Rafael Nadal/Getty Images

The Hottest Players in Men’s Tennis Head to Montreal



July 18, 2005 - Tennis Canada has released the list of players participating in the Rogers Cup presented by National Bank, being held from August 6-14 at the Uniprix Stadium. The $2,450,000 US ATP Masters Series tournament will be host to the top players in the world and will offer tennis fans one of the most exciting sporting events of the summer. Notable players include Roger Federer, Lleyton Hewitt, Andy Roddick and Marat Safin. Since the inception of the Masters Series in 2000, the top-52 players in the world are automatically entered. Switzerland's Federer, the number one player in the world, returns to Montreal in an attempt to defend the title he captured in Toronto last year. He'll be challenged by new tennis sensation Rafael Nadal of Spain, one of just three players to beat Federer since the start of the 2005 season.

Virginie Coossa, 2005 spokesperson

Comedian James Hyndman, spokesperson in 2004, had the pleasure of introducing 2005 spokesperson Virginie Coossa. Coossa, a huge tennis fan and player, didn't hide her enthusiasm for the role she happily agreed to take on: “It's a delight and a privilege for me to have been selected as spokesperson. Tennis is one of the only sports that remain an integral part of my leisure time. It's a sport that makes you learn about yourself and gives you a sense of accomplishment.”

Programming known throughout the world

The program at the Rogers Cup is unique to its genre, mixing sport and culture. And thanks to Rogers, the tournament can put on an incredible show including the Rogers Zone, Tennis in the Street, and the opening ceremonies taking place on Saturday, August 6.

“Rogers is particularly proud of its involvement in tennis – and it's continuing at full speed. Rogers has renewed its partnership with the women's event and has also given the men's tournament its name. This will be the first time the men will battle for the Rogers Cup. And while the world's tennis stars are in Montreal, it's more than just Quebecers who will attend the unique event – it's the entire world,” said Marc Blondeau, Senior VP Consumer Publishing, Rogers Publishing Ltd and President of Rogers Editions Quebec.

Madame Coossa, joined by Tournament Director Eugène Lapierre, presented the main activities that will be on the program during the week of the event at the Uniprix Stadium. Activities include Hit the Target with Rogers; autograph sessions presented by the Casino de Montreal; celebrity matches; musical performances including bluesman Bob Walsh and the talented Dawn Taylor Watson; improvisation series with the artists of the LNI; as well as National Bank Day on Friday, August 12 that will culminate with a talent scouting clinic for five-to-nine-year-olds from the Montreal junior program.

Official entry list (based on June 20th rankings)

One of the most accessible tournaments

The Rogers Cup presented by National Bank is more accessible than ever thanks to the Uniprix Zone, Neighbourhood Day, and Tide & Downy Family Day.

Excellent tickets are still available for all sessions on Centre Court and for the National Bank Court. Tickets start at just $10, with the final weekend starting at just $40. For more information on this tournament or to buy tickets, call (514) 273-1515 (toll free 1-866-338-2685).

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