Tennis Rocks! Burlington
The 2024 edition of Tennis Rocks at Burlington TC took place on July 27th and was another banner success. A total of 17 teams, with 77 junior players, came from throughout southern Ontario for the one-day doubles tournament.
The competition includes two categories of teams :
- All Stars have two players U18, and two players U14
- SuperStars have four players U12
Each team is matched against at least three of the other teams. For each fixture, the two doubles pairs on each team square off on two courts for pro-sets (first to 8 games). The teams accumulate a point for each game won on each court in each round.
There’s a playoff system at the conclusion of the pools, with winners advancing to the Tennis Rocks Championship at Sobeys Stadium on September 29th. Three teams from the Burlington event have qualified to advance : All Stars – from Rosethorn TC in Etobicoke, and SuperStars from Whitby TC and from Niagara.
Tennis Rocks is a collaborative partnership among the ICTA, OTA and Tennis Canada and is now in its 12th year. Tournament Director Todd Orrett is passionate about junior tennis in general, but about team tennis in particular. It’s clear that the kids love it as well : the atmosphere at Tennis Rocks is always lively and happy. It’s a fun day for all.
Burlington TC is a marvellous venue, with families enjoying both the park and the clubhouse with its elevated viewing area. Bruce Cates is a fervent advocate for kids tennis and for Tennis Rocks, and was joined this year by Stephen Spencer in promoting and planning the event. The National Bank Roadshow added to the festivities by setting up the smash cage.
These are among the outstanding photos by photographer Felipe Villegas. He captures the vitality, intensity and virtuosity of the young players at Tennis Rocks, as well as the scene at the club.
