34 Million U.S. to the women, should bring all of the uninjured, top-ranked heavy hitters to the Canadian courts this summer.
Roger Federer Will Defend Title
Most of the favorites will have taken a bit of a rest before arriving in Montreal, Canada for this premier event, so the quality of play should be as high as it was at Wimbledon this year. And, although the naming of Roger’s Cup had nothing to do with Roger Federer, the King of grass and reigning men’s champion of Roger’s Cup will be cutting a broad swath through the men’s draw in attempts to retain his title. As he did at Wimbledon, Rafael Nadal will bring his more aggressive game to Toronto in efforts to unseat King Roger.
Venus Williams Seeking First Roger's Cup Title
In the women’s draw, the primary players at the French Open and Wimbledon will seek supremacy once again in Toronto. Ana Ivanovic, French Open finalist and Wimbledon semifinalist ,will defend her 2006 Roger’s Cup title. Wimbledon champ, Venus Williams, will try to claim her first, but sister Serena, a former Roger’s Cup champion, will miss this year’s event. She is the only top-ten woman to do so.
Sharapova in the Field
Maria Sharapova, the No.2-ranked woman in the world who missed the event last year, will also be vying for her first Roger’s Cup title. Three former champions besides Ivanovic will be courting another championship, including Justine Henin, Amalie Mauresmo, and Martina Hingis. Only Henin of this trio has not won more than once. After her disappointing loss at Wimbledon, she’ll be determined to reassert her season-long dominance.
Women Put On Tennis Fashion Show
The women have also added a fashionable twist to this year’s Roger’s Cup. Tournament officials have themed the women’s event, Victorious & Vogue, and will present nine fashion shows on site at Rexall Centre, and showcase the history of tennis fashion in video. Fervent fans might want to don clothing of their favorite tennis era and get into the swing of things as well.
When and How to Be There
Main draw matches for the men begin at 10:00 a.m. on Sunday, August 5, and for the women at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, August 13. Tickets for both the men’s and women’s events can be purchased online, and seats are available for as little as $25 US.
