WATCH: “Rafa looks like he is at a funeral”- Rafael Nadal’s disappointed expression irks fans as Novak Djokovic hails the Spaniard for changing the history of tennis in his Laureus Sportsman of the Year Award speech
The two legends went back home with a an award each.
Novak Djokovic mentions Rafael Nadal in his speech at Laureus World Sports Awards (Images via Imago, Screengrab/Instagram)
Serbian tennis ace Novak Djokovic was honored with the Sportsman of the Year award at the 2024 Laureus World Sports Awards.
The 36-year-old then gave a heartfelt speech in which he also mentioned Spanish tennis legend Rafael Nadal. However, the 37-year-old did not look too enthusiastic, which disappointed the fans.
As Nadal’s reaction to Djokovic’s speech was shown in a video released on the award’s social media page, the comment section was filled with reactions criticizing Rafael Nadal. Fans were left searching for the reason for the deserted look on Nadal’s face.
While some Djokovic fans claimed that the Spaniard was jealous, a user sarcastically claimed that it seemed like Nadal was at a funeral. All of these reactions came when Djokovic mentioned that he should not take a lot of time as other stalwarts of the game are here. The first name he took was Nadal.
While the cameras did not pan to the 22-time Grand Slam champion immediately, it showed Nadal’s face after a few seconds. At that moment, Nadal seemed to be focusing on Djokovic’s speech, and it turned out to be a blank face.
Sharing a wide spectrum of reactions online, here’s what fans have to say:
Comments criticizing Rafael Nadal (Image via screengrab)
Comments criticizing Rafael Nadal (Image via Screengrab)
Wins for Novak Djokovic as well as Rafael Nadal
While Rafael Nadal’s reaction to Novak Djokovic‘s speech caught significant attention, the two stalwarts of the game went back home with an award each. Djokovic won the Sportsman of the Year Award for his stupendous performance in the 2023 season, and Nadal’s Academy won the Sport for Good award.
Rafael Nadal with wife Maria Francisca Perello at the Laureus World Sports Awards (Image via ATP Tour)
The Rafael Nadal Foundation received the Laureus Sport for Good Award during the glittering ceremony. It was recognized for helping more than 1,000 vulnerable young people in Spain and India, empowering them to realize their potential, and believing in the transformative power of sport.
Nadal himself has won the Laureus World Sports Sportsman of the Year award twice (in 2011 and 2021) in his career. Meanwhile, he has won Breakthrough of the Year (2006) and Comeback of the Year (2014) once each.
