The day before it was Djokovic to receive a couple of very important awards, then it was Roger’s time to receive two.
Fan’s favourite
The Swiss Maestro has been nominated for a whopping 10th consecutive time as the favourite ATP player. Votes have been cast online by fans on ATPWorldTour.com. Roger got 57% of the preferences, a remarkable result if you consider that the remainder 47% went to all the other players.
“Ever since I won Wimbledon in 2003, I guess. I’m very, very honored, really, and very proud in some ways to be so well‑liked by so many fans around the world, just not in one particular place or one country,” Federer said. “It really seems to be everywhere I go I get a lot of fan support. So for me that’s a big thrill, probably one of the reasons also I’m still playing today. No doubt about it, they are inspiring me and motivating me to show up every day in practice, in the match courts, and give my best, because I do feel I have big support and I do feel I need to reward them for their support.
“Yeah, 10 is an amazing number. I can’t believe it’s been that long. All I can say is thank you in a big way, and everybody knows that.”
Stefan Edberg sportsmanship award
This one was voted by fellow tennis players and … it was Roger again.
“Stefan Edberg was my idol growing up. He was a great inspiration for me,” said Federer. “I always tried to play according to the rules and be respectful to my fellow competitors. A lot of other players totally deserve this award; it’s a great pleasure to win it.”
Talking about the fact that the award was voted by his colleagues, Roger said “It makes it extra special. We have great matches all over the world and the recognition is a great feeling. We’re trying to inspire the next generation.”
