By Okoeguale Adolor
April 24, 2024
At the Laureus World Sports Awards held in Madrid on Monday night, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal both emerged as winners.
Djokovic secured the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for the fifth time, a feat equaled by none before him.
This recognition adds to his previous wins in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2019. Meanwhile, the Rafael Nadal Foundation was honored with the Laureus Sport for Good Award during the prestigious event.
The 36-year-old Serbian was commended for his exceptional performance throughout the 2023 season, during which he came tantalizingly close to achieving a calendar-year Grand Slam.
I think back to [season] 2012, when I won it for the first time as a 24-year-old. I am very proud to be here 12 years later, reflecting on a year that brought me and my fans a lot of excitement and success.
“It was thrilling to return to Australia last January and win my 10th title. It is a tournament that is so dear to my heart and set me up for an incredible 12 months. I could not have achieved so much success without an incredible team behind me, and inspirational rivals who have always pushed me to be the best version of myself.
“The Laureus Awards are so special because they represent recognition from the 69 world-class athletes who make up the Laureus World Sports Academy. To earn the votes of my sporting heroes is what makes these awards so coveted in all of sport,” Djokovic added.
The Rafael Nadal Foundation received acknowledgment for its support of over 1,000 disadvantaged young individuals in Spain and India, enabling them to unlock their potential and emphasizing the positive impact of sports as a catalyst for change.
Since its inception in 2000, the Laureus Sport Awards has been an annual event. Athletes are nominated for various categories each year through a selection process involving votes from over 1000 sports media representatives worldwide.
Subsequently, the winners are chosen by members of the Laureus World Sports Academy, comprising esteemed former sports personalities.
Among the notable members of the academy are Boris Becker, Li Na, Martina Navratilova, and Monica Seles.
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