After retiring from professional tennis, the Swiss could not be among the contenders for the accolade he had been winning continuously since 2003. Nick Kyrgios and Holger Rune have won other awards.
The closing of the tennis season brings with it the traditional ATP Awards. A case where the organization highlights different actors of the circuit for their achievements during the year. In this list stands out Rafael Nadal, who by winning the “Fan’s Favorite Player” breaks an emblematic streak of Roger Federer in this matter.
And it is that without interruption since 2003, the Swiss had won the prize . A historic mark that has continued uninterruptedly since “Rog” burst onto the circuit by winning Wimbledon. But now things have changed, since with his retirement in September this year, he could no longer be among the candidates for the award.
For the ATP, players who eligible for this award are active tennis players in the Top 100 of the rankings as of November 7, 2022 including players in the protected classification who have played at least one match during the year.
“I am very happy to receive this award. I cannot thank people enough not only for this award, but also for the support and encouragement I receive from all corners of the world. It means everything to me and I’m really looking forward to 2023 and we’re sharing great times again “, he commented through a video published by the ATP.
Over the course of the season, the Spaniard’s most memorable moments are undoubtedly the dream start to the season where he won the ATP titles in Melbourne, the Australian Open and the ATP in Acapulco, adding a total of 20 consecutive victories before suffering his first defeat of the year , during the Indian Wells final. After that would come the consecration at Roland Garros and the moving farewell to Roger Federer, of which he was also a protagonist.
In this way, the Spaniard gets his first prize for “Fan’s Favorite”, adding to the awards of “Best Tennis Player of the Year” won in 2008, 2010, 2013, 2017 and 2019 in addition to the “Best Progression” prize obtained in 2005.
Kyrgios and Rune are also rewarded
In addition to Rafael Nadal, the ATP announced two other category winners. This is the case of Nick Kyrgios and Holger Rune.
The Australian and his compatriot, Thanasi Kokkinakis, were chosen as ‘Favorite Pair of the Year’ for their breakthrough in the sport, winning the Australian Open title and qualifying for the Masters at the end of the season. ‘year.
On the other hand, the award that Holger Rune won was “Breakthrough of the Year”, after a season in which he won two ATP 500 titles, a Masters 1000, reached the quarter-finals of Roland Garros. and managed to reach the planetary top ten. All this at only 19 years old.
“I’m super happy to have received the Breakthrough of the Year award, it means a lot. I’ve worked very hard all year to do my best, and it’s great to see my colleagues vote for me, so that means a lot. I can’t wait for 2023, and I hope it will be another great year “, commented the Nordic tennis player, about an award that is chosen by his colleagues and not by popular vote.
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Source: Latercera
I’m Todderic Kirkman, a journalist and author for athletistic. I specialize in covering all news related to sports, ranging from basketball to football and everything in between. With over 10 years of experience in the industry, I have become an invaluable asset to my team. My ambition is to bring the most up-to-date information on sports topics around the world.
