Tennis is once again the most recognized sport when assigning the Laureus World Sports Awards. Naomi Osaka and Rafael Nadal were the winners of the prestigious awards that were assigned on Thursday.
Naomi Osaka was named the Sportswoman of the Year while Nadal won the same award on men’s side.
Naomi Osaka hit the headlines for her incredible success on court after she won the last 2 slams and for being extremely vocal in support of the Black Lives Matter. Rafael Nadal impressed the fans once again after winning his 13th French Open in 2020, clinching also his 20 major.
In her acceptance speech, Naomi Osaka commented:
“I’ve watched so many of my role models win this Award, so it definitely means a lot now to be holding it. I am so happy to receive it. It really means a lot to me.”
Nadal was already a nominee in 2009, 2014, 2018 and 2020. He commented:
“I want to say thank you very much from the bottom of my heart to the Laureus Academy. I have had some amazing competitors. 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.
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.”
Naomi Osaka in 2021
Now the world no.2, Naomi played her last match on the 2nd of May when she was overcome by world no.20 Karolina Muchova 6-4 3-6 6-1 in the 2nd round in Madrid (draw).
This season Osaka has managed to achieve a compiled 13-2 win-loss record. Osaka conquered 1 title at the Australian Open.
Nadal in Madrid, ranking, and results in 2021
Ranked world no.2, Rafael owns a 13-2 match record in 2021. The Spaniard is now having a run in Madrid where he ousted Carlos Alcaraz Garfia 6-1 6-2 and Alexei Popyrin 6-3 6-3.
Rafael Nadal will take on the world no.6 Alexander Zverev in the quarter on Friday at 3:00 pm on MANOLO SANTANA STADIUM. Their actual head to head record is 5-2 for Nadal.
Nadal conquered 1 title in 2021 in Barcelona.
Rafael won 87 titles in his career: 21 on hard courts, 61 on clay courts, 1 on indoor courts and 4 on grass courts. (See the list of his titles)
