Jarry Park, nestled between the neighbourhoods of Villeray and Park Extension in the northern quarter of the city, is always hustle-bustle in the summer, with amateur baseball, cricket and ultimate Frisbee matches to watch left, right and centre. It’s a great place for a picnic, a stroll, a plunge in the outdoor pool… but it comes especially alive every August, when the Rogers Cup comes to town.

This year Montrealers get to watch the world’s best women tennis players battle it out in grunting glory, while the men’s matches take place in Toronto (it switches every year). Over nine grueling days of non-stop doubles and singles competitions between August 4 and 13 at Uniprix Stadium, the cream will rise to the top for the grand finale at 7 pm on the last night: the singles final. Who will make it there nobody knows, but here are five exciting players that just might! Come watch them, in the flesh, live in Montreal.

1) Victoria Arazenka: Born in Belarus but relocated at age 14 to Scottsdale, Arizona, Arazenka now sits at the Number 1 spot in the world. She’s known as an aggressive baseliner with strokes that cut like a knife. She captured her first major title when she beat Maria Sharapova in the Australian Open final earlier this year, and is sure to animate the Montreal courts with her deafening shrieks.

2) Agnieszka Radwanska: A player known for her finesse and strategy, the Polish-born Radwanka is skillful at opening the court with angles that disable even more powerful opponents. She became the first Polish woman to crack the world’s Top 10 in 2006, and is now the holder of seven world titles. Her younger sister Urszula is also a pro player; they squared off at the 2011 US Open. Agnieszka won.

3) Maria Sharapova: The renowned Russian glamazon is three-time Grand Slam singles champion, a former world No. 1, and the winner of 25 career titles. Born in Siberia and raised in Sochi, Sharapova moved to Florida at age 7, where today she lives the life of the world’s highest paid female athlete – for the seventh year in a row. She’s had a great year so far, sweeping Azarenka in Stuttgart in April.

4) Samantha Stosur: This shade-wearing Australian has won three singles and 23 doubles championships, and in 2011 became the first Australian woman to win a major singles title since Evonne Goolagong Cawley in 1980. Not only does Stosur have a ferocious forehand and one of the sport’s best kick serves, but she has a singular ability to attack net.

5) Petra Kvitova: This new kid on the block captured her first Grand Slam at the 2011 Wimbledon at the tender age of 21, and went on collect six other wins and rank No. 2 worldwide that year. Based in the Czech Republic, Kvitova has a knockout game that keeps the court hopping with powerful striking, sophisticated net feel and an unstoppable left-handed serve.

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THE DETAILS
Rogers Cup Montreal, August 4-13, 2012
Uniprix Stadium, 285 Faillon Street West (in Jarry Park)

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Well, there we were. Neatly lined up behind media stanchions. Tennis legend, the ever-elegant lady of the courts, Chris Evert, (fabulous in fuchsia) was guest of honour at the red carpet event hosted by Tennis Canada and the Rogers Cup presented by National Bank. Chris, a three-time champion of the Rogers Cup, was inducted into the Rogers Cup Hall of Fame on Monday August 16 during a centre court presentation at Uniprix Stadium.

Jostling paparazzi caught photos of arriving players, including Quebecer Aleksandra Wozniak, (‘’I love fashion and tennis!’’), who wore a black and white short dress, with a wide bling belt and dangling earrings. Each lovely lass posed with Eugène Lapierre, director of the Rogers Cup, as did local wit Jean-René Dufort, who was slated to model later in the evening. At the fund-raising event, a fashion show featured Quebec designers Nadya Toto, Eve Gravel, Denis Gagnon and Rudsak, with accessories by Charlotte Hosten. The event ($350 a ticket) attracted athletes (such as Kovalev) and luminaries from Montreal’s corporate community: I chatted with Francis Fox and his political son Jonathan, as well as Leonard Schlemm, who will cycle with Lance Armstrong in a fund-raiser this fall. The evening raised funds for community tennis to be promoted in Montreal schools. The mystery of the night? Who was the neatly-chignoned tall young lady in a short purple dress? On arrival, she adroitly avoided the Rogers Cup signage-wall (a must for all photo ops), scooted totally behind it – and was secreted in a side door.

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We’re pretty pumped for this influx of awesome. The tournament has been around since 1881 and is the oldest after Wimbledon and the US Open. The top seated Serena Williams will be in town, as will defending champ Elena Dementieva.

Also, you don’t want to miss the PLAYER PARTY red carpet event, one of the most popular and glamorous red carpet events of summer. This year, tennis legend Chris Evert will be on hand, as will Misstress Barbara, Jean-René Dufort and celebrated Québec fashion designers in a runway show by  Chiccane.com, a shop dedicated to local designers.

Here at the Buzz we promise to keep you posted on how to maximize your Rogers Cup experience, but for now here are a few Insider Tips to get you started!

Where to stay: Since there aren’t many big hotels near Jarry Park, chances are you’ll be staying downtown. The Fairmont Queen Elizabeth is the tournament sponsor, and right in the action. It also offers shuttle buses to the tennis complex! All Ticket Holders of the Rogers Cup also have free Access to the STM Public Transit Network, so any hotel near a metro will work.

What to do: The tournament is held in Jarry Park, in Parc-Extension. This is one of the most multicultural, harmonious and tasty neighbourhoods in Montreal. Start the day with a killer latte in Montreal’s Little Italy [link]. Prior to the match, pick up some fresh Quebec cheeses & bagette at the jaw-droppingly inspiring Jean-Talon Market, or try any of the authentic (and very affordable) Indian joints along Jean-Talon or upper St-Laurent. After your match, catch a show at the Circus Arts Festival.

DETAILS

Roger’s Cup tennis, presented by National Bank

August 13-22

Uniprix Stadium, Jarry Park

285, rue Faillon Ouest

MÉTRO/SUBWAY: De Castelnau or Jarry

Tickets 514-273-1234 Toll-free 1-800-361-4595

Website: www.rogerscup.com

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