Switzerland’s Roger Federer has become the first athlete in history to win the BBC Overseas Sports Personality Of The Year award for the fourth time in his career.
The world No.2 received the accolade after topping a poll on the BBC Sport website. Federer was one of six athletes shortlisted for the honour this year and the only tennis player. Other nominees were Tom Brady (American football), Katie Ledecky (swimming), Tatyana McFadden (Para-athletics), Sally Pearson (athletics) and Michael van Gerwen (darts).
“It makes me incredibly proud that the UK public have chosen me as the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year.” Federer told BBC Sport.
“The support that the UK crowds give me whenever I’m here is amazing, and to be recognised on the shortlist alongside some of the greatest sportspeople of all time is extremely humbling.”
Federer, who was also recently voted Swiss Sportsman of 2017, has enjoyed a triumphant season on the tour. At the Australian Open he defeated Rafael Nadal in the final to win his first major title since 2012. Following on from that, he became the first played in history to win an eighth Wimbledon title. Outside of the grand slams, the 36-year-old won an additional five ATP titles, including three Masters 1000 trophies. Federer has played 57 matches on the tour this year, winning 52 of those.
The Overseas Sports Personality Award presented by the BBC has been an annual honour given to athletes since 1960. It is the first time Federer has won the prize since 2007 and the fourth overall. He is one of only three people to win the award three or more times. The other two were boxer Muhammad Ali (1973, 1974 and 1978) and athlete Usain Bolt (2008, 2009 and 2012).
An official ceremony will take place this Sunday at the Echo Arena in Liverpool, where Federer will be formally announced as the winner. The British sporting awards recognised both national and international players.
Another tennis player in contention of winning an award is Johanna Konta. The Wimbledon semifinalist has been shortlisted for the British Sports Personality of the year category. Which has been won by Andy Murray on three previous occasions. The winner is decided by a public vote.
The event will be broadcasted live on BBC1 from 18:45 GMT on Sunday.
