
via Getty
MADRID, SPAIN – MAY 10: Denis Shapovalov of Canada shakes hands at the net after his straight sets victory against Milos Raonic of Canada in their third round match during day six of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament at the Caja Magica on May 10, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)

via Getty
MADRID, SPAIN – MAY 10: Denis Shapovalov of Canada shakes hands at the net after his straight sets victory against Milos Raonic of Canada in their third round match during day six of the Mutua Madrid Open tennis tournament at the Caja Magica on May 10, 2018 in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Since the 2020 season has ended, Tennis Canada announced its Most Excellence Awards winners of the year. Canada’s finest Milos Raonic received the male Player of the Year for the 8 time in his career. The 18-year-old Leylah Fernandez became Canada’s female Player of the Year on account of her wins against top players. Furthermore, Denis Shapovalov, Gabriela Dabrowski, and Vasek Pospisil are also among the ones who obtained awards.
Being the most successful tennis player for his country, Milos has reached the highest rank of Number 3. This year, he reached the quarterfinals of the Australian Open and the finals of the Western and Southern Open. At both events, the 29 years-old lost to World No. 1 Novak Djokovic. However, he has managed to stay in the Top 15 players of the season at Number 14.

via Getty
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – JANUARY 22: Milos Raonic of Canada celebrates after winning match point during his Men’s Singles second-round match against Cristian Garin of Chile on day three of the 2020 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 22, 2020, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Canadian teenager registers first win against top ten player
The future of tennis in Canada is brighter than ever as many players compete at the biggest of the tournaments. Even the teenager Leylah Annie Fernandez made her Grand Slam debut at Melbourne Park this year.
She registered her biggest win against Top 10 player Belinda Bencic in the Fed Cup qualifying round. The 18-year-old even caused an upset to Grand Slam winner Sloane Stephens at Monterrey Open. She reached her first WTA Tour final in Acapulco and concluded her season inside the Top 100 players.
As for Denis Shapovalov and Gabriela Dabrowski, they both won the male and female Doubles Player of the Year, respectively. The 21-year-old Denis also had a convincing singles’ season as he breached the Top 10 rankings.
But his doubles’ performance is unparalleled to any in his country; he is among the 50 best doubles players in the world. His compatriot and 30-year-old Vasek Pospisil earned the Most Improved Player of the Year honor. Tennis Canada President and CEO Michael Downey suggested that his players are ready for anything in 2021.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Tennis world waiting for 2021; Australian Open still uncertain

via Getty
MADRID, SPAIN – NOVEMBER 18: Denis Shapovalov of Canada celebrates a point against Matteo Berrettini of Italy during Day 1 of the 2019 Davis Cup at La Caja Magica on November 18, 2019, in Madrid, Spain. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Amidst the pandemic, the organizers of the Australian Open will leave no stones unturned for players’ safety. Previously, the major tournament had confirmed its commencement date, but those dates have now been called in question again.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Despite the uncertainties, the players have started their pre-season training and are gearing up for 2021. The next season is anticipated to see top players return, such as Roger Federer and Andy Murray.
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT