The NS Open Committee has reviewed feedback from players, coaches, and officials and carefully considered several operational improvements for the 2026 NS Open. The goal of these changes is to improve clarity, fairness, scheduling reliability, and overall player experience while maintaining the competitive integrity of the event. Below is a summary of the key recommendations and adjustments planned for 2026.
Consolation Matches
While we make every effort to provide consolation matches, it is not always possible due to draw size, scheduling constraints, and withdrawals. In previous years, using the word “guaranteed” has led to understandable disappointment when circumstances prevented a consolation match. Moving forward, the event fact sheet will state:
“We will make every effort to provide first-match losers with at least one consolation match in all categories.” This change is intended to set clear and realistic expectations while maintaining our commitment to maximizing match play.
Consolation Opt-In Trial
Despite logistical challenges, the committee believes there is enough potential value to trial a consolation opt-in system in 2026. The pilot will begin with the Bedford Open, with the intention of expanding it to the NS Open if successful.
Players would opt in digitally, before a strict deadline, to be included in consolation should they lose their first match. Players who do not opt in would not be placed in the consolation draw. This approach is expected to improve scheduling efficiency and ensure consolation matches involve players who genuinely wish to participate.
Event Extension
Due to continued growth in participation, the NS Open will be extended by one additional day in 2026. The event will run from Friday, August 21 to Sunday, August 30, with Open Finals scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, August 30. Like 2025, categories will be broken up into two blocks: August 21-25 and August 26-30. This also allows us to play the Open Singles categories in a shorter timeframe (August 26-30) instead of spread over 9 days.
This extension will reduce scheduling pressure, improve rest opportunities for players, and allow for a smoother overall tournament flow.
Rules Consistency and Enforcement
The committee remains committed to applying all rules fairly and consistently. Any exception granted to one player must be applied equally to all players.
In 2025, World Tennis Number (WTN) was used to limit players competing below their appropriate level. Additionally, a post-event survey asked players whether default times should continue to be strictly enforced to keep matches on schedule. 91.3% of respondents supported continued enforcement.
Both policies will remain in place for the 2026 NS Open to protect fairness, competitive balance, and tournament efficiency.
Masters Age Categories
In 2026, Masters age categories will be adjusted to create fuller draws and stronger competition. Feedback consistently indicates that players prioritize meaningful matches and reliable scheduling over narrowly defined age bands.
Masters categories will move to 10-year increments and will be offered at the following levels: 35, 45, 55, 65, and 75.
This change will not negatively affect national ranking points. Players continue to earn points in their own age category, even if they compete in a younger division. For example, a 62-year-old competing in the 55 category would still earn points toward their 60+ national ranking.
Prize Money
Over the past several years, prize money has been concentrated predominantly in the Open categories. While we are proud to support high performance athletes, we have reflected on whether this structure best represents our broader tennis community.
At this year’s Bedford Open and Nova Scotia Open the total prize pool will remain the same. However, prizes will be distributed more evenly across all categories rather than being concentrated exclusively in Open events. Prize money will be eliminated from the Open singles categories and the quality of prizes across all categories will be improved.
We believe this approach better recognizes participation, development, and achievement at all levels of competition. Our goal is to celebrate the full competitive pathway and ensure more players have meaningful opportunities to compete for prizes.
Final Thoughts
We believe these adjustments will strengthen the overall NS Open experience for players, coaches, and officials alike. Thank you to the Nova Scotia tennis community for your ongoing engagement and support as we continue to improve this prestigious event.
