Milos Raonic named Tennis Canada most outstanding male player of the year

Nestor receives honours for Male Doubles Player of the Year

Toronto, ON (December 8, 2011) – Tennis Canada announced Thursday that Milos Raonic (Thornhill, Ontario) has been named 2011 Most Outstanding Male Player. The 20-year-old enjoyed a breakthrough season on the ATP World Tour, capturing his first title at the SAP Open in San Jose in February and reaching a career-high of No. 25 on the rankings on May 2. He became Canada’s highest-ever ranked male singles player in February after reaching No. 37, besting Greg Rusedski’s former record of No. 41.

“Milos had the greatest year on record for a Canadian male singles player,” said Michael S. Downey, president and chief executive officer, Tennis Canada. “He captured the attention of both Canadian and international fans with his dominant play, competitive spirit and humble demeanour. There is no limit to what he can achieve and we look forward to seeing what he has in store for us in 2012. We could not have picked a more deserving recipient of this year’s top award.”

In addition, Raonic was also named Male Singles Player of the Year and Most Improved Male Player for the second consecutive year. After rising more than 200 spots in the rankings in 2010, he continued to climb in 2011, starting the year at No. 156 and finishing at No. 31. Before this season, Raonic had only played in three ATP World Tour main draws.

“I’m honoured to receive this recognition from Tennis Canada,” said Raonic. “I worked hard to achieve the things I did this year but I know there is much more I can accomplish as my career progresses. My goal is to continue to grow and get better and hopefully be a role model to those back home following me. I’m hoping that some of my success will inspire young kids in Canada to pick up a racquet and get involved in the sport.”

Raonic began his season by surprising the tennis world with an impressive fourth-round performance at the Australian Open. Ranked No. 152 in the world, the qualifier eliminated two Top 25 players, Michael Llodra and Mikhail Youzhny, en route the round of 16. He then became the first Canadian since 1995 to win an ATP World Tour singles title, as he defeated world No. 9 Fernando Verdasco in the SAP Open final in San Jose. The very next week, Raonic also advanced to the final at Memphis.

He reached two other semifinals, at Estoril and Stockholm, as well as the quarter-finals of Halle. He capped off his incredible year by receiving the ATP World Tour Newcomer of the Year award, as voted by his fellow players, in an on-court ceremony at the year-end championships in London, England.

Rounding out the male high-performance Excellence Awards, Daniel Nestor (Toronto) has been named Doubles Player of the Year for the eleventh consecutive year. A stalwart at the top of the ATP World Tour doubles rankings, Nestor began 2011 with a new partner, Max Mirnyi of Belarus. He captured his seventh Grand Slam at the French Open, winning his 800th match en route, and also lifted a second consecutive and fourth overall Barclays ATP World Tour Finals championship – his 75th career title. The duo also won titles at the Shanghai Masters and Memphis. Nestor currently sits at world No. 3, the seventh consecutive season in which he has ended the year ranked in the Top 5.

Both Raonic and Nestor were also important members of the 2011 Miele Canadian Davis Cup squad that advanced to the World Group for the first time since 2004. In the country’s Americas Zone Group I first-round tie against Mexico in March, Raonic won all three of his matches to lead Canada to victory. Nestor also captured both of the doubles rubbers in which he played, winning with Vasek Pospisil in Ecuador to keep Canada alive in the tie and again with Pospisil in Israel to give his team a 2-1 lead.

The Tennis Canada Excellence Awards are selected by a committee comprised of high-ranking Tennis Canada personnel and the country’s top national coaches. The remaining awards for junior, wheelchair and senior players will be announced in the New Year.

Pospisil to Replace Nestor on Canada’s Davis Cup Team

Nestor sidelined with inflamed Achilles tendon

Toronto, March 2, 2011 – A roster change for the Miele Canadian Davis Cup team was announced on Wednesday as Vernon, British Columbia’s Vasek Pospisil will replace Toronto’s Daniel Nestor for this weekend’s Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Americas Zone Group I first round tie versus Mexico.

Nestor is suffering from an inflamed Achilles tendon which requires temporary rest and treatment. However, the No. 3 doubles player in the world does not foresee missing any upcoming ATP World Tour events. This is the first tie for Canada that Nestor will not participate in since 2001. Nestor holds the record for most years played by a Canadian in Davis Cup at 18, most wins (42), most doubles wins (27) and most ties played (38).

“I’m very disappointed that I can’t be in Mexico with the team, but resting and treating my foot is the priority so that I ensure I don’t miss any time,” said Nestor. “It’s obviously tough for me as I haven’t missed a Davis Cup tie in about ten years and I consider it a very important part of my schedule, but I believe that the guys will do great and hopefully give me a chance to come back for a second round tie against Ecuador in July.”

Pospisil will join compatriots Frank Dancevic (Niagara Falls, Ontario), Peter Polansky (Thornhill, Ontario) and Milos Raonic (Thornhill, Ontario) on the team led by captain Martin Laurendeau to face Mexico from March 4-6. This will be Pospisil’s second tie playing for Canada after making his debut versus Mexico at home in 2008. He was named to the 2010 squad that faced Colombia but did not play after being replaced by Steven Diez.

“Unfortunately, for one of the few times in his 19 years of Davis Cup play, Daniel will not be able to join the team as he must tend to this injury,” said Laurendeau. “Daniel has always prioritized Davis Cup in his calendar and I know it is hard for him to not be part of the team here in Mexico. However, Vasek is one of our many young, promising players who we know can step in and do the job. He is excited to be part of the team and get the chance to play. Daniel is a great leader and he will be missed, but I believe that we have amazing depth on this team that will carry us to a win this weekend.”

The 20-year-old Pospisil reached career-high rankings in both singles (No. 270) and doubles (No. 137) in 2010. His biggest win came at Rogers Cup presented by National Bank in Toronto with doubles partner Raonic. The duo defeated the world’s top two players Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic in the opening round of doubles in front of a packed home crowd. He also captured four ITF Futures singles titles and an ATP Challenger doubles title at Leon.

Nestor will also be replaced as Davis Cup coach for Canada by former Davis Cup stalwart and Tennis Canada national coach Frederic Niemeyer.

The official draw for the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Americas Zone Group I first round tie will be held on Thursday in Mexico. Play will begin at 12:30 p.m. ET on Friday, March 4 with two singles matches. The double match will take place Saturday, March 5 at 2 p.m. ET and the remaining two singles matches will be on Sunday, March 6 at 12:30 p.m. ET. Live coverage of the matches can be seen on Sportsnet ONE.

Nestor Appointed To Order Of Canada

Press Release

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, announced Thursday that Canadian tennis star Daniel Nestor (Toronto) has been appointed as a Member to the Order of Canada.

Nestor was cited for contributions as an ambassador for the sport of tennis, as well as for his community and charitable activities.

“Daniel has been a model athlete and spokesperson for the sport of tennis, winning nearly every trophy attainable while continuing to lead by example in his charitable endeavours,” said Michael S. Downey, president and chief executive officer, Tennis Canada. “To be appointed to the Order of Canada is an extraordinary honour and fitting for Daniel, our greatest tennis talent and a very proud Canadian. I join the more 5 million tennis players in our country in applauding Daniel for this well-deserved recognition.” Both statistical analysis and public support would confirm that Nestor is the most decorated tennis player in Canadian history. His achievements on the court are unparalleled and his dedication to representing his country has been unwavering.

Throughout an illustrious professional career that has spanned more than 17 years, and still going strong, Nestor is the only player in tennis history to have won all four Grand Slams, all of the ATP Masters 1000 Series events, the year end championships and Olympic gold medal in doubles at least once.

Nestor has amassed more tennis doubles championships (71) than any active player on the professional tour. In addition to his professional success Nestor captured the gold medal with Sebastien Lareau at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. Adding to his list of national sport duties, Daniel has become a player-coach for the Canadian Davis Cup team. He has been playing on the squad for the past 18 years and has provided Canadian sports fans with some memorable moments, including defeating former world number one Stefan Edberg in his first Davis Cup match back in 1992.

This year, Nestor captured seven more tournament titles including the French Open and Barclays ATP World Tour Final.

While his on-court accomplishments are well known to Canadians, Nestor is also a leader in social responsibility. He has raised more than $700,000 for the North York General Hospital and the Go for Gold tennis campaign through the Daniel Nestor Charity Gala, held annually at the Donalda Club.

Retired hockey star Trevor Linden, hockey broadcasting great Howie Meeker, and four-time Olympic rower and COC vice-president Tricia Smith were the other sports personalities named as Members.

The new appointees include 12 Officers (O.C.), and 42 Members (C.M.). Recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a later date.

The Order of Canada, one of our country’s highest civilian honours, was established in 1967, during Canada’s centennial year, to recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to community and service to the nation. Over the last 40 years, more than 5, 000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.

Nestor Named 2010 Tennis Canada Most Outstanding Male Player

Toronto native receives honour for the fourth consecutive year

Tennis Canada announced Thursday that Toronto-native Daniel Nestor has been named the 2010 Most Outstanding Male Player. The 38-year-old doubles veteran enjoyed another exceptional tennis season that included a Grand Slam title, six ATP World Tour championships and a year-end individual doubles ranking of No. 3 in the world. Nestor has now earned the recognition as Canada’s Male Player of the Year for the fourth consecutive season and 10th time overall since 1997.

“As has been the case for many years now, Daniel was the pillar of excellence for Canadian tennis in 2010,” said Hatem McDadi, vice-president, tennis development, Tennis Canada. “His accomplishments in the tennis world speak for themselves and we could not have a better ambassador for our country in the sport. He is more than deserving of this honour again this year.”

Nestor and his Serbian partner, Nenad Zimonjic, finished the year as the No. 2 doubles team in the world with a 58-19 record. They started the year strong, capturing the title at Sydney and moving on to the final at the Australian Open where they fell to the world No. 1 team Mike and Bob Bryan. Nestor/Zimonjic captured titles at Rotterdam, Masters 1000 Monte Carlo and Barcelona before winning the French Open, Nestor’s sixth Grand Slam championship. The duo capped off the season, and their partnership, with year-end wins at Vienna and the ATP World Tour Finals in London. They also reached three additional finals at Masters 1000 events in Indian Wells and Madrid, as well as the Swiss Indoors Basel.

“I’m very honoured to receive this award and to have had the success I’ve had not only this year but throughout my career,” said Nestor. “I’m looking forward to next year and hopefully maintaining the same level of play and garnering great results.”

Nestor also remains a dedicated member of the Miele Canadian Davis Cup team as both coach and player. He represented Canada in two Davis Cup ties in 2010 posting a 2-0 record in doubles and improving his win-loss total to 27-4.

Going into 2011, Nestor is the active career doubles title leader with 71, which also puts him at No. 5 on the Open Era titles list; 12 behind all-time leader Todd Woodbridge. His 2010 year-end individual ranking of No. 3 earned him a Top 10 finish for the 10th consecutive season. He will form a new partnership next year with fellow Top 10 doubles player Max Mirnyi of Belarus.

In addition to the award, Nestor will be honoured during Rogers Cup presented by National Bank in Montreal this summer and Tennis Canada will make a $1,000 contribution on behalf of Nestor to the charity of his choice.

All remaining Tennis Canada Excellence Awards will be named in early 2011.

Nestor and Zimonjic to Part Ways

The Globe and Mail has reported that Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic will part ways at the end of the year. While the pair enjoyed great success throughout the past three seasons, their results in 2010 have been up-and-down. Starting the season strong, the Canadian-Serbian tandem lost earlier at Wimbledon and the US Open.

Nestor will team up with Max Mirnyi in 2011, while Zimonjic will pair with Michael Llodra. Nestor and Zimonjic will finish their partnership at the World Tour finale in London.

Canada Clinches Tie Over Dominican Republic

The Miele Canadian Davis Cup team clinched the Davis Cup by BNP Paribas Americas Zone Group I second round playoff tie with a convincing 6-3, 6-4, 6-3 victory over Dominican Republic in doubles action on Saturday.

The tandem of Daniel Nestor (Toronto) and Frank Dancevic (Niagara Falls) needed just one hour and 22 minutes to dispose of Victor Estrella and
Jhonson Garcia on the Grandstand Court at Rexall Centre in Toronto. With the win, Canada swept its opponents 3-0 and will remain in Americas Zone Group I for the 2011 season while the Dominican Republic will be relegated to Group II.

“It’s enjoyable for sure,” said Nestor. “We have an opportunity to get to the World Group next year. It was great to play in my hometown where I grew up. I have a lot of great memories. I think our team looks good for next year.”

While many of the Tour stars skipped Davis Cup this weekend, Nestor remained dedicated to his country, despite the fact that the tie was a zonal relegation. When asked if he plans to keep playing for Canada, after completing his 18 th year on the Davis Cup team, Nestor was quick to
confirm.

“Yeah, I’m still playing a full schedule. I plan on playing Davis Cup next year. I always play well when I play more and I always look forward to Davis
Cup.”

The Dominican Republic won only nine points off Nestor’s serve in the match.

With Dancevic working his way back from back surgery and Thornhill, Ontario men Peter Polansky and Milos Raonic showing signs of stardom, Canada could see some positive results in the coming years, and with the luck of the draw, could find itself in search of World Group classification.

“We’ll see what happens with the draw next year. If we can line up a few more ties at home, that would definitely help,” said Canadian team captain Martin Laurendeau. “To have the depth on the team and also a little break on the draw to control the situation with the court and the home crowd. We have a chance.”

W: Defending Champions Nestor and Zimonjic Ousted

Wimbledon—London, England

British fans were given something to cheer about on Saturday at Wimbledon when the wildcard team of Dominic Inglot and Chris Eaton defeated defending champions Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic 7-5, 5-7, 7-6(4), 6-7(3), 8-6.

The British team had played only one previous tournament together, compared with the successful history of their opponents.

“I think we always just knew we had the kind of ability to play like this,” said Inglot. “Our serves are so strong that if we can keep that going throughout a match, we’re always going to get some looks because we can always hold our serves and that puts pressure on the opponent. I think we really started in the last couple of days hitting our serves big. That gives us a lot of belief. It’s great that we won a match against the No. 1 team in the world. That’s awesome.”

“It’s nice for us to know that we’ve got great performances like that,” said Eaton. “We’re capable of doing great performances like that. Now I suppose we’ve got to work on producing that every time.”

The British team will next face Julien Benneteau and Michael Llodra.

Nestor and Zimonjic were attempting to capture their second Grand Slam event after winning the French Open earlier in the month.

Quotes courtesy of atpworldtour.com.

Painting The Lines—Third Edition

Painting The Lines

– A tennis media blog by Chris Oddo

The French Open in Quotes

Grass court tennis is one of my favorite things on the planet, but I’d be lying if I said that I still don’t have my mind stuck in the clay.

For those of you who are up for reliving some of the glory before we move on, please join me for a look back at some of the funniest, most interesting, and most poignant quotes from tennis’ annual pilgrimage to clay court Mecca – Paris, France.

Rafael Nadal, when asked if winning his seventh Grand Slam meant that he was a great tennis player.

“No, that’s exactly the kind of question I don’t like, because then people say I’m arrogant, that I’m fat headed.  What do you mean, being a great player?  As I said, I try to play my best tennis, to play my best game, to do everything I can.  If figures and statistics say I’ve been a good player over the last years, well, I’ll continue and play as best as I can to maintain those figures as long as I can.  As I said, it’s a huge pleasure for me to be here in Paris.  I am in Paris.  I won in Paris.  I’m very lucky, and I was very fortunate in life to have had the opportunity of experiencing all this at the age of 24. Never in my wildest dream would I have dreamt of such beautiful presents.  Life was very kind to me.” (credit to Inside Tennis for that quote)

Oracene Price (Venus and Serena’s mom), when asked by Inside Tennis’ Bill Simmons about the possibilities of the Williams’ Sisters playing Indian Wells again.

“I thought about it.  I thought about maybe, okay, maybe it’s time to get back.”

Francesca Schiavone, on what kissing the clay means to her.

“To kiss the ground is to thank this clay, this beautiful tournament and this arena …to give me this opportunity and all the emotion that I am living.”

Daniel Nestor, when asked what his doubles success with Nenad Zimonjic meant now that they are heading into the grass season.

“Obviously Wimbledon has been great to us. You know, I think that’s still our best surface. I think, you know, it would be nice to try and win three in a row there.

Novak Djokovic, when told by the media that Hawk Eye showed his passing shot against Jurgen Melzer to be good (it was ruled out).

“What can I say? Should I complain or what? I don’t know. This is life.”

Nicolas Almagro, when asked to evaluate the situation by the media after his quarter final match with Rafael Nadal.

“Well, my evaluation of the situation? Well, the situation is here in Paris, and what I can say after the match is that I feel good. I played a good match. My arms feel good. My legs, as well. I have two arms, two legs.”

Roger Federer, after having his consecutive semi final streak snapped by Robin Soderling.

“The rain was not very helpful.”

Inside Tennis’ Bill Simmons on Francesca Schiavone.

“Far from the boring, one-dimensional big babe drones who have defined women’s tennis with their smash-mouth baseline games, the Italian is inventive, ever-changing.”

Andy Roddick on Wimbledon.

“I don’t go in with any sense of entitlement or any sense of anything like that. I’m excited to get onto a surface that I actually feel that I can impose my game on a little bit more.”

Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, on being the last French player standing in week one of the French Open.

“Well, it’s sad. It’s sad the others didn’t make it. I was sad seeing Richard (Gasquet) losing, because I had made a bet. I thought he would make it here.”

Tennis.com’s Peter Bodo on the French Open finals

“I must admit, Schiavone may have delivered the most enchanting, satisfying, and artful narrative I’ve ever witnessed at Roland Garros; It’s right up there with the victories at Wimbledon by Goran Ivanisevic a decade ago, and Virginia Wade, the British Woman who won at the All-England club on the year of the clubs 100^th anniversary.”

Bruce Jenkins of Sports Illustrated on Schiavone

“The plain fact is that from the standpoint of pure tennis, this was one of the best French Open finals in memory, rivaled only by Jennifer Capriati – Kim Clijsters (2001) and Steffi Graf-Arantxa Sanchez Vicario (1996) over the past 15 years. There were no bathroom breaks, medical timeouts, ill-timed fist-pumps, or other dreadful displays of gamesmanship.”

Jon Wertheim of Sports Illustrated.

“Is it just me or does Nicolas Almagro strike you as a fun guy to go drinking with?”

Jon Wertheim on Sam Querrey.

“We’ve made a big enough deal about Sam Querrey’s dismal performance and his admission of tanking. If he’s in search of inspiration, he ought to look up – if only by an inch (it’s actually 3) – to his jilted doubles partner, John Isner, who soldiered on, won a few matches, took home a fat check, and conducted himself like a pro.”

RG: Nestor and Zimonjic Win Doubles Title

  

Roland Garros–Paris, France

The Canadian-Serbian duo of Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic captured their third Grand Slam event as team on Saturday, defeating defending champs Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhy 7-5, 6-2.

Winning 75 percent of their first serve points, Nestor and Zimonjic never lost their serves, while breaking their opponents on three of four occasions.

Striking six aces in total, the winning team needed 65-minutes to previal.

Zimonjic, who won the mixed doubles title with Katarina Srebotnik yesterday, commented on his successful event.

“There’s no better way to celebrate something than with a title like this,” said Zimonjic, who celebrated his 34th birthday on Friday. “Two years ago I was in both finals, but ended up losing both. That was very disappointing.”

Nestor has captured 69 doubles titles as a professional, while Zimonjic has taken home 37.

Quotes courtesy of ASAP.

RG: Nestor and Zjmonic Reach Finals In Paris

Roland Garros—Paris, France

The Canadian-Serbian team of Daniel Nestor and Nenad Zimonjic reached their second French Open final as a team on Friday after defeating Dick Norman and Wesley Moodie 6-0, 6-3.

Needing only 55 minutes to advance to the championship round, Nestor and Zimonjic won 92 percent of their first serve points, struck six aces, and broke serve on four of seven occasions.

Never losing their serves during the contest, the No. 2 seeds will next face defending champs Leander Paes and Lukas Dlouhy in the finals.

Paes and Dlouhy defeated Julian Knowle and Andy Ram 6-4, 6-2 in the other men’s semifinal.

Nestor and Zimonjic will be bidding for their fifth title of the season, while Paes and Dlouhy will be attempting to win their second title of the year.

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