Reaping the rewards – Tennis Canada

For a few of our most promising tennis gamers, the Nationwide Financial institution Open is a reward—the prospect to share the court docket with the world elite.

It’s additionally a reward for many who oversee tennis growth in Canada, like Guillaume Marx, head of efficiency at Tennis Canada and supervisor of the Nationwide Tennis Centre introduced by Rogers, who can lastly take inventory of the years of efforts invested within the younger gamers.

You’ll see the tall Frenchman across the courts, watching and assessing the opponents as they attempt to get forward within the thick and hostile jungle of worldwide tennis.

“It’s a fantastic match for me and for all of the coaches who’ve been concerned in a participant’s growth. And to see that participant competing in such an essential match right here is the fruits of a whole lot of effort,” defined Marx.

Kudos to Galarneau and Diallo

Guillaume Marx didn’t miss any of his qualifiers’ matches. Liam Draxl of Ontario and Jaden Weekes, Juan Carlos Aguilar and Gabriel Diallo of Montréal took on some huge names. Of the 4, solely Diallo gained a match—and what a match! He defeated No.59 James Duckworth of Australia however needed to bow out of the subsequent duel towards Hugo Gaston of France.

“Gab gained a $25,000 match two months in the past. And beating a High 60 right here in Montréal is unquestionably the occasion of the qualies. There’s additionally been Alexis these previous few months. Together with his ultimate final week on the Winnipeg Challenger, he’s No.230.”

For Diallo and the opposite Canadians, the wild playing cards had been certainly a reward from Tennis Canada.

“Individuals don’t notice it, however the degree of the qualifiers at a Masters 1000 like Montréal is even larger than at a Grand Slam. It’s solely High 100 gamers. The qualifiers in a Grand Slam are ranked between No.110 and No.250 on this planet. So, the bar is excessive. And sure, it’s a reward.”

Multi-storey constructing

Underneath the management of Hatem McDadi, senior vp of tennis growth at Tennis Canada, Guillaume Marx and his workforce oversee athletes at totally different ranges. Marx additionally confirmed {that a} new program had just lately been launched.

“We created a help program for NCAA High 20 gamers and High 40 ITF juniors of their first or second 12 months of transition. They’ll profit from teaching and coaching in any respect Canadian tournaments.”

There are decrease ranges, too. Particularly, the Nationwide Tennis Centre in Montréal and the regional centres in Toronto and Vancouver. It was introduced that the previous No.65 Frank Dancevic of Ontario can be in command of the event of a brand new technology of gamers, as Martin Laurendeau continues his work with prospects transitioning to the skilled degree.

On Monday evening, Dancevic and Marx sat collectively within the stands at Denis Shapovalov’s match.

Lastly, one other former Canadian professional, Jocelyn Robichaud, will head the pipeline of under-15 skills.

And Félix?

It might be unattainable to not discuss to Guillaume Marx about Félix Auger-Aliassime, whom he coached on the ATP Tour till November 2020. Coincidentally, the 2 had simply talked for about 15 minutes earlier than Marx sat down for the interview.

“It’s humorous as a result of that’s the brand new technology we talked about: Diallo, specifically, and Galarneau, who’s Félix’s childhood good friend. He asks about them, and you may inform he’s very all in favour of seeing them succeed.”

Marx concludes by expressing admiration for the nice server Félix has develop into. Within the ATP stats, he’s fourth within the race for aces, behind names like John Isner, Reilly Opelka and Maxime Cressy. Auger-Aliassime hits a median of 10 per match.

“I’ve to offer him credit score as a result of he’s labored on his serve rather a lot because the begin of his profession. He’s accepted a whole lot of change and, in the present day, he’s a really dominant participant. I’d say the identical about his backhand slice, which is de facto sturdy.”

It might even be unattainable not speak about rewards whenever you’ve watched Félix develop and rise all the best way to the High 10.  

That’s a reward Guillaume Marx and all the opposite coaches are reaping, as they look forward to the subsequent one.