Gavin Manders is mentally stronger after his accident late last year and ready to prove his doubters wrong.National team tennis captain Manders received multiple injuries in a two-vehicle accident in mid-December near Five Star Island in Southampton, losing half of his baby toe and fracturing another toe on his left foot, while also damaging ligaments in his right shoulder.While sidelined Manders was given a greater appreciation of life itself as he reflected on two road tragedies involving tennis players, one which killed top junior player at the time, Craig Bean, in 2000 and the other which involved another promising player and friend, David Thomas, which killed an elderly tourist last year and put Thomas in prison for 15 months for causing his death.“I would like to give a special shout out to Craig Bean and his family, as I truly believe that he was watching over me that day,” said the tennis player.“My accident was very close to where his tragic accident occurred and could have been so much worse had things gone any different. He has given me the opportunity to carry on not only my legacy but his as well.“I looked up to him growing up, and wanted to be just like him on the court, he inspired me to be the best and a part of him lives in me today. I want to dedicate this year to him and my close friend David Thomas.”Not being able to pound the court since his own incident, the current local number one is ready to get back to basics and prove his doubters wrong about his return to the sport.“It’s definitely more of a sense of determination to be back on the court, I have a lot of rehab and training to do to even get myself back to normal fitness level,” said Manders.“There’s also a lot of doubt out there whether I can recover from this to defend my number one spot, and even more importantly, be ready to lead us into battle this summer. Mentally, I am now stronger then I have ever been, which was already one of my strengths.“I have been through hell and back these last few months, and what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. My balance will be affected and I am nowhere near where I wanted to be at this point, but the only reason I have been able to hold the number one spot so long is because nobody wants it more than me.“I look to use that, mixed with my new appreciation for tennis and life itself, to rebuild my body and my game to come back even better then before.“Words cannot explain how it feels to be able to step back out on the court, I am truly blessed and have found an even greater appreciation for the sport I love so much. Being able to be back around the children inspires me to want to be better as a player and a coach.”The battle to regain fitness ahead of this summer’s Davis Cup and Island Games commitments following the bike accident remain his main focus, with leading Bermuda out into the international arena his priority.The former Male Athlete of the Year also said he feared his tennis career could have been over after losing a part of a limb, but with the faith of his family and friends he is inspired to back to the sport he loves.“I can't make any absolute promises, but I can promise that I will do everything in my power to make sure I am ready to lead Bermuda into battle this summer for Davis Cup and Island Games.“And if my will and determination is not enough to overcome the physical constraints I face in such a short period, then I will be there to support my squad in any way possible. But I believe in myself and the support system I have around me, and have every intention to win some medals for Bermuda in front of our home crowd.“I want to give a special thank you to my mother (Disa) as well as the Temple of Tennis family for all their support during my recovery, I couldn't have done it without them. It’s been a rough few months, and the accident mixed with being laid up has truly given me a new perspective on life and tennis.“I also would like to thank Dr Francioni and all the wound care staff.”