
via Imago
Image Credits – Imago

via Imago
Image Credits – Imago
Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic, and Roger Federer have shared the big stage for many years. The three have gatekept the grand slams between each other during that period. However, one accomplishment was only shared by Federer and Nadal. The pair won the ATP Sportsmanship of the Year award consecutively for 18 years. Coming across a post highlighting this on X, Djokovic fans couldn’t contain their anger.
Many have wondered why Djokovic has never won the award. Since players on tour vote for the award, the answer mostly lies with them. But his outbursts have likely contributed to his elusion of the award.
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Novak Djokovic fans salty over snub by Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal
Roger Federer has won the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award 13 times, and Nadal has attained the trophy five times. Both players shared the awards from 2004 to 2021 until Casper Ruud won it in 2022. Djokovic has never won the award after being nominated for it once in 2011. His fans were fuming as the reality of the matter was revealed and let the world know their thoughts.
The ATP has around 500 active players including doubles players each year.
From all of these many players for 18 (EIGHTEEN) consecutive years the ATP sportsmanship of the year award was won by ONLY 2 players;
Roger Federer
Rafael NadalTells you all you need to know.
— Pavvy G (@pavyg) October 8, 2023
One fan said that Fedal fans can have such stats if that helps them overcome the grief of Djokovic being the highest grand slam winner. They further said that since neither Federer nor Nadal congratulated Djokovic on his US Open win, that should factor into sportsmanship awards.
— Ahmed Jadery (@Ahmed_Djokovic1) October 9, 2023
A user was incredulous with the stat and wondered if Federer and Nadal sponsored it since they kept winning it.
What are they thinking? Are they sponsored by Federer and Nadal? 😂
— Catherine Taylor (@Catheri09492319) October 8, 2023
Reading about the reality asserted that corruption runs deep in the ATP structure for one fan.
Corruption runs deep in the ATP structure, that's for sure. ☹️
— Spaghetti_UTD (@Spaghetti700) October 8, 2023
One Djoker fan said that Nadal winning it is a joke and they don’t see any qualities of sportsmanship in him ever.
It's a joke. Nadal should have never won it. I don't see any good sportsmanship from him.
— Tinman (@Tinman76666154) October 8, 2023
One user was straightforward with their thoughts on the situation and said that will only use two letters to express their discontent.
I give only two letters to this, B&S👎
— JackKW🇨🇦 (@JYLK2020) October 8, 2023
Another fan stated that Federer’s attitude was not deserving of the award. While they saw him as a great player, they also believed that he was a phoney.
Federer couldn't even spell sportsmanship, great player but a total phony
— JasonR (@jrlovepanda) October 8, 2023
One fan of the Djoker recalled his child’s words after watching the Serbinator losing the Wimbledon finals. Although he cried, his speech after his loss made the user’s son believe that he was a good loser.
My 9yo is a big Nole-fan.
When Nole lost the Wimbledon final against Alcaraz he cried hard.Then he heard Noles speech after the match.
He was stunned, he couldn't believe. He said it's unbelievable what a good loser Djokovic is.— Jona Gold (@gold_jona) October 8, 2023
Another person specifically called out Nadal for his antics in the court, especially after a move to disrupt Lorenzo Sonego.
And nadal was nominated last year after multiple atrocities on court like calling sonego to the net to stop his momentum
— Joshua Harrison (@Whatupyodog) October 9, 2023
Djokovic fans have stated their opinion on the matter. But many continue wondering why he has never won the award.
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Likely reasons Djokovic has never won a sportsmanship award
Novak Djokovic is a rather controversial figure in tennis. He is lauded for his achievements, regardless of his personal or scientific beliefs. Djokovic has smashed his racket many times at big events, the most recent one being in the Wimbledon final. He also has outbursts and argues with the umpires often. Since the award is also based on players’ votes, Djokovic, who is prone to taking too long between points, might irk them in the wrong way.
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Although one can contemplate endlessly, the Djoker also looks out for players at all levels. Most recently, he helped an Argentine player who faced immense difficulty after refusing to join a betting and match-fixing network. The Serbinator’s image is different in everyone’s mind.
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