Justin Bourassa Memorial Tennis Tournament returns to Sarnia with record prize money

Ontario’s largest amateur tennis tournament brings a week of professional competition and free community events to the Sarnia Tennis Club this July.

The Justin Bourassa Memorial Tennis Tournament (JBMTT) returns to the Sarnia Tennis Club from July 15 to 19, 2026, for its third year. The tournament has grown into Ontario's largest amateur tennis event, officially sanctioned by the Ontario Tennis Association and Tennis Canada at the Open 1000 level, the highest amateur designation offered in Canada.

This year's event offers more than $15,000 in prize money, the largest purse at this level of tennis in the province. Several players from top NCAA programs have confirmed their participation, along with others holding active ATP rankings who compete on the professional tour.

"We are incredibly excited to welcome players from all over North America to Sarnia this July," said Matt Mueller, tournament director. "The level of talent coming to our courts this year is truly unlike anything this city has ever seen, and we can't wait to share that with the entire community."

A community festival alongside the competition

Organizers describe the JBMTT as much a community festival as a sporting event. Admission for spectators is free throughout the week.

Community activities include:

• OTA Smash Cage, a free interactive tennis experience for kids, families and first-time players, running on the weekend
• Food trucks and ice cream vendors on site throughout the week
• A silent auction on Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19, with proceeds going to the Love All: Justin Bourassa Foundation
• A US Open raffle offering a chance to win quarter-final box seat tickets valued at $9,000, available online at rafflebox.ca/raffle/jrhef
• A One-Point Tournament, a fast-paced event open to all players where matches are decided by a single point

Honouring Justin Bourassa's legacy

The tournament was born from the vision of Justin Bourassa, who dreamed of bringing world-class tennis to Sarnia. He passed away before seeing that vision realized, but his family, friends and the local tennis community have carried the tournament forward, and it has grown each year since.

Proceeds from the silent auction support the Love All: Justin Bourassa Foundation, which funds youth tennis development and community programming in his memory.

The tournament takes place at the Sarnia Tennis Club, 700 Christina St. N. More information is available at justinbourassamemorial.com or on Instagram @justinbourassamemorial. 

The event is supported by Parklane Motors, Wellington Pharmacy, the Love All: Justin Bourassa Foundation, the Ontario Tennis Association, and community sponsors.