Venos Leads Canadian Wheelchair Tennis Contingent in Early Season Competition

March has proven to be a busy month for Canadian wheelchair tennis players, marked by team competitions and the start of the individual ITF circuit season. Several Canadian athletes have been actively participating in events across the globe.

Team Canada at the World Team Cup Americas Qualifiers

Canada recently returned to competition at the BNP Paribas World Team Cup Americas Qualifiers for the first time since 2024. Thomas Venos, Canada’s top-ranked player, represented the nation at the qualifiers, achieving a record of three wins and one loss in singles competition. Although, his doubles performance saw one win and three losses, including a decisive match against Colombia.

Shawn Courchesne also played a key role for Canada in the quad division during the qualifiers, posting three wins and one loss in singles, alongside two wins and two losses in doubles. The quad team, like the overall Canadian team, was eliminated in the semi-finals.

ITF Tournaments and Individual Results

Following the team competition, Thomas Venos competed in his first ITF Tour tournament of the season in Rome, Georgia, but was defeated in the first round by Alexander Cataldo in straight sets.

Shawn Courchesne experienced a similar schedule, also competing in Rome where he lost to world number seven Ymanitu Silva in the opening round.

Venos Honored in British Columbia

Thomas Venos was recently named “Male Athlete with a Disability of the Year” in British Columbia. The award recognizes his outstanding achievements in 2025, where he secured three ITF titles – one in singles and two in doubles – and won the inaugural National Bank Open wheelchair tennis tournament.

“Venos was not present to receive his award, as he was representing his country at the World Team Cup at the time of the ceremony. Her parents, Rosemary and Jeff Venos, received the award on her behalf.”

Looking Ahead

Venos and Courchesne are set to continue their season at the Cajun Classic in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, joined by Anne-Marie Dolinar as she begins her 2026 campaign.

Monthly wheelchair tennis news can be found here.

CLICK HERE to read the report from the World Team Cup Americas Qualifiers.

Photo vedette : Geoff Robins