London: Roger Federer has been voted ‘BBC overseas ‘Sports Personality of the Year’ for a record fourth time after an astonishing season during which he picked up two more Grand Slam titles taking his overall tally to 19.
The Swiss, 36, returned from six months out with knee trouble early in the air to win the Australian Open before picking up a record eighth Wimbledon crown and ended the season with a 52-5 record. He finished second in overall world rankings, behind arch rival and good friend Rafa Nadal who also won the two remaining Grand Slams.
Federer previously won the award, which is voted for by the public, in 2004, 2006 and 2007. Muhammad Ali and Usain Bolt have each won it three times.
“It makes me incredibly proud that the UK public have chosen me as the BBC overseas ‘Sports Personality of the Year’ for 2017,” said Federer. “The support that the UK crowds give me whenever I’m here is amazing and to be recognised on the shortlist alongside some of the greatest sports people of all time is extremely humbling,” he added.
The Swiss overcame competition from American football quarterback Tom Brady, swimmer Katie Ledecky, para-athlete Tatyana McFadden, athlete Sally Pearson, and darts player Michael van Gerwen.
Federer and the other award winners will be honoured at a programmed, Sunday in Liverpool.
Roger, Rafa may play in Maha Open
Pune: In what could be a major coup for Indian tennis fans, both Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal could be seen in action at the ATP Maharashtra Open which was earlier known as Chennai Open. With Pune having direct flight connectivity with various European cities, the organisers are hopeful of getting two of the most coveted names of the tennis circuit on their cards for the 2019 season. “We have already started discussions with the respective players and their spokesperson,” tournament director Prashant Sutar has been quoted as saying by a national news website. “We are hopeful of getting the two as both do not have any commitments at the beginning of the 2019,” he added. The only apprehension, however, is whether who will be 37-plus when the next edition of the tournament takes place will continue playing or not.
Agencies
