World No.1 Novak Djokovic is one of four athletes in the running to receive a top honour at this year’s Sports Illustrated Awards.
The 17-time Grand Slam champion has been shortlisted for the Player of the Year award which recognizes the individual achievements of an athlete over the past 12 months. This season Djokovic has finished at the top of the rankings for a record-equalling sixth time. Something has only ever been previously achieved by his idol Pete Sampras. Overall, he has won four ATP titles, including a record eighth Australian Open trophy, and earned more than $6.4 million in prize money. Making him the highest earning player on the Tour this year.
“Pete was somebody I looked up to when I was growing up, so to match his record is a dream come true,” Djokovic said during the ATP Finals. “I will also keep striving to be a better player, hopefully have more success and break more records in a sport I love with all my heart.”
The Serbian faces tough opposition for the latest honour of his career. Other nominees for SI’s Player of the Year include NBA star Giannis Antetokounmpo who recently signed a record contract extension with the Milwaukee Bucks worth in the region of $228.2M. Also nominated is WNBA player A’ja Wilson and baseball player Mookie Betts.
The award will be given to the athlete who Sports Illustrated considered as the most valuable asset to their sport. They say the winner must demonstrate the highest level of ‘athleticism, skill, and character.’
Even if Djokovic is unsuccessful at the Awards ceremony, tennis will still be represented via Naomi Osaka who has already been named as Sportsperson of the Year along with four other athletes. This year’s recipients have been recognized for their contribution to causes both in and outside of their sport. US Open champion made headlines earlier this year for her vocal support for the Black Lives Matter movement.
“Not known for being comfortable as a public figure off the court, Osaka, the U.S. Open champion, came to understand the power of her fame, then wielded it in eye-catching ways to confront racial injustice and police violence,” Martina Navratilova commented.
The SI Awards will take place on December 19th and will be streamed live via social media.
