ATP CEO says Montreal tennis venue needs a facelift, plus a roof would help

Montreal's Jarry Park, the site of the National Bank Open, is facing pressure to modernize, 30 years after its transformation into a tennis center. ATP CEO Eno Polo addressed this during a roundtable discussion with select media members. Polo emphasized the need to modernize Centre Court, along with improving video screens and the overall fan experience.

The ATP CEO, who visited Montreal for the first time as part of his mission to attend every Masters 1000 event in person, praised several aspects of the current setup, including the fan village and player lounge. However, Polo noted that the age of the stadium is becoming increasingly apparent compared to other Masters 1000 tournaments.

He pointed to Cincinnati's US$260 million redevelopment as an example. Tennis Canada is also developing plans to modernize IGA Stadium, including a new 15,000-seat Centre Court with a retractable roof. Polo welcomed these plans, acknowledging that a project of this scale will take time. He believes a roof would be beneficial for the tournament and the local tennis development.

Montreal's unpredictable summer weather, causing weather-related disruptions, was also discussed. Polo noted that a roof could help mitigate these issues, ensuring a better experience for fans who travel to watch the tournament.