By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Tuesday, December 13, 2022
For the first time in his career, Rafael Nadal has won the ATP’s fan favourite award. It took the retirement of Roger Federer to snap the Swiss’ hold on the award, which is voted for by fans online.
Federer had won the award 19 consecutive times.
“I can’t thank you enough everyone for the support not only for this award, but at the same time for all the support that I receive in every single city and event around the world,” Nadal said. “That means everything to me, so I am very [much] looking forward to 2023 to share a lot of positive things again. See you soon!”
Nadal had a wildly successful 2022 campaign, despite the fact that he dealt with myriad injuries. The Spaniard won his 21st and 22nd major titles and went 39-8 as he claimed four titles on tour.
The 36-year-old is currently the all-time leader in major singles titles, one ahead of Novak Djokovic (21) and two ahead of Federer (20).
Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis won the Fan Favourite award for doubles.
Nadal adds his Fan Favourite award to his full set of player-voted ATP awards: Newcomer, Most Improved, Comeback and Sportsmanship. The Spanaird was also named Arthur Ashe Humanitarian of the Year in 2011.