World number one tennis player Novak Djokovic became the owner of the prestigious Laureus Sportsman Of The Year Award 2024, also known as the “Sports Oscar”.
In 2023, Novak Djokovic proved to be superior to all opponents on the ATP Tour system . Based on those “unprecedented” achievements, the Laureus World Sports Academy council voted him the best among all male athletes in the world.
The Serbian tennis player won three Grand Slam titles last season. He just missed the Wimbledon trophy when he lost to Carlos Alcaraz in a breathtaking 5-set final. In addition to winning three Major trophies, Nole also “held” the ATP Finals championship and ended the year ranked No. 1 in the world, after winning 88.9% of the matches he played. (56-7).
Djokovic also surpassed Steffi Graf’s record for number of weeks spent at world No. 1, surpassed Rafael Nadal’s 22 Grand Slam titles and matched Margaret Court’s 24 titles.
The 36-year-old tennis player also opened up many records that he previously held . So it’s no surprise that he was nominated for the Laureus World Sports Award for Male Athlete of the Year.
Some other strong candidates on the nomination list include Max Verstappen (racing), Lionel Messi (soccer), Noah Lyles (athletics), Armand Duplantis (pole vaulting) and Erling Haaland (soccer ). Although all had a great season, it was Djokovic who won this category.
This is Djokovic’s fifth victory at the 2024 Laureus award. He equals Roger Federer to become the two athletes who have won this title the most in history. The Swiss “Express Train” previously received the award from 2005 to 2008, and additionally in 2018. In contrast, Djokovic won the award in 2012, 2015, 2015, 2019 and now 2024.
Djokovic gave an inspirational speech after accepting his trophy. During the awards ceremony, opponents such as Carlos Alcaraz or Rafael Nadal were also present.
“Sports is a universal language that connects us. So thank you everyone for being here tonight. There are some great tennis players in the building tonight – Rafa, Carlos, Garbine, Martina, wonderful people who contributed to the history of the sport.
Yes, we are individual athletes from an individual sport, but I think we would agree that for every success we have had the support of our families, for every success we Have your team by your side. My family is here with me tonight, my parents, my brothers, my wife.
And I also want to say a big thank you to my team who aren’t here today, but they played a key role in my success in 2023, one of the best seasons I’ve ever had. Have.”