Tennis Canada is holding its annual Fan Gala, and you have until December 16 to vote for your favourite moments in Canadian tennis from the past season. What was the most touching event? Who went head-to-head in the match of the year? It’s all up to YOU!

Here are the nominees for Inspiring Story of the Year.

1- Sharon Fichman reconquers the WTA and Fed Cup

After a two-year hiatus, Sharon Fichman found her way back to competition in April 2018. This past season, she skipped the ITF tournaments to focus on WTA events.

Dedicating herself to doubles, the Ontarian climbed from No.314 to World No.87.

For Sharon, every one of her successes in 2019—including her three finals, new title and return to Fed Cup—was tremendous.

The veteran, who had stopped playing due to recurrent injuries, was clearly delighted to compete in her 28th Fed Cup.

She thanked her fiancé Dylan Moscovitch, her agents and all the people who supported and encouraged her, but we want to thank HER for all the great tennis moments she continues to give us!

2- Rob Shaw wins gold at the Parapan American Games

Rob Shaw made Canadian tennis history when he became the very first athlete—able-bodied or wheelchair—to claim a singles medal in a multisport competition.

He secured the gold by overpowering World No.2 David Wagner of the US for the first time in eight attempts.

“Definitely the biggest win, so far, of my career as far as the magnitude of the stage—the fans and the crowd,” he explained. “I’ve had bigger emotional wins for sure, but, as far as the complete package, nothing’s bigger than winning a gold medal.”

Congrats, Rob! You’re a true inspiration.

3- Vasek Pospisil battles back from surgery

Sidelined by back surgery from November 2018 through July 2019, Vasek Pospisil made a solid return, to say the least!

Just a month after coming back to the courts, he reached the second round of the US Open with a win over World No.9 Karen Khachanov and then emerged from the qualifying rounds of the Shanghai Masters 1000 to dash all the way to the round of 16.

The following week, he hoisted the winner’s trophy at the Las Vegas Tennis Open Challenger—his first title since February 2018—and repeated at his next event in Charlottesville.

Wrapping up the year in style, Vasek was brilliant at the Davis Cup Finals in Madrid with his wins in singles over three members of the Top 50 including Fabio Fognini (12) and two triumphs in doubles that helped send Canada to the final showdown.

Incredible perseverance in an incredible year!

So, who do you think had the most inspiring story?

Vote now and come right back here for a rundown of the next category of Tennis Canada’s 2019 Fan Gala!

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