Acclaimed as the Wimbledon of Yellowknife, the YK Tennis Tournament is underway on eight courts throughout the city.
The tournament began last night and includes 12 mens singles competitors, eight womans singles competitors and a total of 11 pairings.
Jovic is pegged as the front-runner for this weekend's YK Tennis Tournament. photo courtesy of Yellowknife Tennis
Games are being played at the McNiven tennis courts, Somba Ke Civic Plaza and the courts behind the pumphouse on Kam Lake Road.
YK Tennis general manager Tami Johnson said the difference in this year's tournament is a double-loss elimination format that will enhance the competition.
“I think it's a bit intimidating for a lot of our members who are entering a tournament for the first time,” said Johnson. “I just hope they have fun.”
Heading into the competition many eyes will be on 17-year-old Tamara Jovic who captured the YK Open tournament in convincing fashion, said Johnson.
Tamara is the daughter of NWT Tennis executive director Nikola Jovic. She said the open was the first time that season she picked up a racquet.
“(In this tournament) I'm just trying to stay focused on getting my serves down and not trying to double-fault,” she said.
Although there is excitement in competing against the other female players, she is also looking forward to competing with the man who taught her how to love the game, her father.
“He's the reason I started playing, I love having him as my partner,” she said.
As Tamara looks to capture her second win of the tournament, Bernie Bennett in the men's bracket makes his return to the court after taking some time off.
YK Tennis vice-president John St. Louis said if the tournament was ranked he would have Bennett as number one.
“He has a history of great success... I expect to see him make it to the final this year,” said St. Louis. “He's got a style that I have trouble with (as a competitor). He's fast, strong, and consistent. He puts a lot of spin on his ball and can get to nearly everything.”
St. Louis added this will be his tenth time as a competitor in the tournament and hopes he will finally be able to capture the trophy that has alluded him for a decade. However, he said in order to do that he will need to get past Bennett, Alex Godfrey, Jim Umpherson and Ian McNiven.
“Everyone has their individual goals and there are players who are out to win but the camaraderie among the club members makes this tournament a great time for socializing.”
Johnson added there are three more major tournaments following Yk's equivalent to Wimbledon. The NWT Open on July 27, YK Club Championships on Aug. 17 and the end of the year YK Fall Tournament on Sept. 8.