World number two Rafael Nadal, who won the Barcelona Open recently, was conferred with the Laureus Sportsman of the year award for winning his 13th French Open crown and his 20th grand slam title in 2020. 

With victory at the French Open, Rafael Nadal equaled Roger Federer’s tally of winning 20 major singles titles on tour. The Spaniard continues his winning momentum this year as well and remains to be the main contender for the French Open. 

Also read: “Greatest Men in the History of Sport”: Rafael Nadal Showers Praise on Roger Federer

“It means a lot to equal my great rival”- Rafael Nadal on his 20th major title

Nadal expressed his happiness for winning the award, where he talked about how much the 20th grand slam meant to him. The Spaniard also mentioned his friend and rival, Roger Federer. 

“For me personally, of course achieving the 13th Roland Garros title and equaled the 20th Grand Slam of Roger Federer has been an unforgettable moment for me. So it means a lot to me to equal my great rival, but at the same time, my great friend.

The Spaniard also mentioned the ‘Laureus Sport for Good’ foundation in his speech and appreciated them for the good work they have been doing. 

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Having started in 2009 with a mission to end violence and discrimination through sport, the ‘Laureus sport for good’ foundation has raised nearly 150 million to the sporting sector and reached more than 6 million children in over 40 countries. 

“I want to say thanks to the Laureus Sport For Good, because recently we are working together to transform lives through sport and education to create opportunities for these children”, Rafael Nadal concluded.

Through the Rafa Nadal Academy, the Spaniard is producing fine talent who are slowly making their presence felt on the ATP tour with each passing year. 

Players like Casper Ruud, Carlos Alcaraz, and recently Felix Auger-Aliassime have trained at Nadal’s academy as they strive to make giant strides on the men’s singles circuit. 

Also read: THROWBACK: When Roger Federer Revealed a ‘BFF’ Moment With Rafael Nadal