Novak Djokovic Ends 2021 On Yet Another High With Prestigious European Award
Follow Us
The accolades do not stop coming for Novak Djokovic in 2021. The World No. 1 finished the year with three Grand Slam titles. Moreover, he was also the World No. 1 for the seventh time this year, which was a new record.
Furthermore, his country Serbia also honored Djokovic with his own domestic and international postal stamps. In fact, no athlete in the country has ever had that honor.
Now, he ends the year on yet another high, as he is the European Sportsman of the Year.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Novak Djokovic achieved great heights in 2021
The PAP European Sportsperson of the Year award is annually presented by the Polish Press Agency. 27 international news agencies consider all European female and male athletes for their achievements over the year.
This year, Novak Djokovic secured the most number of points in the voting at 172 points. The Serbian edged out Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski and 2021 F1 Champion Max Verstappen. Lewandowski and Verstappen scored 133 and 125 points respectively. In fact, Robert Lewandowski was the defending champion of the award.
Trending
Carlos Alcaraz Injury: Mutua Madrid Open Plans Delayed Further as the Spaniard’s Title Defense Gets Trickier
April 20, 2024 09:00 PM EDT
‘RIP’ – Heartbroken Brother of John McEnroe Mourns ESPN Legend’s Tragic Death Who Last Tweeted About Coco Gauff
April 21, 2024 02:43 PM EDT
Laureus Awards 2024: How and Where Can Fans Watch the Likes of Novak Djokovic, Coco Gauff, and Others Gracing the Event
April 22, 2024 05:54 AM EDT
After Alexander Zverev’s Outburst, Tennis Fans Bash ‘Unplayable’ Munich Conditions as Felix Auger-Aliassime Turns Second Victim
April 20, 2024 11:01 AM EDT
Stefanos Tsitsipas’ Girlfriend Paula Badosa Provides Saddening Health Update After Being Forced To Retire Against Aryna Sabalenka
April 19, 2024 03:58 AM EDT
Get instantly notified of the hottest Tennis stories via Google! Click on Follow Us and Tap the Blue Star.
Follow Us
Moreover, this is the fourth time the 20-time Grand Slam champion has won this award. Previously, he won the award in 2011, 2015, and 2018.
Djokovic won three Grand Slams this year, in Australia, France, and London. Despite being so close to the famed Calendar Grand Slam, he fell short at the very last stretch. The Serbian lost the US Open Final to Russian Daniil Medvedev in straight sets.
Djokovic “European Sportsman of the Year” for the fourth time (APA) https://t.co/l14sjyXMde
— C Kristjánsdóttir ●🐊 (@CristinaNcl) December 26, 2021
Furthermore, before the US Open, he also lost his chance to achieve the Golden Slam, exiting the Tokyo Olympics 2020 this year in the semifinals.
‘There Will Be New Heroes’: Daniil Medvedev Talks About The Departure of Roger Federer, Novak Djokovic and Rafael Nadal
Novak delaying the change of the guard?
While young tennis stars like Daniil Medvedev and Alexander Zverev are knocking on the door, Djokovic continues to win most major tournaments.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Zverev: “Me, Djokovic and Medvedev have dominated in the last six months and I think it’s going to be the same next year as well.” (Via Sky Sport)
— Luigi Gatto (@gigicat7_) December 21, 2021
World No. 3 Alexander Zverev has stated that he believes Djokovic, Medvedev, and himself will form the next big trio in tennis. In fact, he has snubbed many other young stars like Stefanos Tsitsipas and Andrey Rublev in his predictions.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Thus, it is a testament to Novak Djokovic’s longevity and talent that he is still considered the player to beat, even when a whole new generation of talented players have entered the sport.
Tennis Doubles Legend Issues Warning to Alexander Zverev Rivals Ahead of Australian Open 2022