Rafael Nadal was declared ITF world champion for the fifth time in his career, while Iga Swiateknumber one in the women’s rankings, won the women’s award after a superb 2022 season, as reported by the International Tennis Federation (ITF) on Thursday.
World number two Nadal came from two sets down to beat Daniil Medvedev in the Australian Open final in January for his 21st Grand Slam trophy, before sealing his record 14th French Open title in June and his 22nd major.
The man from Manacor joins Roger Federer, recently retired, as five-time ITF world champion, behind Pete Sampras (6) and Novak Djokovic (7), winner in 2021.
“I am very happy to be named ITF world champion for the fifth time,” Nadal, 36, who also bagged the award in 2008, 2010, 2017 and 2019, said in a statement.
“When I first won the award…I never thought I’d still be playing at such a high level 14 years later. It’s special to win the Australian Open for the second time and of course to win Roland Garros.”
“I appreciate the support of my team and my fans around the world, and I’m already looking forward to the 2023 season.”
Swiatek went on a 37-match winning streak, winning the French and US Opens, as well as titles in Doha, Indian Wells, Miami, Stuttgart, Rome and San Diego. He won 67 matches in total and tops the list of finals reached and trophies won.
The 21-year-old, who was named WTA Player of the Year, said the big prizes in a “big year” showed how far she has come.
“I appreciate it and I want to thank the ITF,” said Swiatek, who is the first Polish singles player to win an ITF award.
“This would not be possible without my team, my family and my fans in Poland and around the world. Please consider this our joint tribute for the incredible adventure on the track in 2022.”
In the men’s doubles category, American Rajeev Ram and Britain’s Joe Salisbury won the award for the first time, while Czech duo Barbora Krejcikova and Katerina Siniakova took the women’s doubles honor for the third time.
Source: La Verdad
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