22-time Grand Slam winner Rafael Nadal has been named the International Tennis Federation (ITF) Champion for 2022. The veteran Spaniard enjoyed a successful season claiming two Grand Slams in Australia & France and rose back up to No 2 in the world rankings.
The ITF has said they use criteria based on all events throughout the year but place special significance on the four major championships – Wimbledon, Australian Open. French Open & US Open. With Nadal winning two of these events, he was a strong frontrunner to win the accolade.
Carlos Alcaraz could have been in line to win the award after he finished the year as the youngest ever ‘year-ending’ World No 1. The Spanish youngster has burst onto the world stage this season after a string of impressive performances, which culminated in his maiden Grand Slam at the US Open.
It is fifth time Nadal has received the honour from the ITF. He was named champion in 2008, 2010, 2017 & 2019.
Meanwhile, Iga Swiatek was awarded the ITF Woman’s Champion after her stellar season in 2022. It is perhaps no surprise that the Polish World No 1 won the award after she claimed two Grand Slams and finished the year top of the world rankings. Her year also included an incredible 37 match winning streak, which was the longest unbeaten stretch by a woman’s tennis player since 1997.
For more information on our Wimbledon Debenture packages please contact us today.