The balls go back and forth, the echo of the strikes resounds everywhere in the IGA stadium. Near the playing surface, in a rest area, boots and sports shoes alternate. The satisfaction of having won or the regret of having lost is displayed on the faces of the players who have set aside part of their Monday afternoon to tease the racket.
“It’s always full like that. You have to fight for a place,” recalls Hugues Léger as he leaves his new office on the second floor of the building located on the edge of Parc station. A few days ago, Léger was named general manager of Tennis Montreal. On the ground floor, Valérie Tétreault and Andréanne Martin join him.
Tétreault was promoted to manager of the National Bank Open a few weeks ago. Martin became general manager of Tennis Québec a few months ago.
Together, they have the mission of managing the growth and development of Quebec tennis.
PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
Our journalist organized a round table with Hugues Léger, general manager of Tennis Montréal, Valérie Tétreault, manager of the National Bank Open, and Andréanne Martin, general manager of Tennis Québec.
The trio has known and known each other for a long time. We can talk about friendship between them. The three now work in the same building, and their respective offices are a few steps from each other.
“There has to be a synergy between the different organizations,” proclaims Léger. This explains the proximity work between the different levels. The one who has worked for a long time in business management and marketing sees Quebec tennis as a pyramid, where each federation represents a floor.
“It’s a channel of progression, he explains, where each player tries to get to the top thanks to our support and support. »
Tétreault also believes that the foundation of this pyramid is “very solid”, not to mention that the trio already has their hands full to improve this system.
PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
Valerie Tetreault
More land, less cost
The three speakers are unanimous. Their biggest obstacle is “a beautiful problem”.
Between the sounds of shoes rubbing the cement and producing a sound as high as a Mariah Carey crescendo, the general manager of Tennis Montreal insists: the biggest project in Quebec tennis is accessibility to indoor courts.
Quebecers want to play tennis 12 months out of 12. The challenge is no longer to convince people to pick up a racquet, he explains, it is to find them an affordable and accessible place to do so. Currently, supply does not match demand.
“It puts pressure on infrastructure, these are big investments. We need to discuss with our partners. But Léger wants to be reassuring that tackling this problem is everyone’s priority.
At Tennis Québec, Martin points out that the lack of indoor courts cuts into the many tournaments and camps organized by the federation. A major problem considering that TQ’s mission is to develop the next generation.
PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
Andreanne Martin
“Inclusivity is also about allowing everyone to play. If all the young people who see Leylah want to go play tennis and it’s too expensive for them to practice, we will lose people. »
According to Tétreault, the solution lies in creating more public facilities. “There are not enough,” she claims. To resolve the situation, she specifies that it will take the contribution of all levels, both municipalities and national authorities. The OBN director wants to take advantage of current opportunities.
It’s teamwork and everyone has to feel this crying need.
Valérie Tétreault, Director of the National Bank Open
However, the general manager of Tennis Québec maintains the idea that private clubs are important, because these institutions have a history and a prestige that also serve Québec tennis. “It takes a balance,” she nuances.
While the siren indicating the start of the hour and the rotation of lands is heard, the three experts discuss with fervor the procedure to follow. Their will is noble, but it will be necessary to take the bull by the horns to achieve their intentions.
Léger talks about reconversion, construction and refurbishment. He thinks big. “Maybe even roofs for outdoor clubs! There may be private clubs for sale. That’s why you have to look at all the options. »
PHOTO HUGO-SÉBASTIEN AUBERT, THE PRESS
Hugues Leger
Officials wanted!
If the federations want to ride the wave offered by Félix Auger-Aliassime, Leylah Annie Fernandez and Alexis Galarneau, tournaments must be held. Offer the chance to young players in the province to assert themselves and develop. To do this, you must have enough resources and according to Andréanne Martin, the lack of officials is an obstacle to holding competitions.
“Tennis Quebec has always been very proud to have an official for each of its tournaments, but this is not the case at the moment. We really suffer from it and it causes problems. »
She recognizes all the same that her organization has failed in the task in this file. “We had a pool which was correct, but we did not renew another generation well enough. Taken aback, the federation must fill a gap.
It takes enthusiasts and we are starting to renew our pool of officials. For us, it’s a big job.
Andréanne Martin, General Manager of Tennis Quebec
Then, in addition to the search for officials, the general manager also wishes to express her disappointment with the attitude of the young players on the field. She has traveled to tournaments across the province over the past year. “I think our youngsters really need to improve their sportsmanship among themselves and their respect with the officials. We have a lot of education to do. »
Moreover, Tétreault also wants to raise awareness among the parents of players who are often in need. “Right now, it’s not easy for a parent who wants to enroll their child in tennis to know where to go and how it works. »
Tennis Montreal, Tennis Quebec and Tennis Canada work hand in hand in search of the exceptional. There is still a lot to do, but everyone agrees on the way forward. “We will be stronger together,” concludes Tétreault.