Nadal & Federer Share Tennis Writers’ Award

Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer have been honoured by the International Tennis Writers’ Association’s as Ambassadors of the Year.

The awards are usually given to one man and one woman, but the ITWA’s 120 members voted overwhelmingly in favour of making the men’s award a joint presentation to Federer and Nadal in Melbourne. The winner of the women’s award will be announced next week.

The ITWA represents the world’s leading tennis journalists. Its awards recognise a combination of achievements on the court, conduct that shows tennis in the best possible light and co-operation with the media.

Both Nadalvand Federer have won Ambassador of the Year honours in the past as individuals, but this is the first time they have been given the award jointly.

The Spaniard and the Swiss each enjoyed a plethora of success in 2017, sharing the year’s four Grand Slam titles and ending the season as the No. 1 (Nadal) and No. 2 (Federer) players in the ATP Rankings.

Paul Newman, the ITWA’s co-President, said: “Besides their achievements in terms of trophies, both Roger and Rafa were once again great ambassadors for their sport in the way that they conducted themselves on and off the court.

“They both understand that a good relationship with the media helps everyone and we are always grateful for the time they give to their media commitments.”

The players were presented with their awards before play begins at the season’s first Grand Slam on Monday.