Canada’s National Bank is offering cash grants to each of 23 tennis players from the country who are facing financial issues because of the coronavirus pandemic.
Tennis Canada revealed the grants of $10,000 to $20,000 in Canadian dollars, or about $7,000 to $14,000 in U.S. dollars, from National Bank on Monday, saying the amounts will depend on a player’s ranking.
The money will help professionals ranked from 100 to 750 in singles or between 25 and 100 in doubles, members of the top 100 in the ITF junior rankings who are transitioning to the pros, and players in the top 50 of the ITF wheelchair rankings.
Among the recipients: Sharon Fichman, who is No. 48 in women’s doubles; Leylah Annie Fernandez, who is No. 118 in women’s singles; Brayden Schnur, who is No. 177 in men’s singles; Peter Polansky, who is No. 192 in men’s singles; and Rebecca Marino, who is No. 300 in women’s singles.
All sanctioned tennis events have been cancelled since March due to the outbreak and all tennis events in Canada have been called off until the end of August, except for the Rogers Cup men’s tournament in Toronto.
The WTA and ATP are suspended until at least mid-July everywhere.
In recent weeks, the tennis world is talking more and more about the financial difficulties related to this crisis for all tennis players ranked outside of the Top 100 and who must continue to pay bills like every other citizen. These athletes are becoming increasingly worried as the tennis hiatus keeps getting extended and insecurity continues to surround their return of play.
“Our commitment to Canadian tennis runs deep. Our athletes are continuing to have standout performances at all levels of competition and we are very proud of them. They are at a pivotal stage in their development and that is why it is important to support them financially during these difficult times. With this gesture, we are encouraging them to pursue the development of their talent and their ambitions,” said Lucie Blanchet, Executive Vice-President, Personal and Customer Experience at National Bank.
