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.
The Swiss, 36, returned from six months out with knee and back trouble to win the Australian Open before picking up a record eighth Wimbledon crown and ended the season with a 52-5 record, ranked world number two behind his great rival Rafael Nadal.
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.
Federer won the Australian Open and Wimbledon in 2017.
“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 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 during Sunday’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony in Liverpool.
Ever the fan favourite, Federer has scooped numerous awards for his stunning 2017 season. Here’s a look at the others he’s received…
ATPWORLDTOUR.COM FANS’ FAVOURITE
Fans voted for Federer to win this award for a 15th consecutive year. Just like the man they adore, Federer fans are perennial winners.
ATP STEFAN EDBERG SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD
Another award usually claimed by Federer, this is the 13th time and seventh year in a row that he has been recognised with the Sportsmanship Award – he also won it six straight years from 2004 to 2009. Juan Martin del Potro looked like shoo-in for this one when he helped an injured and weeping Nicolas Almagro on court during their French Open match in May, but it was Federer who took the honour once again.
ATP COMEBACK PLAYER OF THE YEAR
This is the first time Federer has won this award, and like they say, there’s always a first time for everything.
“The Comeback Player of the Year obviously is very special because it has felt like a big massive comeback for me after missing seven, eight months of the season, even if this one I feel I share a lot with the other players,” Federer was quoted as saying by Atpworldtour.com.
“Everyone who had a comeback has worked extremely hard, is happy to be back and healthy. Rafa also ranks supreme to me because not only did he come back, but he finished the year world No. 1, so there’s an asterisk for me. I’m happy to get it, but I feel like also other players deserve it.”
CREDIT SUISSE SPORTSMAN OF THE YEAR
Federer was named Switzerland’s Sportsman of the Year at the Credit Suisse Sports Awards. While it was a no-brainer for those who voted for him, his children had other thoughts it seems.
“My children said to me, ‘Why are you maybe going to get a prize tonight? It’s Rafa who is number one’,” Federer revealed after he won the award.
So honored to have won this award. Sharing this with my entire team.. I wouldn’t be where I am and who I am without them. Thank you. https://t.co/Cyoz9kq77T
— Roger Federer (@rogerfederer) December 10, 2017
SIGN OF THE YEAR
Federer was named ‘Sign of the Year’ by the Swiss Deaf Association earlier this month. Here’s how the 36-year-old showed his appreciation for that honour.
GQ MOST STYLISH MAN OF 2017
Federer was named GQ’s Most Stylish Man in 2016, and he is going for the double. The Swiss has edged out Edgar Ramirez in the first round of voting and is now up against former US president Barack Obama. Federer currently has 94 per cent of the votes in his voting showdown against Obama.
LAUREUS BEST SPORTING MOMENT OF THE YEAR
Federer is nominated in this category alongside Rafael Nadal for their doubles match at Laver Cup. Federer won the Laures Sportsman of the Year award four times in a row from 2005 to 2008.
