Novak Djokovic has been named the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year for a record-equalling fifth time in his career.
The world No.1 has won received his latest honour in recoinition for his 2023 season which saw the Serbian win three out of the four Grand Slam tournaments with the only exception being Wimbledon where he finished runner-up to Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic also won the ATP Finals in Turin for a seventh time, as well as two Masters 1000 tournaments.
“I am truly blessed to be among sports greats as a winner, but also as a supporter and admirer of Laureus Sport for Good as I too believe in the power of sport to make a difference in the world.” Said Djokovic.
“Finally, this Laureus Statuette stands alone because it represents more than sporting achievement. The Laureus mission of using sport as a power for good has been changing lives for 25 years and embodies the values of its founding patron, Nelson Mandela. I want to add my support to Laureus Sport for Good and the work they are doing to transform lives around the world.”
It is the first time the 36-year-old has won the award since 2019. He also received the accolade in 2012, 2015 and 2016. Djokovic has become only the second person to win the award on five separate occasions after Roger Federer who won it four years running between 2005-2008 and then again in 2018.
Rafael Nadal was another winner at the awards with his federation claiming the Laureus Sport for Good award. It is presented to those who have illustrated a “tremendous contribution to sport or society through sport.” The Fundacion Rafa Nadal was recognised for helping more than 1,000 vulnerable young people in Spain and India.
“It’s a very familiar project, a personal one that we started 13, 14 years ago,” Nadal said during an interview at the event in Madrid on Monday.
“It is a thing that we are super proud of. It is a way to give back. We have been lucky to be able to work on our hobby and be successful. I think it is a moment to give a positive example to society that we need to help the people who need help.”
The Laureus Sport Awards was first held in 2000. Each year athletes get shortlisted for specific categories based on votes from more than 1000 sports media across the world. The winners are then selected by members of the Laureus World Sports Academy which is a group of former sporting greats. Boris Becker, li Na, Martina Navratilova and Monica Seles are all members of the academy.
