Ahead of playing the final tournament of his career at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers, Vasek Pospisil reflected on 18 years in the professional ranks and wanted to share some last words to the Canadian tennis community who have supported him from day one.
When I sat down to craft this message, I was tasked with casting my mind back over the last couple of decades. It’s not often in the busy life of a professional tennis player that you get the opportunity to truly take a moment, step back and consider what you’ve accomplished over the course of an 18-year career. But, the reality is that my tennis journey has been far more than just my time as a professional. Ever since I started walking, I had a racquet in my hand, and I’ve been around the sport. My fondest memories all revolve around tennis, and it has brought me so many incredible opportunities and experiences that I will never forget.
Yes, it has taken a lot out of me, and I’ve experienced my fair share of misery and pain. But, tennis has also made me the person I am today, and I couldn’t be more grateful for the roller coaster journey it’s taken me on. Through it all, I’ve learned to see myself more clearly; my strengths, shortcomings, and the space between them. I’ve worked on what needed fixing, leaned into what felt true, and grown into a more complete and grounded version of myself. It’s given me the tools I needed to grow from a timid and shy teenager into the confident man I am today, about to embark on a new chapter in my life.
So many moments stand out, but three come to mind immediately. The first was in Montreal in 2009, playing Tomas Berdych on the National Bank Court. That was my first breakthrough match, my first time in front of such an electric crowd—an experience I’ll never forget. Of course, winning the Wimbledon doubles title ranks right up there. And, last but certainly not least, lifting the Davis Cup in 2022 was the absolute pinnacle. The hours spent in locker rooms with my fellow tour players, and especially with my Davis Cup teammates during our runs in 2013, 2019, and 2022, will stay with me forever. Those shared moments—achieving something extraordinary for our country—are simply priceless.
When I turned professional 18 years ago, Canadian tennis was in a very different place. Over the past 15 years the sport has been transformed across the country. Today, I consider us one of the powerhouse tennis nations, with the talent to compete for the biggest titles on the world stage—something that felt unimaginable back then. We had great players to look up to when I started, but nothing like the depth we have now. It’s no exaggeration to say Canadian tennis is in a golden era, and I’m confident we’ll keep the momentum going.
Through the growing pains of the sport in Canada, and my own highs and lows, the fan support I’ve received has been unwavering. For that, I am truly grateful. I’m not sure I always deserved such incredible backing, but it carried me through difficult times and lifted me in my greatest moments. My biggest achievements on court simply wouldn’t have been possible without the energy you gave me.
As I close the final chapter of my playing career, I want to thank the passionate Canadian tennis community from coast to coast to coast, who’ve been right there beside me throughout this incredible journey. I am humbled and will be forever grateful.
