Individual awards continue to pile up for Novak Djokovic, as he was recently recognized by the Spanish publication MARCA for his outstanding season in 2023.
Djokovic was crowned the 2023 Best International Sportsman in a 10-man shortlist. He garnered 35% of the votes and beat the likes of Formula One world champion Max Verstappen (2nd) and countryman Nikola Jokic (3rd), who stars for the Denver Nuggets in the NBA.
The Serbian superstar had a stellar year, and despite being snubbed in some high-esteem categories during the Awards Week by the ATP, he has since been recognized by sporting bodies and organizations outside of tennis.
Djokovic tied longtime rival Roger Federer for the fifth time for the European Sportsperson of the Year award and was also honored by French sports outlet L'Equipe. A few months ago, the World No. 1 was also named the most marketable tennis player.
The MARCA award is voted for by the readers of the news outlet, and Djokovic reserved special thanks to them for playing a key part in him securing the trophy.
"Thank you very much. I would like to thank the readers of MARCA who came to vote for me to win this trophy. I appreciate it very much. Muchos saludos."
Djokovic won the most titles in 2023 with seven, including three Grand Slams. He was also crowned the year-end No. 1 for an eighth time, a record on the ATP Tour. Despite being denied millions in bonus payments by the ATP, Djokovic still topped the podium as tennis's highest prize money earner.
MARCA also reserved another award - Best Spanish Sportsman - which Carlos Alcaraz won. The 20-year-old's win at Wimbledon was the hallmark of another great year. Alcaraz was the only man to beat Djokovic in a Grand Slam in 2023 and finished as World No. 2.
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