You don’t have to be a tennis fan to appreciate the fact some of the best players in Canada are giving it everything they have in 30 degree heat at the Parkinson Rec Centre. Their gunning for a win and a bigger prize this year.
“We went from $15,000 the first year to $25,000 this year. That’s a big improvement and with that we have better players coming each year,” said tournament organizer Joachim Niefeld.
Such as Peter Polansky — one of the top players in Canada who says more money means a higher caliber of play.
“Definitely. The level has been getting better each year. I remember three or four years ago, the quality probably wasn’t as good until the semi finals and final rounds but now there are some good first round matches and some good players going home early so it’s great to increase the prize money and giving everyone a shot at earning a little bit extra,” said Polansky.
Records show Polansky has earned more than $600,000 in his career. A sum that 15-year-old Calvin Thalheimer of Kelowna can only dream of at this stage of his early career. A career that he accidentally stumbled upon.
“My sister actually wanted to play here at the Rec Centre. My dad made me come with her and she ended up hating it and I loved it,” said Thalheimer.
Thalheimer hopes to walk in Polansky’s $600,000 footsteps one day, but he has a long way to go.
“In my career, I’ve won $350 American and that was this week,” said Thalheimer.
Maybe the pot will be a little sweeter next year, but definitely in 2018 when Niefeld says the Kelowna tournament could expand to include bigger names and bigger prizes.
“The sixth one is the last one for now. That’s when the contract comes to an end. But Tennis Canada has been asking us to turn this one to the next level up which is the Challenger Tournament — more points, more money, better players. They really believe Kelowna could potentially turn into a hot spot for tennis.”
Comments