Nadal, Osaka, Billie Jean King win Laureus awards

By Cale HammondPublished May 07, 2021

Court Report - May 7, 2021

What a week for the tennis world at the virtual 2021 Laureus World Sports Awards. Naomi Osaka captured the 2021 Sportswoman of the Year award while Rafael Nadal took home the honor on the men’s side.

"There’s no more compliments you can receive as far as how incredible an athlete and tennis player you are, but more importantly how amazing of a human being you are,” said fellow Spaniard Pau Gasol.

🏆 @RafaelNadal, Laureus 2021 World Sportsman of the Year! Congrats, Rafa! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 https://t.co/cFYpsGX0kw pic.twitter.com/laHPPqFR5B
— Pau Gasol (@paugasol) May 6, 2021

Former Sportsman of the Year winner Usain Bolt shared his congrats to Osaka.

💬"You are such a great role model for all the athletes and you show the woman athletes around the world what hard work and dedication can do"

🙌 Eight time @Olympics gold medalist @usainbolt congratulates Laureus 2021 World Sportswoman of the Year, @naomiosaka pic.twitter.com/56pSbubggI
— Laureus (@LaureusSport) May 6, 2021

“You are such a great role model for all the athletes and you show the woman athletes around the world what hard work and dedication can do," Bolt said.

She founded the @WTA in 1973 on the principle of equal opportunity and won 129 singles titles during her career 👏@BillieJeanKing’s influence not just on the world of tennis but wider sport as well, is acknowledged in her Laureus Lifetime Achievement Award 🏆 #Laureus21 pic.twitter.com/nDjxWtEudH
— Laureus (@LaureusSport) May 6, 2021

Not to be outdone by Nadal or Osaka, the legendary Billie Jean King completed a sweep of sorts when she was awarded the Lifetime Achievement award.