A 20-year partnership taking Canadian tennis to new heights

This year marks 20 years of strong, forward-looking partnership between National
Bank and Tennis Canada—two decades of support that have helped grow the game and laid the groundwork for a more accessible and equitable ecosystem for everyone.

Thanks to National Bank’s support, dozens of associations, events and programs have been introduced or expanded. From the National Bank Challenger series to the National Bank Open, the Bank has played an active role in tennis development across Canada for 20 years while also contributing to the local and international standing of one of the world’s most high-profile tournaments.

To highlight this enduring commitment and reaffirm its pledge to move Canadian tennis forward, National Bank is launching Inequality Socks, a bold activation that turns a spotlight on the persistent inequalities in tennis, specifically when it comes to gender equity. The initiative is part of the Game. Set. Equity. program developed with Tennis Canada to enhance the opportunities for advancement for women and girls in tennis at all levels,
from participation to coaching, competition and leadership.

“For the past 20 years, National Bank has been a proud partner of Canadian tennis. There is so much to love about the sport; it embodies effort, discipline and perseverance. However, while great strides have been taken to improve gender equity, there is still much work to be done. Our involvement in initiatives such as Game. Set. Equity., National Bank Play Your Court, and Inequality Socks, reflects our enduring mission to expand opportunities, improve accessibility, and foster diversity in the sport.Our partnership with Tennis Canada further exemplifies our commitment to working towards a more
equitable future.”

– Lucie Blanchet, Executive Vice-President, Personal Banking and Client Experience, National Bank

A powerful symbol: uneven socks to illustrate the gaps to be bridged

Although significant progress has been made, inequality remains a reality for many women in tennis. To draw attention to the issues, National Bank and Tennis Canada are releasing the first pairs of uneven socks—an emblematic sports accessory typically worn as matching set.

Each pair represents a specific issue that must be addressed:

● Prize money gap: on average, women players earn 28% less than their male counterparts.

● Leadership gap: only 25% of coaches are women.

● Participation gap: young women are 23% less likely to stay in tennis

Equal talent deserves equal opportunity. Until that’s a reality, our socks will remain uneven.

“National Bank is much more than a partner; it is a driving force for change. This partnership enables us to give impetus to our mission to make Canada a global leader in tennis development and address the inequalities that are hindering its potential. The Inequality Socks initiative is a reminder that efforts are ongoing, and we are tackling the issues one concrete step at a time.”

– Valérie Tétreault, Tournament Director, National Bank Open, and Vice President of Communications and Professional Events, Tennis Canada


A commitment that delivers results

This symbolic gesture is part of a broader series of actions set in motion as part of the Game. Set. Equity. strategy developed in cooperation with Tennis Canada:

● Equal prize money at the National Bank Open by 2027: thanks to National Bank’s support, the prize money offered as part of the women’s event will gradually increase each year to close the gap with the men’s competition. The WTA players will reach 56% this year, 79% in 2026 and full parity in 2027.

● 500 certified women coaches by 2025: since the initiative was launched, four Women in
Coaching/Femmes en coaching events were held across Canada with 98 participants. As a result, the proportion of certified active women coach rose from 18 to 25% in the past year. In officiating, three Canadian women achieved the highest levels of ITF certification, and Anne Bees became the first Canadian woman to earn the prestigious ITF Gold Badge Referee certification.

● Targeted investments to keep girls in tennis: in 2024, 21 programs in 9 provinces and 1 territory received direct support through Game. Set. Equity. funding, which totals $75,000 this year and nearly $200,000 since the program was introduced. These community initiatives promote the inclusion and participation of girls in tennis.

According to the ITF’s 2024 Global Tennis Report, gender equity in tennis participation
has surged in Canada, as women and girls now represent 46% of players. This figure is
up from 29.2% in 2021.

Building on 20 years of sustained support for Tennis Canada, National Bank continues to reaffirm itscommitment to tennis, helping position Canada as a global leader in shaping a more equitable sport that better reflects society, on and off the court.