Annual tennis tournament returns to town this month
https://tennisyukon.com/ Tennis is back for another year with the upcoming Northern Cup tournament hosted by Tennis Yukon and set to take place from July 12 to 14, at the scenic Mt. Mac courts in Whitehorse. The highly anticipated event will feature friendly competition between players from Juneau, Yellowknife, and Whitehorse, continuing a tradition of spirited rivalry and camaraderie spanning three decades.Last year’s tournament winner was the team from Juneau but that only helped intensify the competition as Whitehorse aims to reclaim the cup this year. The Northern Cup fosters a weekend of sportsmanship and community engagement among Northern cities.”We are so excited to welcome Alaskan and N.W.T. players to the Northern Cup once again,” said Stacy Lewis, Tennis Yukon Board director. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to come together, compete, and celebrate tennis and our Northern community.”She added the tournament has a rich and long history that began over 30 years ago, but with some interruptions because of the loss of a scheduled flight between the Yukon and Alaska and of course COVID-19.“The Capital Cup was a capital city challenge begun in the 90’s (when there was a scheduled flight between Whitehorse and Juneau). It was dormant for several years after the flight stopped, but was revived in 2008 and has been held annually ever since (except for the COVID summer),” Lewis said. “Some years it is even played twice, if Whitehorse players travel to Juneau to play on the indoor courts.” Lewis said In 2023, the tournament expanded with an invitation to players from northern BC and NWT. “It’s very special that this tournament has been around so long and is such a fun chance to share in some friendly competition with fellow Northerners!”In addition to the tournament, Tennis Yukon also offers camps, clinics, and lessons at the Mt. Macintosh courts all summer. In the winter, the organization provides programming in school gyms. Lewis said there is a lot of interest when it comes to tennis in the territory.“Tennis in the Yukon is so fun because we have nice courts surrounded by beautiful scenery and the long days allow for a lot of playing time!” She also said it appeals to many different people. “It’s also something that is popular because you can enjoy it across age groups, and enjoy it your whole life.” The number of season passes for the outdoor courts rises every year, mirroring the growth in popularity across Canada, she added. “We’ve definitely seen an impact from young Canadian players having success on the international stage.”As for the tournament numbers, Lewis said there will be strong showing from Alaska and the Yukon for sure. “Typically we have about 20 players from Juneau, 20-30 Whitehorse players, and a few from Yellowknife.”And as for the spectators, the tournament should showcase the passion and the skill of the players involved with a lot of great tennis to be played over those dates.“Come out and watch the action!” Lewis said.Registration for the tournament is now open. Players interested in participating can register online at https://tennisyukon.com/tournament/
