In a glittering ceremony held at the Palacio de Cibeles in Madrid, Serbian tennis legend Novak Djokovic added another accolade to his illustrious career by accepting the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year award for a record-equalling fifth time. The event, attended by sports stars from around the globe, celebrated outstanding achievements in the world of athletics.
Djokovic’s remarkable 2023 season was the driving force behind this prestigious recognition. The 36-year-old came tantalizingly close to achieving a calendar-year Grand Slam, winning major titles at the Australian Open, Roland Garros, and the US Open. His only miss was at Wimbledon, where he fell to the rising star Carlos Alcaraz in a thrilling five-set final.
Speaking at the ceremony, Djokovic expressed his gratitude: “I am incredibly honored to have won my fifth Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award. I think back to 2012 when I won it for the first time as a 24-year-old. Now, 12 years later, I reflect on a year that brought me and my fans a lot of excitement and success.”
The Serbian tennis maestro also acknowledged the significance of the Laureus Awards: “These awards are so special because they represent recognition from the 69 world-class athletes who make up the Laureus World Sports Academy. To earn the votes of my sporting heroes is what makes these awards so coveted in all of sport.”
Djokovic’s acceptance speech resonated with humility and gratitude. He credited his incredible team and inspirational rivals for pushing him to be the best version of himself. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of family, especially his son, in keeping him motivated during challenging times.
The Rafael Nadal Foundation, led by Spanish soccer player Aitana Bonmatí, was also honored during the ceremony. The foundation’s work in empowering over 1,000 vulnerable young people in Spain and India through sport was recognized with the Laureus Sport for Good Award.
As the Laureus Awards continue to celebrate excellence and inspire future generations, Djokovic’s fifth World Sportsman of the Year award stands as a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of tennis.
Novak Djokovic has won the Laureus Sports Award for a 5th time.
Another measure of his domination, even beyond tennis. pic.twitter.com/vpjHbV8zYU
— The Tennis Podcast (@TennisPodcast) April 23, 2024
Novak Djokovic in 2024
LWWWWWWLWW Now ranked no.1, Djokovic played his last match on the 13th of April when he was defeated by world no.6 Casper Ruud 6-4 1-6 6-4 in the semifinal in Monte-Carlo Rolex Masters (draw).
Currently, during this year Djokovic owns a 11-4 match record. Novak Djokovic’s best accomplishment of the present season was getting to the semifinal at the Australian Open and Monte Carlo.
