by ATP Staff | 02.12.2010

ATP World Tour No. 1 Rafael Nadal joins a host of world class sportsmen challenging for the prestigious 2011 Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award.

The 24-year-old Nadal, who won the Laureus World Newcomer of the Year Award in 2006, faces stiff competition from the likes of Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, Formula 1 World Champion Sebastian Vettel and footballers Lionel Messi, Diego Forlan and Andres Iniesta among others.

"This promises to be a fascinating year," said Boris Becker, a Laureus World Sports Academy Member. "I can’t wait to see who the Media Selection Panel will vote for, but I would be amazed if Rafael Nadal and Sebastian Vettel were not at the top the list.

"It was another big year for tennis. The prime example is Rafael Nadal. He has had his best year ever winning three Grand Slams. That’s an achievement in my sport that is very rare, so obviously he is a front-runner in my opinion for Sportsman of the Year, but obviously the voting has not been done yet. Who knows what the future will hold for him? He is certainly the No. 1 player for this year, he has won now overall nine Grand Slams."

The names of the six Nominees for the Laureus World Sportsman of the Year Award will be announced in early January. They are voted upon by the Laureus Media Selection Panel. The winner, chosen by the Laureus World Sports Academy, will then be unveiled during a televised Awards Ceremony in Abu Dhabi on Monday, 7 February.

Nadal’s banner season has made him a strong contender to receive the award, which was won by Roger Federer between 2004-2007. The Spaniard won three seven tour-level titles, including three successive Grand Slam championships at Roland Garros, Wimbledon and the US Open. His victory at Flushing Meadows saw him become the seventh man to win the career Grand Slam. He finished the season as runner-up at the Barclays ATP World Tour Finals.

I am personally excited for this one.. fingers crossed that he wins it! Great for Rafa, Great for tennis!!