Boris Becker hails Djokovic as clear favourite to win Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award

Boris Becker believes Novak Djokovic is the “clear favourite” to win the Laureus Award for Sportsman of the Year despite his vaccination stance and controversial Australian Open deportation.

Earlier this month, 20-time Grand Slam champion Djokovic was nominated for the Laureus Sportsman of the Year award. Nominated alongside Djokovic for separate awards are Daniil Medvedev, Emma Raducanu and Ashleigh Barty.

World number one Djokovic is competing against names such as recently-retired American footballer Tom Brady, footballer Robert Lewandowski and Formula One driver Max Verstappen. As well as swimmer Caeleb Dressel and long-distance runner Eliud Kipchoge.

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Speaking to Spanish radio station Radiotelevisión Española, six-time Slam champion Becker said:

“Novak had an incredible 2021, winning three of the four Grand Slams, he came very close to completing the Grand Slam at the US Open but lost to Daniil Medvedev. For this reason, I think he starts out as one of the clear favourites to win the Laureus Award for the best athlete of the year, although we all remember how unfortunate his time in Australia was a few weeks ago."

Becker further said:

“However, this should not be relevant, since what matters here is what you do on the track and not what happens off it. Whether or not to get vaccinated is a private choice, what we should reflect on is his performance on the tennis court, as 2021 was really impressive.”