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Rafael Nadal Misses ATP Finals, Wins Sportsmanship Award

By Harry Floyd

PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 10: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates during the mens singles final against Dominic Thiem of Austria during day fifteen of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on June 10, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
PARIS, FRANCE - JUNE 10: Rafael Nadal of Spain celebrates during the mens singles final against Dominic Thiem of Austria during day fifteen of the 2018 French Open at Roland Garros on June 10, 2018 in Paris, France. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images) /
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Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award goes to Spanish superstar Rafael Nadal who will miss the 2018 ATP Finals but has had a strong year on and off the tennis courts.

Rafael Nadal earns the sportsmanship award for the second time in his career. Having been the 2010 Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award winner, Nadal is honored for the second time. The former world number one has had plenty of time on the ATP World Tour to demonstrate his sportsmanship in 2018. Taking the world number one ranking in men’s singles for much of the year, Nadal took home five ATP singles titles to go along with a 45-4 match record.

The impressive string of tennis in 2018 went right along with Nadal being an incredible sportsman on the tennis courts. He is always a great competitor and has been a fantastic role model for the many fans following him all around the world.

Nadal deserves the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award and much more. His fellow ATP players voted to give the Spanish legend this year’s award. It recognizes his performance both on and off the court. He has displayed professionalism and integrity in everything he has done and the players around him have acknowledged it. Among his constant efforts off the court through the Rafael Nadal Academy and other endeavors, Rafa supported flood relief efforts in Mallorca.

Rafael Nadal earns the 2018 Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award. It is the second time he has been awarded the honor. Fellow ATP players vote on the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award. While Rafa is missing the ATP Finals in London due to injury, he has displayed brilliance both on and off the courts throughout his entire 2018 tour.

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Congratulations to Rafael Nadal on his sportsmanship award. Spending 36 weeks atop the men’s singles rankings in 2018 is pressure enough to make anyone fully consumed with tennis. Nadal, however, has been able to dedicate time to being the best role model he can possible be on the courts and when he is giving back to his communities when the matches are over. Fans and players alike eagerly await his return to the 2019 ATP World Tour.

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