#NestorForever: Doubles great gets VIP send off

After a career Grand Slam, an Olympic Gold medal, year-end championships, all of the Masters 1000 titles and multiple stints at the top of the game, Daniel Nestor—one of the greatest doubles players of all time—has played his last match.

The 46-year-old was able to say goodbye in front of his home crowd as Canada beat the Netherlands in Davis Cup over the weekend. Even though his final match didn’t go as planned (Nestor and Vasek Pospisil dropped the doubles rubber), he was able to see the next generation of players he inspired advance.

Tennis Canada, in a show of appreciation, launched the hash tag “Nestor Forever,” encouraging others to share their well wishes on Twitter.

Some prestigious names chimed in, perhaps none more impressive than Canada’s prime minister.

Mark Knowles, the first player Nestor knew success at the majors with, also celebrated his former partner.

Nenad Zimonjic, who also teamed up with Nestor for some Slam-winning performances, had this to say:

Felix Auger-Aliassime kept it simple when recognizing a national hero.

Their compatriot, Pospisil, took pride in sharing the court with Nestor.

And Bob Bryan, one of the few players that can surpass Nestor stats-wise, wished his longtime rival and friend well.

Follow Van on Twitter: @Van_Sias