Bermuda's top male athlete, Gavin Manders, admitted after his triumphant evening on Saturday at City Hall that life could have been very different had he not followed his heart early on in his career.

Through all the emotions overwhelming the youngster after receiving the coveted 'Athlete of the Year' award, the Ball State student remembered a time when he gave up the sport that has brought him success.

"What a lot of people don't know is that I quit tennis for almost two years because of the pressures and personal life issues that I was facing," said Manders.

"I lost the love for the game somewhere and really never thought I would ever play again.

"But after returning home from college and teaching some enthusiastic kids up at Port Royal where I have played all my life, they reminded me why I ever played in the first place.

"They reminded me of me when I was growing up at Port Royal and the fun and love that I had for tennis. When I think of not only being number one in tennis but the number one athlete for 2009, I think of two people in particular that made this happen.

"My close friend and training partner Jacob Trott, for his determination, intensity, and love that helped take our training to the next level, and most importantly I have to thank my coach and mentor for 2009, Sam Maybury."

While reminiscing on what could have been, Manders believes that 2010 can be a repeat of his 2009 campaign with help in his preparation for upcoming international events, Davis Cup and CAC Games.

Admitting the road will be harder this time around, the first-time winner of the award is anxious to test his mettle against the best in both competitions.

"2010 is going to be a tough year, I will be facing some of the toughest competition I have ever played," he said.

"I am hoping that I can get the support I need to get the professional training that is needed to compete on the next level, because I feel without it, it's going to be a very bumpy road.

"Special thanks to Vince Baudat, a former ATP pro and friend who trained me in preparation for the Davis Cup.

"I owe a lot of my Davis Cup success to him.

"I hope to win a match in Division III in Puerto Rico this year as no Bermudian has ever won a match in this division.

"We also have CAC Games in Puerto Rico which will be just as tough. I believe that with the right professional training I can have another great year and help Bermuda tennis to continue to move forward to the next level."

Manders ended 2009 with an undefeated record in all tournaments in singles, but more importantly the 23-year-old also helped Bermuda to advance in the Davis Cup to Group III.

He had a Davis Cup record of 6-1, an unprecedented overall record for a Bermuda player.

Heralded as one of his best moments to date in the sport, Manders admitted it was a moment he will never forget.

And although the award winner was grateful for being deemed the 2009 Male Athlete of the Year, he acknowledged that he was up against fierce competition with the likes of Tyler Butterfield and Stevie Dickinson also in the running after having stand-out years.

"It was one of the most amazing feelings to go up and get the award.

"When I heard my name and then heard the cheers from the crowd, I had butterflies while walking up (to the podium). It was an experience that I will never forget.

"It was even more special to me as it is not only an accomplishment for me, but an accomplishment for tennis in Bermuda as a whole.

"I want everyone who plays tennis in Bermuda to know this award belongs to all of you just as much as me.

"And for the up and coming juniors, I hope to see one of you here someday, so keep working hard.

"I knew I had a pretty good chance to win as I've had one of the best years any Bermudian tennis player has had.

"I think going undefeated in singles in Davis Cup which led us to promotion was what got me the win, and I have to thank my Davis Cup coach Steve Bean and the team for their part in El Salvador.

"But I thought Tyler Butterfield and Stevie Dickinson were just as deserving and I respect them as competitors and wish them the best moving forward to 2010."