Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal were the winners of Monday night’s Laureus World Sports Awards in Madrid.
Djokovic earned the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for a record-tying fifth time, after previous wins in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2019. The Rafael Nadal Foundation earned the Laureus Sport for Good Award at the glitzy presentation.
The 36-year-old Serbian was honoured for his outstanding 2023 season, in which he came one set shy of completing a calendar-year Grand Slam. Djokovic won major titles at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and the US Open, with the exception of Wimbledon, where he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in a five-set final. He finished the year by capturing a record seventh Nitto ATP Finals title.
“I am extremely honoured to have received my fifth Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award,” said Djokovic, who just became the oldest World No. 1 in the history of the PIF ATP Rankings. “I remember [season] 2012, when I won it for the first time as a 24-year-old. I am really delighted to be here 12 years later, reflecting on an exciting and successful year for myself and my supporters.”
“It was fantastic to come to Australia last January and win my tenth title. It is a competition that holds a special place in my heart and has prepared me for a fantastic year. I could not have achieved so much success without the support of an outstanding team and inspirational rivals who have always pushed me to be my best self.
“The Laureus Awards are special because they recognise the 69 world-class athletes who comprise the Laureus World Sports Academy. Earning the votes of my sporting heroes is what makes these awards so valuable in all of sports.”
