The Spanish tennis king, 36, enjoyed a simply stunning 2022.
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He won the Australian Open and French Open to move on to 22 Grand Slam singles titles, the men’s record now joined by Novak Djokovic.
Nadal also went on a 20-match unbeaten streak to kick-start his campaign, despite only just coming back from injury, and was forced to withdraw before his Wimbledon semi-final showdown with Nick Kyrgios due to an abdominal tear.
It was a truly remarkable season for the veteran tennis legend, who also became a father for the first time.
And yet he does not think he deserves to win the prestigious gong.
Instead, the football-loving muscle machine believes it should go to Lionel Messi.
The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner led his Argentina side to a memorable World Cup triumph in Qatar, with the instrumental captain crowned player of the tournament.
Nadal took to Instagram and said: “An honour to be nominated again to the Laureus Sportsman of the Year… but… this year…
“Come on @leomessi you deserve it.”
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Fans on social media loved the classy gesture from the former world No1 and two-time Wimbledon winner.
One said: “The GOAT Nadal recognises the GOAT Messi, if that’s not beautiful…”
Another wrote: “Nadal such a sweetheart let’s goooo Messi for the win.”
And a third added: “This is why Nadal is the best tennis player of all time.”
Nadal – who wants compatriot, former world No1 and US Open champion Carlos Alcaraz to win the breakthrough award – is up against Kylian Mbappe, Max Verstappen, Mondo Duplantis, Steph Curry and Messi for the men’s award.
On the women’s side, the nominees are Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce (Athletics), Katie Ledecky (Swimming), Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone (Athletics), Alexia Putellas (Football), Mikaela Shiffrin (Alpine Skiing) and Iga Swiatek (Tennis).
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