(Original Story: http://www.atpworldtour.com/News/Tennis/2012/12/Features/Raonic-Receives-Canadian-Award.aspx?utm_source=ATPMailing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=ATP%20World%20Tour%20Insider%20#51%20-%20December%2020%202012%20%281%29)
Milos Raonic has been named the QMI Agency Canadian Male Athlete of the Year.
The World No. 13 won two titles at the Aircel Chennai Open (d. Tipsarevic) and SAP Open in San Jose (d. Istomin) in 2012. Aged 21, he finished the year as the youngest player in the Top 20 of the South African Airways ATP Rankings.
“I want to make a change in Canada,” Raonic told The Toronto Sun. “We have such a good hockey culture. I don’t think it should be any different with tennis. A big part of it is Canada has not only given to myself, but to my family as well, a lot of opportunities. It’s given a lot to me. Now is when I can give back to Canada. I have a lot more of an understanding of that.”
When asked about what impact he’s had on Canadian tennis, Raonic said, “It’s been a ripple effect. The best way I can get that recognition is through success. The No. 1 way of promotion is not always talking about it, it’s going out and doing the right thing.”
Fellow Canadian Daniel Nestor, a winner of 80 tour-level doubles titles, told The Toronto Sun, “[In the past] we didn’t have any stars. I’ve always been impressed with how mature he is for his age. He’s got a good head on his shoulders and [has] always made the right decisions, even from a young age. That’s impressive. I think he can win a Grand Slam in the very near future.”
Raonic compiled a 45-20 match record in 2012.
Topics: Aircel Chennai Open, Canadian tennis news, Daniel Nestor, milos raonic, South African Airways ATP Rankings, Tennis News