Rafael Nadal, Naomi Osaka claim top Laureus awards
Rafael Nadal is a Spanish tennis legend who has won a record 20 Grand Slam titles and shares the feat with Switzerland’s Roger Federer. Naomi Osaka has been the Japanese tennis sensation of late, dominating with Slam wins, as Laureus has recognised their achievements.
FollowSpanish tennis great Rafael Nadal proves his legacy with Grand Slams wins every year. He holds a record 20 Slam wins, a feat he shares with Swiss great Roger Federer, while he has won record 13 French Open titles.
Consequently, he has been recognised for his greatness, being adjudged as the 2021 Laureus Sportsman of the year. The recognition comes after he won his record-equalling 20th Slam by winning his 13th French Open title last year by beating reigning world number one Novak Djokovic of Serbia in the final at Roland Garros the previous year.
It was Nadal’s fourth award by the prestigious organisation, having previously won the Breakthrough, Comeback and men’s individual awards. “The rest of the sportsmen probably deserve the trophy the same as me, but this was the year for me and I can’t be happier,” he said following the win, reports Reuters.
“Winning the French Open and equalling the 20th Grand Slam of Roger Federer has been an unforgettable moment. It means a lot to equal my great rival, but at the same time, my great friend. It’s something very special after all the history we have had together on and off court,” he added.
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Besides Nadal, a current female tennis star from Japan, Naomi Osaka was also awarded by Laureus. She was recognised for her “powerful statement” in support of the ‘Black Lives Matter’ campaign. She did so during the US Open last year, which she managed to win for the second time.
“I think it is important to use my voice. Because for me, I feel like I often hold back a lot and worry about what people think of me, but you know if you have a platform, it is very important you use it,” she reckoned.
Among other winners were reigning Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain, who claimed the inaugural Athlete Advocate of the Year Award to participate in the fight against racism. As for the Breakthrough of the Year Award, it was clinched by Kansas City Chiefs 24-year-old quarterback Patrick Mahomes, helping his side qualify for the Super Bowl appearance for the first time in 50 years.
List of all 2021 Laureus award winners:
Rafael Nadal (Sportsman of the Year Award)
Naomi Osaka (Sportswoman of the Year Award)
Bayern Munich (Team of the Year Award)
Patrick Mahomes (Breakthrough of the Year Award)
Max Parrot (Comeback of the Year Award)
KICKFORMORE by KICKFAIR (Sport for Good Award)
Billie Jean King (Lifetime Achievement Award)
Lewis Hamilton (Athlete Advocate of the Year Award)
Mohamed Salah (Sporting Inspiration Award)
Chris Nikic (Sporting Moment of the Year Award)
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