Tennis is currently a victim of its own success, notes the new General Manager of Tennis Montreal. Hugues Léger’s main challenge will be to ensure access to land 12 months a year at an affordable price.
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“People must be able to play in the hall, all age groups together, from mini-tennis to adults,” emphasizes the entrepreneur, who has been enthusiastic about the little yellow ball for many years. This is a big project and the biggest challenge in a country that has four months of winter. »
Because “demand is currently outstripping supply,” adds Mr. Léger. This reality is not independent of the successes experienced in particular by Félix Auger-Aliassime and Leylah Fernandez, which according to him encourages the general public to pick up their racquet and play.
In November, Hugues Léger took over from Nicole Nobert, who had held the position of Managing Director of the organization for 15 years.
A “good experienced player” himself, he started hitting balls in his early teens after watching this anthology final between Bjorn Borg and John McEnroe at Wimbledon. A match won by the Swede after dropping the tie break in the fourth set…18 to 16.
infrastructure available
Mr. Léger, who specializes in marketing and management, turned to sport “during the second part of his career,” he explains.
Notably, he was general manager of TVA Sports, marketing vice president of CF Montreal – then called Impact – and he was a board member of Tennis Montreal.
“One of my tasks now is to examine what can be done with the infrastructure on the island of Montreal to improve accessibility,” emphasizes the new general manager.
Tennis Montreal’s role is to organize lessons, leagues and tournaments for the Montreal metropolitan area.
“We develop players of all ages and levels to enjoy and progress in their tennis over the years,” explains Mr. Léger.
Where the succession begins
The organization also includes an “excellence” component that is “the kindergarten for tomorrow’s players,” he says. Among others, Les Fernandez, Gabriel Diallo and Alexis Galarneau were there.
“Before admission to the Tennis Canada National Centre, it is possible that the players were discovered in one of our programs,” specifies Hugues Léger.
Although he will work hard to increase the number of courts available on the island, Mr Léger does mention that tennis is a less expensive sport than some might think.
“The agreement between the City of Montreal and IGA Stadium must ensure accessibility for the general public. […] We offer courses [au Stade IGA] where youngsters can start playing for $48. »