Nestor to play last match today
TORONTO — After 25 years of playing in the Davis Cup, it’s virtually impossible for Daniel Nestor’s Canadian teammates to imagine playing international competition without him.
The 46-year-old from Toronto will play his final Davis Cup match today in his hometown, teaming up with Vernon’s Vasek Pospisil against Matwe Middelkoop and Jean-Julien Rojer of the Netherlands.
Nestor has been a fixture for Canada over a quarter century, setting an example on and off the court.
“I thought my career would end before his,” quipped 27-year-old Milos Raonic on the court after his singles victory over Thiemo de Bakker on Friday night.
Nestor’s skill in doubles competition has made him invaluable to Canada, almost guaranteeing them a win on the second day of the three-day, five-match Davis Cup draws. He’s won eight Grand Slam doubles titles over his lengthy ATP Tour career with a variety of partners and peaked in 2002 as the top doubles player in the world.
Pospisil, 28, has teamed with Nestor in doubles competition on the ATP Tour, the Olympics, and at Davis Cups.
“It means a lot to be the last one that partners him in his amazing career. It’s very special for me,” Pospisil said. “I’ve had so much respect for Daniel over the years and he was someone that I looked up to when I was young.
“It was one of my goals to play with Daniel.”