Rogers serves ace for Canadian tennis - becomes title sponsor of the men?s and women?s Championships

Toronto (TC) - In a joint press conference held with Tennis Canada today, Rogers Communications Inc. announced that it has agreed to extend its title sponsorship of Canada's international women's championships and that it has increased its investment by becoming the title sponsor of the men's tournament. The four-year title sponsorship extends from 2005-2008 and solidifies the Rogers Group of Companies? support for Canada's premier tennis events. In addition, the sponsorship agreement provides Tennis Canada with the necessary financial, media and technological support to promote the sport and enhance tennis fans? experience in Canada.

In 2001, the women?s Rogers Cup was launched with record success and the tournament has drawn record crowds and premier players in both Toronto and Montreal every year. Last year?s event, held in Montreal, set a new single-week world attendance record for a women?s professional event with 166,442 spectators. Tennis Canada expects a new record to be set in Toronto this August when the women compete in the new Rexall Centre on York University Campus for the first time. The inaugural men?s Rogers Cup, formerly known as Tennis Masters Canada, will take place in Montreal and promises to be just as successful.

?This represents a landmark day for tennis in Canada? said Jack Graham, Chair of the Board, Tennis Canada. ?Over the past four years Rogers commitment to Canadian tennis has been unwavering. Today?s announcement confirms their commitment to not only professional tennis in Canada but also amateur tennis. For a national sport governing body to partner with Canada?s leading media and communications company is a privilege and our extended partnership will provide new opportunities to bring our tournaments and our sport to unprecedented levels. Quite simply, it will be a catalyst in supporting our vision of becoming a leading tennis nation.? continued Graham.

?The Rogers Group of Companies is committed to providing customers with access to premier sporting events and content,? said Edward S. (Ted) Rogers, President and CEO, Rogers Communications Inc. ?Rogers has a strong presence in the Canadian sports community and this sponsorship further strengthens that position.?

Today?s press conference also highlighted the increased commitment by Rogers to support tennis development in Canada. The newly formed ?Rogers Cup Rookie Tour? is an entry level tournament program which will introduce competitive tennis to more than 500 youth across Ontario in a fun and motivating format. A season ending finale will take place on Stadium Court at the Rexall Centre. All program participants will be a Rogers VIP guest during the 2005 women?s Rogers Cup in Toronto.

?We are delighted to extend our involvement with Tennis Canada and to have expanded the Rogers Cup to include both the men?s and women?s tournaments in Canada,? said Nadir Mohamed, President and CEO, Rogers Wireless Inc. ?Rogers Wireless has enjoyed tremendous success in our involvement with the women?s tennis tournament since 2001 and we look forward to providing Canadians with access to the sporting events and information that matters most to them at the Rogers Cup in the years to come.?

?Today?s announcement is another example of the Rogers Group of Companies embracing the game of tennis in Canada. Rogers has been integral in helping to build the women?s championship into one of the premier events on the WTA Tour. Extending their Rogers Cup sponsorship to the men?s event will undoubtedly take this great tournament to the next level. ?said Stacey Allaster, Vice-President and Tournament Director, Tennis Canada.

In other Rogers Cup tournament news, it was announced that tennis legend Martina Navratilova will enter into doubles competition at this year?s Rogers Cup in Toronto. This year?s appearance will mark her 12th competing in Canada. The holder of 17 career Grand Slam titles, Navratilova paired with Russia?s Svetlana Kuznetsova in her last trip to Toronto to win the 2003 Rogers Cup Doubles title.

The best of the best in men?s tennis are coming to Uniprix Stadium in Montreal as part of the Rogers Cup from August 6-14th. To purchase tickets please visit or call Admission at (514) 790-1245.

The stars of the Sony Ericsson WTA will debut at the world class Rexall Centre as part of the Rogers Cup August 13 th ? 21 st , 2005. To purchase tickets or receive more information please call 1-877-2TENNIS ext. 4333 or visit <a href="http://tickets.rexallcentre.com/English/tickets.asp" target="_blank">www.rogerscup.com</a> .

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