Eugène Lapierre Humbled by Quebec Sports Hall of…

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It’s been almost four years since Eugène Lapierre left the helm of the National Bank Open presented by Rogers in Montreal after serving two decades as tournament director. But his passion for tennis and his advocacy for growth within the sport fuel him as much as ever.

On Monday evening, he was inducted into the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame in the builder’s category alongside Christiane Ayotte (sports science) and Danièle Sauvageau (hockey). True to his nature, he could hardly believe he was included in the same class as two women in sport pioneers of their pedigree and preferred to focus on what his accomplishment means for tennis in Quebec as a whole.

“It’s a great recognition for our sport”, Lapierre said. “Together, we’ve grown tennis so much over the years and I’m proud to have contributed to that.”

Under his leadership, the NBO broke attendance records year after year as the Montreal crowds quickly became the envy of tournaments worldwide. During the other 51 weeks of the year, both the indoor and outdoor courts at IGA Stadium were always occupied as players flocked to Jarry Park daily from dawn until dusk for the chance to play on the most popular public courts in the city.

That’s what best defines Lapierre’s legacy. It was his mission to make tennis more accessible and a space for everyone to thrive in. He’s looking forward to being part of an important NBO tournament milestone in 2027 when Tennis Canada will offer equal prize money for the first time when the WTA returns to Montreal from July 31 – August 12.

“We’ve always supported the push for equal prize money,” Lapierre explained. “Montreal is the only city in the world where our men’s and women’s events are equally popular and generate the same amount of interest. Our fans love tennis, period. It’s something I have always taken a lot of pride in.”

READ: Eugène Lapierre: The mild-mannered rabble-rouser

Lapierre may have left tennis in a better place than where he found it but that doesn’t mean he’s stopped fighting for a brighter future. He’s well aware of the work that still needs to be done to increase participation and to build more infrastructures so that more people can play and enjoy the many benefits the game has to offer. The National Bank Open is the engine that allows Tennis Canada to invest in the sport’s grassroots and to develop champions who will inspire the next generation.

He has full confidence that Valérie Tétreault, who he hand-picked to take over the tournament reins and whose work he now admires from a distance, will continue to drive progress and build on the foundation that has been laid.

“She’s (Valérie) a former player and knows the tournament by heart so when she speaks, she has instant credibility,” Lapierre added. “Not to mention that she’s calm and universally liked.”

“Eugène’s contribution to the history and development of tennis in Quebec and Canada is simply extraordinary. His vision, passion, and commitment have left a profound mark on our organization and helped establish the National Bank Open as one of the world’s premier tennis tournaments," Tétreault said. "On a personal level, I had the privilege of working alongside him for many years and benefiting from his invaluable advice. Eugène has been an exceptional mentor. Beyond his leadership and vision, he has always stood out for his authenticity, generosity, and remarkable human qualities. I am extremely pleased to see him receive this well-deserved recognition today.”

For Lapierre, his induction into the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame is an ode to the people he worked alongside with throughout his career from volunteers to players, to coaches, to administrators and everyone in-between. He was their spokesperson, their voice, and now he wants to share the spotlight with them.

Feature photo by: PSQ – Simon Savard