Jannik Sinner ends Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal streak with ATP award win; Andrey Rublev also honoured
Jannik Sinner has become the first player other than Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal to win the ATP Fans’ Favourite singles player of the year award for 21 years.
Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov have been named the ATP Fans’ Favourite doubles team of 2023, while Felix Auger-Aliassime was honoured with The Arthur Ashe Humanitarian award.
Sinner is just the fifth player to win the annual ATP Fans’ Favourite player of the year award, which is decided by an online vote by fans, who can choose between the top 25 players of the season.
Three-time Roland Garros champion Gustavo Kuerten won the inaugural edition in 2000, before two-time Grand Slam winner Marat Safin claimed it in both 2001 and 2002.
Tennis icon Federer was then named as the ATP Fans’ Favourite player for an incredible 19 straight years between 2003 and 2021, before his great rival Nadal won it in 2022.
It has been an unforgettable year for @janniksin, who is taking home the Fans’ Favourite Award! 👏 #ATPAwards
Read more 👇
— ATP Tour (@atptour) December 12, 2023
Sinner had the best season of his career to date in 2023 as he claimed four ATP titles, posted a 64-15 (81%) record and finished at a career-high ranking of world No 4.
The Italian has also been nominated for two player-voted ATP Awards this season: Most Improved Player of the Year and the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award. The 22-year-old’s coaches – Darren Cahill and Simone Vagnozzi – are in the running for the Coach of the Year award.
Russian duo Rublev and Khachanov became the sixth pairing to be voted as the ATP Fans’ Favourite doubles team of the year since the award was introduced in 2005 – with the top 15 doubles teams eligible.
Auger-Aliassime, meanwhile, has been recognised for his charitable work in the African nation Togo – having raised around $400,000.
The award is dedicated to former tennis great and activist Arthur Ashe, who died at the age of just 49 in 1993. Auger-Aliassime paid tribute to Ashe and expressed his gratitude for the recognition he has received.
“When I was told I would receive the 2023 Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award, I was pleasantly surprised. It was great news. But you don’t ever help others to win awards. I know Arthur didn’t,” the 23-year-old Canadian told the ATP.
Felix Auger-Aliassime: 2023 Arthur Ashe Humanitarian Award recipient 👏
Since 2020, FAA raised about $400,000 ($20 for every point won) for the youth of Togo, his dad’s country of origin
Here’s a behind-the-scenes video of his trip to Togo last December: pic.twitter.com/yeilv4PJXQ
— Bastien Fachan (@BastienFachan) December 12, 2023
“I first heard about his legacy when I was 16 years old and I have since learned a lot more about the impact he made. I respect immensely what he did. When he was a professional tennis player, there were a lot more important things going on in the United States, including the fight for equal rights.
“I think he had a huge role to play like many other known athletes, artists, actors and politicians. He served in a big way and helped many people.
“I am glad to be recognised for not just what I do as a tennis player, but as a person. My dad, Sam, grew up in Togo, a third-world country, where he did not have many opportunities in education or access to sports.
“When he moved to Canada, it was always important for him to give back to his family and others he knew back in Togo. He always would tell our family stories about his time there and the lack of resources families struggle with. Of course when you’re a kid you don’t really understand, but growing up, it clicks.
“The way my dad raised me was to always be aware of the opportunity that I had and make the most of it. If I see people who do not have opportunity, I need to do my best to give them hope and a dream they could hold on to.”
