The Calgary National Bank Challenger is back, and this year’s tournament promises to be hotter than ever! From October 13-20, 2024, the OSTEN & VICTOR Alberta Tennis Centre will showcase world-class tennis, top international stars, and some of Canada’s brightest talent. Get ready for a showdown you won’t want to miss!

The Wild West Gets Wilder with Star-Studded Lineup

Leading this year’s men’s draw is rising American star J.J. Wolf, ranked No. 39 in 2023. Wolf’s powerful gameplay, which saw him reach the Round of 16 at the 2023 Australian Open and score wins against Top 20 opponents like Cam Norrie and Denis Shapovalov, is bound to electrify the Calgary crowd. Joining him is Bernard Tomic of Australia, a former World No. 17, and Borna Gojo of Croatia, a 2018 Calgary semifinalist with a career-high ranking of No. 75.

Canada will be well-represented too, with Vasek Pospisil, a former World No. 25 and 2014 Wimbledon Doubles Champion, headlining the event. Pospisil, a key figure in Canada’s historic 2022 Davis Cup triumph, will be joined by rising star Alexis Galarneau and defending Calgary Challenger champion Liam Draxl.

Can You Handle the Heat? The Women’s Draw Is on Fire!

The women’s tournament is set to be equally competitive, with Tatjana Maria of Germany, currently ranked No. 85, leading the charge. Maria, a three-time WTA Tour champion, former Wimbledon singles semi-finalist and doubles quarterfinalist. She has a proven record against Top 20 players like Maria Sakkari and Leylah Fernandez.

Canada’s own Rebecca Marino, the country’s No. 2 player, will also be vying for the title. Marino has made waves internationally with wins over big names like Venus Williams and Caroline Garcia, and she’s ready to bring her best game to Calgary. The local spotlight will shine bright with stars like Stacey Fung, Carol Zhao, and rising talent Kayla Cross joining the field.

Local Talent Steps Up

In addition to international stars, four members of Calgary’s own OSTEN & VICTOR Alberta Tennis Centre (ATC) will take to the courts. Alexia Jacobs, Cleeve Harper, Hailey Murphy, and Tyler Waddock will compete, showcasing the city’s homegrown talent on the national stage.

Tournament Director Danny Da Costa expressed excitement about the blend of global and local talent: “Attracting world-class players like JJ Wolf and Tatjana Maria is always our goal, but it’s equally thrilling to provide opportunities for Alberta’s own to shine. Our community has worked hard to develop top-tier players, and this year’s event reflects that.”

Off-Court Excitement: Events You Can’t Miss

The Calgary National Bank Challenger isn’t just about world-class tennis – it’s a celebration of community and sport! Leading up to the tournament, Calgarians can enjoy the CORE Shopping Centre Tennis Promotion from October 1 to October 9, where you’ll have the chance to test your tennis skills, play with the pros, and win free tickets.

On October 11, the Everyone Can Play Gala will raise funds for under-resourced families and new Canadians. The gala, featuring an exhibition match headlined by Canadian tennis icons Milos Raonic, Vasek Pospisil, and Rebecca Marino, will be a highlight of the event. Afterward, enjoy a night of fine dining and auction, with all proceeds going toward a worthy cause. For tickets please visit: Everyone Can Play Gala

For fans looking for a free tennis experience, the Calgary National Bank Challenger Community Day on October 12 offers free admission and exciting Pro-Am action with ATP and WTA stars, alongside Calgary Flames Alumni Robyn Regehr and Morris Lukowich.

Can’t Be There in Person? Watch the Action Live

For the first time, the Calgary National Bank Challenger will be broadcast live across Canada! Starting October 14, catch four matches per day on CBC Sports YouTube, and tune in for the Men’s and Women’s Singles Finals on CBC Gem on October 20. Tennis enthusiasts in smaller communities can also watch two matches per day on Rogers TV. And of course, all matches will be available for streaming on the ATP Tour and ITF Tennis websites.

Get Your Tickets Now

With ticket prices starting at just $20 per day, the Calgary National Bank Challenger is an unbeatable opportunity to see top-tier tennis right here in Alberta. Want to attend the Everyone Can Play Gala? Tickets for this star-studded event are $250, including the exhibition match and gala dinner, with a $100 charitable tax receipt. Exhibition-only tickets are also available.

Don’t miss out! For more information and to secure your spot, visit calgary.nationalbankchallenger.com or showpass.com. Get ready for tennis action that’s set to make waves in Calgary!