Nadal Names Sportsman Of The Year At Laureus Awards

Rafael Nadal was named sportsman of the year at the Laureus World Sports Awards on Thursday evening.

The Spaniard, having equalled Roger Federer’s haul of 20 Grand Slams, had his achievement acknowledged in the digital ceremony.

“From my heart, this award means a lot to me,” Nadal said, having beaten off competition from Lewis Hamilton, LeBron James, Robert Lewandowski and others.

Lewis Hamilton’s activism against racial injustice were also highlighted in the ceremony, though he was pipped to the prize by Nadal. Hamilton did win the athlete advocate of the year, however.

Fellow tennis star Naomi Osaka, who is just 23, was named as sportswoman of the year.