Nestor Named To Order Of Canada

© Getty ImagesCanada's Daniel Nestor won the Olympic gold medal in doubles in 2000.

Doubles star Daniel Nestor has been appointed a Member to the Order of Canada in recognition of his achievements in the sport and charitable contributions.

The 38-year-old Nestor, a former ATP World Tour Doubles No. 1, was among 54 honourees named last week along with former NHL player Trevor Linden and celebrity chef Jamie Kennedy.

"[I'm] definitely a little bit surprised," said Nestor, who was born in Belgrade and emigrated to Canada at age four. "It’s one of the greatest honours you can achieve as a Canadian. For me, I’m very proud. I wasn’t born in Canada but something I’ve realised playing the tour and travelling so much is how appreciative I am to be Canadian and the great opportunity the country has given me. It’s a great honour for me."

Since turning pro in 1991, Nestor has won 71 doubles titles – tops among active players – including all the major titles: the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals, the four Grand Slams, all nine ATP World Tour Masters 1000 tournaments, and the Olympic gold medal.

Off the court, he has raised more than $700,000 through his annual charity event, with proceeds from his 2010 benefit going towards Tennis Canada’s Go For Gold Program and the North York General Hospital.

"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," Michael S. Downey, Tennis Canada’s president and CEO, told Oye Times. "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 five million tennis players in our country in applauding Daniel for this well-deserved recognition."

Nestor finished the 2010 season on a high note, winning the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals with Nenad Zimonjic, and will open his 2011 season playing alongside Max Mirnyi at the Brisbane International. The Belarusian said of his new teammate's appointment to the Order of Canada, "It’s a great honour to achieve and I’m happy to be partnered next to the honourary man."

Watch Mirnyi & Nestor Interview