Guga Named One Of GQ Brasil’s Men Of The Year

Gustavo Kuerten accomplished a lot on the ATP World Tour, from lifting 20 tour-level titles and ascending to No. 1 in the ATP Rankings to collecting nearly $15 million in prize money and endearing himself to countless fans around the world. But now, the 42-year-old can call himself one of GQ Brasil’s Men of The Year for the second time.

In 2015, the three-time Roland Garros winner was named Man of the Year in the social responsibility category. But this year, Kuerten was honoured in the GQ Icon category.

It’s important to note that Kuerten has long been respected for his efforts on the court — after his 2001 victory in Paris, Brazil issued a postage stamp of him with the Eiffel Tower in the background. But Kuerten has taken even more pride in his character. In 2000, the star founded the Gustavo Kuerten Institute to support children and the disabled.

“I am convinced that I was privileged, had conditions that few have without having to do much more than dedicate myself to my mission,” Kuerten told GQ Brasil. “It gives me the certainty that the least I can do is to serve these 700 children at the Institute better and better.”

While Kuerten knows he will be remembered for his triumphs on the court, he is focused on creating even more of a legacy off of it.

“The relation of the Brazilian is with the result, not with the sport. This is cruel, dehumanises the athlete. If he wins, he is deified, if he loses, he is execrated,” Kuerten said. “The athlete needs to return to a more normal cycle of existence. Otherwise, life moves you to a fictitious, superficial and finite path.”