Daniel Nestor has confirmed that he will play one more season in 2018 before officially retiring from the sport after a record-breaking career.
The Canadian is one of the most decorated doubles players in the history of tennis with a total of 93 ATP titles. In 2016 he became the first doubles player in history to record a 1000th match win on the tour. Since winning his first tournament at the 1992 Recife Challenger, the 45-year-old has won at least one title every season, including 12 grand slam trophies (eight in men’s and four in mixed doubles).
“It has been in the back of my mind for sure,” Nestor told TSN.ca. “I mean obviously I wanted to play as long as I could and I’ve been fortunate to play as long as I have. But this last year has been pretty revealing as far as capabilities and ongoing success on tour.”
In singles competition Nestor has had minimal success. Between 1993- 2001 he played in the main draw of 15 grand slam tournaments and won a total of four Challenger titles during the 1990s. One of his finest moments was a five-set win over Stefan Edberg in the 1992 Davis Cup.
“His time has come but he’ll always be remembered as a Canadian icon in the tennis world,” said Rogers Cup tournament director Karl Hale.
Nestor has achieved a series of milestones for Canadian tennis throughout his career. He was the first player from his country to win $1 million on the ATP Tour within a season. Along with Sebastien Lareau, he won a gold medal at the 2000 Olympic Games, becoming the first and so far only Canadian tennis player to win a medal. Overall, he is a six-time Olympian.
Davis Cup icon
Nestor’s retirement announcement comes shortly before he takes part in the Davis Cup clash between Canada and India this weekend. He is his country’s most successful player in the competition, participating in 50 ties and winning a total of 47 matches. 2001 and 2016 were the only years he hasn’t played in the Davis Cup throughout his career.
“He’s a professional so he’s going to do everything to get us that point on Saturday,” said team captain Martin Laurendeau. “In the meantime he’s providing great leadership as a veteran and a mentor to the rest of the team.”
One teammate Nestor has inspired is Denis Shapovalov, who recently reached the fourth round of the US Open. The 18-year-old recently discussed what it was like growing up watching his countryman play.
“Daniel would come and watch all of us play,” he recounted. “For me it was so motivating to see Danny over there.”
Nestor is set to officially retire next summer after either the Rogers Cup, who he will be making his 30th appearance, or the US Open.
