Rafael Nadal outshines Federer for “Best Male Tennis Player” at ESPY Awards – Tennis News
Rafael Nadal was awarded the “Best Male Tennis Player” trophy at the Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards (ESPY Awards) on Wednesday, July 13th 2011. Outrivaling his all time challenger the Swiss (Roger Federer) and the current sweet heart Novak Djokovic (world number one). Nadal was also nominated for the “Best Male Athlete award” but lost to the German Dirk Nowitzki (forward player of Dallas Mavericks), becoming the first tennis player to be nominated as the Best Male Athlete.
Another famous name that was present at the ceremony was Serena Williams; Serena walked on the stage wearing a bright pink blazer-style bodice that shouted a “Red carpet look” a far cry from a professional tennis player! Nonetheless, Willams is known for her unorthodox, bold and offensive style. One can’t help thinking of getting a pair of sunglasses. Although, her choice of colours are punishing to the eyes her game is just as punishing to her emulators. Standing at six feet tall, the thirteen time grand slam winner claimed her trophy as the “Best female Tennis Player”
Started in 1993; the ESPY award is an accolade presented by ESPN (an American cable television) which acknowledges athletic, individual and team performance for t he previous seventeen months. It is hosted by a contemporary celebrity with a relaxed and entertaining atmosphere. Till 2004 the winners were chosen only by a fan voting system but since 2005 sports experts, analysts, sports virtuoso, and online fan balloting determines the candidates which are then selected by the ESPY Nominating Committee.
Previously; Nadal had always been nominated but never managed to outshine the Fed-Express both on and off the court. In six years this was the first time the Spaniard claimed the ESPY trophy in contrast to Roger Federer who has won this award chronologically since 2005. Rafael Nadal has not only transcended Federer on the court but also off the courts and has added a list of trophies to his collection; Other than winning a number of titles and final appearances, Nadal has bagged a number of awards and won in many polls during the season. In 2010, Nadal, won the Laureus World Sportsman of the year award and in 2011 has been nominated for Laureus World Sportsman of the year award. He also won the BBC Overseas Sports Personality of the Year award in 2010.
This year, the Swiss maestro has been put to shame when it comes to Grand Slam wins. Rafael Nadal; the former world number one, has won ten grand slams singles titles including six French open titles, Olympic gold medal ( men’s singles event) in 2008, the second male player to complete the Career Golden Slam. Has had a thirty two match winning streak in 2008 and in 2010 June 7th he regained the world number one. He is widely regarded as the King of Clay and a number of tennis connoisseurs consider Nadal to be the “the king of clay” for all time.
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