For the second time in his career, Rafael Nadal won Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the Year following the milestone 20th Major title at Roland Garros last year.
Nadal earned the honor ahead of Joshua Cheptegei, Armand Duplantis, Lewis Hamilton, LeBron James and Robert Lewandowski, lifting the 20th Major title and matching Roger Federer for the first time. Martina Navratilova congratulated Nadal after receiving the award, saying she adores his fighting spirit and professionalism throughout the years. Martina supported Rafa to play forever and chase 30 Roland Garros titles, although he still stands on an impressive 13.
Last October, Nadal headed to Paris with no form or matches before finding his best tennis to beat all seven opponents in straight sets and enter history books. World no. 1 Novak Djokovic stood between Rafa and the title and had nothing in his arsenal to topple the great Spaniard. Rafa produced a masterclass 6-0, 6-2, 7-5 triumph in two hours and 41 minutes to extend his Parisian reign and secure the second Laureus World Sports Award for Sportsman of the Year.
"What can I say to you that hasn't been told to you by countless others? But, for me, watching you play, watching you compete for every point as if it is a match point, your total and utter commitment to the sport, your professionalism is off the charts.
People will be writing books about you to teach others to do what you have done so well for, now for almost 20 years. So, I salute you, I respect you, I love watching you play, and I hope you never quit so you can win, maybe 30 Roland Garros titles. Anyway, congratulations," Martina Navratilova said.
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