On the exterior courts of the Saint-Victor Park, in Laval, the noise of the balls which strike the tense strings of the rackets resonates.
This tournament could very well go unnoticed in the eyes of passers -by. However, under modest outside, the third presentation of the ITF M25 tournament in Laval, in progress until July 6, is becoming a springboard for the succession of Quebec tennis … and far beyond.
“This tournament is the house for me,” explains with the Nicaise smile Muamba, a 24 -year -old Quebec player. It is not every day that you have a tournament like that in your court. »»
Organized by a hundred passionate volunteers, the M25 Laval was recognized as an international tournament par excellence of the year 2024 by Tennis Québec, only after two editions.
The “M” means “Men’s” and the “25” refers to the 25 ATP points awarded to the winner. In addition, a scholarship of US $ 30,000 is distributed among players. They are players classified below the 200e global position that compete. Among these, some hope to mark their very first professional points while others try to relaunch themselves.
Photo Charles William Pelletier, special collaboration
Saint-Victor Park in Laval
Claude Farmer, president of the tournament, does not hide his ambitions. “The goal is to encourage young Canadian players in their tennis journey. It is expensive to travel around the world. So here they are lucky to raise points and scholarships with them. »»
The ambition of Mr. Farmer is to see Laval become the capital of Quebec tennis. A dream that does not seem so distant, with this tournament where fifteen countries are represented in the qualification phase. About twenty Canadians have found their place there.
Francis Milloy, manager of professional and national events in Tennis Canada, explains why this tournament counts as much. “All these players go through tournaments like that of Laval. This is where they often make their first ATP points. »»
Muamba dreams of top 100 global. In the meantime, he puts on competitions like the M25 to measure his progress and offer himself a chance to climb in the elite. With a seasonal cost of around $ 50,000, each victory counts.
Same story on the side of Alexandre Bergeron, 19, another Quebecer in the main draw. “There are not many tournaments here in Canada. So when there are, I do them. This one, he is special because my family, my friends can come and see me playing. »»
Photo Charles William Pelletier, special collaboration
Alexandre Bergeron, in action in a qualification match on Monday against Jeremy Milette
For him, each match is an opportunity to learn, to see where this adventure will lead it. “It’s not the same course for everyone. There are some who are good earlier, others later. »»
A discreet, but powerful springboard
The influence of the M25 Laval goes beyond the borders of Quebec. Blaise Bicknell, a 23 -year -old Jamaican player, knows something about it. By winning the first edition of the tournament two years ago, he won his very first professional victory. “This tournament allowed me to qualify for other big tournaments. It really took off my career. »»
Today, back after an operation on the hip, he hopes to use Laval as a springboard to new heights.
Photo Charles William Pelletier, special collaboration
Blaise Bicknell, winner of the first M25 Tennis tournament in Laval
It is a very nice place, the terrains are suitable for my style of play and the people are super friendly.
Blaise Bicknell
This may be where the magic of this tournament resides. He does not have the flamboyance of a tournament like that of Roland-Garros or the historic varnish of a Wimbledon, but he has what major tournaments cannot buy. A warm atmosphere, fueled by a very simple mission: that of giving an opportunity to young tennis players.
Marie-Claude Pageau, tournament communications manager, talks about a competition that makes talent grow. “It’s like a nursery here!” Last year, Eliot Spizzirri won the tournament. A few days ago, he played the qualifications in Wimbledon. »»
With Canadian tennis which is well represented on the international scene by Félix Auger-Aliassime or Leylah Annie Fernandez, the need to support the next generation, however. Tournaments like the M25 Laval not only offer points and scholarships, but especially in the opportunity to people to see the next faces of Canadian tennis.
The future is very promising. We have a lot of young people we will see in the coming years.
Francis Milloy, manager of professional and national events in Tennis Canada
In a world where tennis is often associated with major scenes and spotlights, Laval recalls that it is in the shadows that future stars come to life.
“This is a tournament that cannot be missed during the year,” says Nicaise Muamba. It’s a unique chance to play in front of the people you love. »»
