Rafael Nadal named ATP fans' favourite for 2022

December 14, 2022

ATP Tennis Players, Rafa Nadal, Roger Federer, Tennis News

Rafael Nadal ends Roger Federer’s streak as he is named ATP fans’ favourite for 2022

Rafael Nadal has become the first new player to win the year-end ATP fans’ favourite since 2002, capping off another historic year for the Spaniard.

By ending Federer’s 19-year long streak Nadal becomes the fourth recipient of this award, alongside Gustavo Kuerten and Marat Safin.

Nadal made a brilliant return to the ATP Tour, from a chronic foot injury, by winning his first 20 matches in 2022. That run included lifting a record 21st and 22nd Grand Slam titles, at the Australian Open and Roland Garros, respectively.

As well as those two Grand Slam victories, Nadal also won ATP titles in Melbourne and Acapulco this season to increase his tally to 92.

“I am super happy to receive the fans’ favourite award [in] 2022. It makes me feel great. I can’t thank you enough everyone for the support not only for this award, but at the same time for all the support that I receive in every single city and event around the world,” said Rafael Nadal expressing his gratitude to fans. “That means everything to me, so I am very [much] looking forward to 2023 to share a lot of positive things again. See you soon!”

The fans love Rafa, and Rafa loves the fans ❤️@RafaelNadal | #ATPAwards pic.twitter.com/9ifu4Hwm4q

— ATP Tour (@atptour) December 13, 2022

The 36-year-old now has a fan-voted ATP Award to go with his full set in the player-voted categories: Newcomer, Most Improved, Comeback and Sportsmanship.

Nadal being crowned ATP singles fans’ favourite comes after Nick Kyrgios and Thanasi Kokkinakis were announced as ATP doubles fans’ favourites, for the first time.

The popular Aussies arrived at the start of 2022 with a bang, winning their first title together at their home Grand Slam in Melbourne.

On top of their Australian Open title, they also made a run to the Miami Open semi-finals and had another title win in Atlanta. These results earned them a place at the ATP Finals in Turin, where they competed alongside the seven other best doubles teams in 2022.

“Just wanted to say a massive thank you for voting us, me and Nick, as your fans’ favourite ATP doubles team of the year,” said Kokkinakis in a social media video. “It’s been a hell of a year, winning our first Grand Slam on home soil in Australia. Crazy atmosphere down there, the support we’ve gotten all year has been amazing. Thanks again and hopefully we can keep it rolling. We’ll see you all in January. Thank you!”