After three decades since Jarry Park was transformed into a premier tennis destination, the venue for the National Bank Open in Montreal is now under increasing pressure to embrace modernization once more.
“We definitely see room for improvement in Centre Court,” remarked ATP CEO Eno Polo during an engaging roundtable talk with select media on Monday afternoon. “This includes not just the video screens but the entire atmosphere for fans and sponsors, along with the luxury suites.”
Polo, who took the helm as ATP CEO last September, made his inaugural visit to Montreal as part of his goal to attend every Masters 1000 event in person during his first year in office.
This initiative aligns with the ATP’s OneVision strategy, which aims to unlock growth opportunities in the sport, amplify the fan experience, and establish long-lasting value for players, tournaments, and stakeholders throughout the tour.
“Being here is crucial for me; it’s where I can truly gauge what’s unfolding,” Polo stated. “I get to interact with people, gather feedback, and engage with both players and tournament organizers. I even prefer entering through the main entrance rather than the VIP route, as it gives me a glimpse into the authentic fan experience.”
The CEO praised various elements of the current tournament setup, such as the fan village, player lounge, and the convenient location of players’ accommodations in downtown.
However, he acknowledged that the age of the stadium is becoming increasingly evident, especially when compared to other Masters 1000 facilities.
For instance, Cincinnati recently poured $260 million into upgrading its facilities ahead of last year’s tournament, hosting top men’s and women’s players.
“It’s akin to homeownership,” Polo explained. “If you’ve lived in your home for two decades without any renovations and you visit a neighbor who’s just invested significantly in theirs, you can’t help but feel yours is looking a bit dated.”
These remarks emerge as Tennis Canada formulates plans to revamp the IGA Stadium site, which will include a new 15,000-seat Centre Court featuring a retractable roof, along with additional practice and competition-ready courts.
Polo expressed support for these ambitions but recognized that such large-scale projects take time.
“Significant projects like these do not materialize overnight, and we understand that,” he reiterated. “We appreciate that Tennis Canada and the Montreal organizers have a roadmap for this site’s development. We stand behind that vision, as it points towards positive progress. If they can realize their proposals, it would be exceptional.”
Moreover, enhancing capacity can significantly boost Tennis Canada’s finances.
“If every session sells out, a larger stadium equates to more tickets sold, increased revenue, and ultimately, more funds for reinvesting into Canadian tennis,” he noted.
In 2028, the ATP is set to introduce a 10th Masters 1000 event in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, joining the calendar.
With no immediate plans to add further Masters 1000 events, Polo emphasized the importance of evolving the existing tournaments.
“Our intention is not to penalize tournaments; they are our members. Our aim is to empower our members to succeed, not to lose them,” he clarified.
A Roof for Centre Court Would Be Beneficial
This year’s tournament has also underscored the hurdles posed by Montreal’s capricious summer weather.
Due to rain, Monday night’s two singles quarterfinals had to be postponed to Tuesday afternoon, adding to a series of weather-related disruptions, including the cancellation of the tournament’s opening night on August 2.
“Imagine purchasing a ticket, leaving work early to attend the evening session, arriving at 6 p.m., only to find rain,” Polo lamented. “You go home without seeing any tennis, which is truly disappointing.”
While just three of the ATP’s nine current Masters 1000 tournaments have roofs on their Centre Courts, Polo believes that incorporating a roof should be a serious consideration for any long-term vision regarding the Montreal venue.
“There’s no rule stating that every tournament must have a roof,” Polo pointed out.
Notable Absences Among Top Players
Polo’s visit coincided with pointed remarks from tournament director Valerie Tetreault regarding the last-minute withdrawals of several of the sport’s elite athletes, including Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic, for the second consecutive year.
While acknowledging that the ranking points at Masters 1000 events are valuable, Polo stated that the ATP is exploring ways to enhance the financial allure of these tournaments, including potential bonuses for players who consistently participate in the tour’s hallmark events.
“We recognize that players can secure substantial appearance fees by participating in exhibitions or smaller events,” Polo said. “We are examining how to make the Masters 1000 circuit increasingly appealing financially.”
Polo reiterated the ATP’s objective of ensuring that its biggest stars prioritize the four Grand Slams and Masters 1000 tournaments while understanding that injuries and fatigue are inevitable.
“We’d love to see players like Sinner and (Carlos) Alcaraz competing at a top level well into their mid-30s, just like Djokovic,” he concluded. “It’s our responsibility to create compelling incentives while honoring their health.”
