The Spanish Rafael Nadal and Garbiñe Muguruza have been designated as the best tennis players of 2017 by the International Federation of Tennis (ITF).
It is the third recognition for Nadal and the first for Muguruza; and the first time in nineteen years that the best, female and male, represent the same country. The last time it happened was when Americans Pete Sampras and Lindsay Davenport did it in 1998.
The other recognitions have been for the Polish Lukasz Kubot and the Brazilian Marcelo Melo in men’s doubles; for Swiss Martina, Hingis and Taiwanese Yun-Jan Chan in women’s doubles.
Argentine Axel Geller and American Whitney Osuigwe have been named the best junior players. The American David Wagner, the Argentine Gustavo Fernandez and the Japanese Yui Kamiji were the best in the wheelchair category.
The laureates will receive their recognition at the 2018 ITF Champions Dinner on Tuesday, June 5, in Paris, during the Roland Garros celebration. Eight of the eleven players will receive the award for the first time, with three awardees from South America for the first time in the same season.
“I am very happy to receive this award from the ITF. It’s four years since my last time as number 1 at the end of the year in the ATP rankings and this adds an extra thrill to it. Congratulations also to Garbiñe with his achievement, which is very important for our country, “said Nadal in statements sent by the international federation.
Garbiñe Muguruza is the second Spanish to achieve the WTA world number 1 after Arantxa Sánchez Vicario.
“Being the best in such a competitive year is extraordinary and it is even more special because Rafa also achieved it on the male side. He is the great role model for all of us, which is why it is a great time for him. tennis Spanish. I knew that working hard could pay off, which made winning Wimbledon and reaching world number one so special, “said the Spanish-Venezuelan. EFE