Nadal and Swiatek crowned ITF World Champions for 2022

Rafael Nadal and Iga Swiatek have been crowning ITF World Champions for 2022 as it's his 5th time winning the award and the Polish player's first time.

The award is given to players who were able to achieve great success over the course of the previous year and both Nadal and Swiatek fit the bill. The Spaniard certainly had more competition than Swiatek who dominated fairly confidently over the WTA Tour. Nadal had a great start to the year but his play got worse over time as he dealt with injuries.

Despite that, he still won two grand slams this year and upon receiving this award, he said:

“I’m very happy to be named ITF World Champion for the fifth time. When I first won the award in 2008, I would not have expected to still be playing at such a high level 14 years later."

He added:

"It was really special to win the Australian Open for a second time, and of course to win Roland Garros. I am really grateful for the support of my team and my fans around the world and, I am already looking forward to the 2023 season."

Swiatek added:

“This was a big year for me, and such significant awards show me how far I've come. I appreciate it and I want to thank the ITF. It wouldn’t have happened without my team, my family, and my fans from Poland and all over the world. Consider it our joint award for amazing adventures on court in 2022.”