2011 BBC World Sport Star of the Year winner Novak Djokovic has missed out on the award this year, with the accolade going to a younger sports player.
Djokovic, who topped the year-end tennis prize money rankings, was included on the six-person shortlist after his incredible 2023 season. He won three Grand Slams and the ATP Finals and was just a set away from winning the Calendar Grand Slam at Wimbledon.
The Serbian legend achieving those incredible feats at the age of 36 is unprecedented in men's tennis. Such an extraordinary level of excellence meant many thought a second BBC World Sport Star of the Year award was a possibility.
However, Djokovic did not even make the top three for the accolade from the six-person shortlist. He joined Olympic Gymnastics gold medallist Simone Biles and Spain's World Cup winner Aitana Bonmati in missing out on the top three.
The award was given to footballer Erling Haaland. The Norwegian striker scored 52 goals in all competitions to help his club Manchester City win a treble of the Premier League, Champions League, and the FA Cup. Haaland expressed gratitude after winning the reward.
"Thank you for voting for me for the BBC World Sports Star of the Year. Last season was incredible- I won the treble and we did amazing"
Siya Kolisi, who captained South Africa to a Rugby World Cup triumph, and three-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen were second and third, respectively, for the award.
This latest snub follows Djokovic speaking out after his coach, Goran Ivanisevic, was not given the ATP Coach of the Year award despite the 24-time Grand Slam champion's amazing season.
The Serbian questioned what else they had to achieve for Ivanisevic to win the accolade. Djokovic winning the calendar Grand Slam may be the only way, although a former ATP world no. 2 recently stated that would be surprising.
However, after everything he has achieved, it would be foolish to ever rule out Djokovic achieving something.
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