Rafael Nadal and Dominic Thiem are nominees in the 2021 Laureus World Sports Awards, the organisation announced Wednesday.
Nadal is one of six nominees for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award, joining Joshua Cheptegei, Armand Duplantis, Lewis Hamilton, LeBron James and Roberto Lewandowski. The Spanish superstar won the prestigious award in 2011. He has been nominated on four other occasions (2009, 2014, 2018, 2020).
“Thank you to everyone in the media for giving me this nomination. It was great to win my 13th @rolandgarros and my 20th Grand Slam in 2020,” Nadal tweeted. “May the best one win, but thanks anyhow for this nomination. Always an honour.”
Thank you to everyone in the Media for giving me this Nomination. It was great to win my 13th @rolandgarros and my 20th Grand Slam last in 2020. May the best one win but thanks anyhow for this nomination. Always an honor 🙌🏻#laureus21 https://t.co/AB4xp7nUhD
— Rafa Nadal (@RafaelNadal) February 24, 2021
In 2020, Nadal claimed a record-extending 13th Roland Garros title. The victory put him in a tie with Roger Federer for the most Grand Slam singles championships in history with 20.
Thiem, who reached a career-high No. 3 in the FedEx ATP Rankings in 2020, was nominated for the Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award alongside Ansu Fati, Patrick Mahomes, Joan Mir, Tadej Pogacar and Iga Swiatek. The Austrian won his first Grand Slam title at last year’s US Open.
“Thank you @Laureussport for the nomination!” Thiem tweeted. “It was a dream come true to win my first Grand Slam title last year! Now seeing my name on the nominee’s list together with so many great athletes is a true honour!”
Thank you @Laureussport for the nomination! It was a dream come true to win my first Grand Slam title last year! Now seeing my name on the nominee’s list together with so many great athletes is a true honor!#Laureus21 https://t.co/g0zLeeEB1s
— Dominic Thiem (@ThiemDomi) February 24, 2021