It’s a changing world in tennis. The Roger era is SLOWLY
closing down, the Roger/Rafa era seems to be following behind it. A decade of
status quo is dying out slowly and replacing it, well it’s still unknown. One
thing is for sure you can include Canada in the mix.
It’s an exciting time for Canadian tennis fans. For the first
time in 120 years it would appear that we are poised to stamp our spot on the
tennis globe. YES, I just wrote 120 years, good grief.
So how far is Canada going in an attempt to become a
certified elite powerhouse nation in the sport? Sky’s the limit. There is a buzz in this country unlike any
time before it and while the accomplishments of doubles genius Daniel Nestor
should never be underappreciated with Tennis Canada’s accomplishments, what is
on the horizon may even be greater.
Tennis Canada was formed in 1890 and has at times, to be
quite honest, stumbled along in a self induced trance before reinventing itself
recently. Along with fresh and talented faces on court the behind the scenes
workings of Tennis Canada has catapulted the country into a nation of hope. The
local tennis courts are abuzz, the major sports networks are suddenly
interested and the papers and water coolers are, more than ever, rife with
baseline interest.
Just prior to the US Open, I turned on my local sports radio
station and joined in progress an interview with a Sports Illustrated Writer
Jon Wertheim who couldn’t help praising the future of Tennis in Canada. In fact
he went so far as to say he would trade the American prospects for the Canadian
ones right now if he could! Was he just flattering us? Maybe but nevertheless
It was music to my ears. While it is true American tennis has been suffering
for about a decade on the men’s side, they still are the most successful nation
by a country mile when it comes to on court success. While you compare that to
Canada, you are looking at polar opposites of the spectrum. What has Canada
done in this sport? What haven’t the Americans done? Two questions with very
opposite yet scathingly clear answers.
That being said, I AM IN!!!! Canada vs the USA. A western
world rivalry in tennis. Sounds good to me. There has never been a time in the
history of the sport where Canada could claim to be on par with the big Red
White and Blue. While there is still a clear uncertainty of how players will
evolve at the pro level, something that can never in any sport be predicted,
there is optimism and unmistakable talent to be genuinely enthused by.
Just last year at Davis Cup, Canada took a bold stance and
voiced their confidence going into the first round tie with the heavily favored
and stacked French team. Gavin Ziv, Director of National Events in Canada, was
instrumental in hyping up the nation. He even took a bit of heat for it when
ads featured Milos Raonic posters with the tag of "Hey
France, I’ve got a 151 m.p.h. serve. Try returning that with a baguette." While many saw it as blind optimism or PR tactics, I
couldn’t help but think “FINALLY”! That was exactly what we needed. We need
some confidence, arrogance, energy, and support. We have a lot to be proud of
and it was time the world but more importantly the country knew this. In the
end the French team was too tough and deep down I think Mr. Ziv knew this but
it did not matter. A red and white maple leaf dawning beast was awakened after
a fairytale length slumber of over 100 years. (it's hard to write cause
whenever you say “100 years” in a story its usually an exaggeration… NOPE!)
At the moment, Milos Raonic is
shouldering quite a load with a nations full of dreams. That being said, to
watch him, to hear him, to know him, can anyone be doing this better? I liken
him to another great Canadian athlete Wayne Gretzky. Gretzky was more than just
a talent in the NHL, he was an ambassador, a leader, a role model. He took the
high road on every travel and spoke with sincerity and intelligence. Does that
sound like anyone? With all that being said, while Milos continues to inspire,
he is also starting to feel the wrath of the Canadian fans as they are
expecting more and more. We are not hoping for a good match against Federer, we
want a win. We aren’t looking for a spirited effort against Murray, we want
that Brit out in straights and this is the way it should be! This is the New
Tennis attitude in Canada. The edgy fans represent a great thing, passion for a
game that has for many years slipped through the cracks.
It doesn’t just end with Milos
however. Vasek Pospisil is emerging as a wonderful talent under this Canadian
umbrella. And in case that isn’t enough for you let me say two words Filip
Peliwo. The 2012 season will be one to remember for BC native Filip Peliwo who
took part in all four grand slam junior finals finishing runner up in Australia
and France but claiming Wimbledon and US Open championships in the latter part
of the season. A huge accomplishment for anyone let alone a Canadian. Peliwo
feels as though he is knocking on the door and seems poised to have a great
career. While expectations are great for the youngster, many players have won
junior accolades before and went away like a bad Rusedski nightmare.
And let’s not forget those women.
The depth may not be as strong yet but if Eugenie Bouchard of Quebec continues
on her road to success, that may be the spark needed. Bouchard hoisted her very
own junior Wimbledon title in 2012 becoming the first Canadian to do so. She
also won the doubles title for the second straight year at the all England Club
and did so each year with different partners.
While many more are deserving of
praise the bottom line is the future in Canada looks, for the first time, extremely
promising. A debt of gratitude goes out to the talented stars on the court but
also the coaches and leaders off the court. Most of all, thank you Tennis Canada for
making right the years of wrong. For turning the misfortunes of a tennis nation
around the right way, at the grass roots level. It’s comforting to know that
there is finally a solid program in place with people who care about the sport.
So rest Daniel Nestor, rest up. It must have been excruciatingly tough carrying
the Canadian banner by yourself for a decade and a half.
So I want to get back to my first
point, Canada vs America. I think its time we called out our neighbors to the
south and challenge them. They never shy from a challenge. Tennis Canada vs the
USTA, The Maple Leaf vs the Stars and Stripes. There is some work to do here as
we are dealing with the most successful tennis country but that’s the point. I
love it. I think this is the very thing that can get a fair-weather tennis fan
riled up and drawn into the greatest game in the world. Canada vs the USA… I
say bring it!!
