Nadal closes up on Djokovic with 5th ITF World Champion award
ATP
Following an outstanding 2022 season, Rafael Nadal has been awarded the men's ITF World Champion for the fifth time.
The Spaniard won both the Australian Open and the Roland Garros in 2022, bringing his total of Grand Slam titles won to 2022. That is more than any other man has won in their tennis career.
Despite not finishing the 2022 season as the ATP World No. 1 player, Alcaraz was recognized with the ITF World Champion award, mostly thanks to his triumphs in Melbourne and Paris.
It was Nadal's fifth ITF World Champion honor, after he has previously won it in 2008, 2010, 2017, and 2019. Winning this award five times, Nadal is now behind only two other ATP players. Pete Sampras won it six times, and Novak Djokovic was named the ITF World Champion an incredible seven times.
The Serbian won it every single time from 2011 until 2015. Nadal, on the other hand, has now tied Roger Federer, who has won it five times as well. The Spaniard was naturally delighted to be recognized by this award.
"I’m very happy to be named ITF World Champion for the fifth time. When I first won the award in 2008, I would not have expected to still be playing at such a high level 14 years later."
When thanking for the recognition, Nadal remembered his wins at the Australian Open and the French Open, which were memorable for him, as he first became the first player to win a 21st major, and then also 22nd.
"It was really special to win the Australian Open for a second time, and of course to win Roland Garros. I am really grateful for the support of my team and my fans around the world and, I am already looking forward to the 2023 season."
