Diego Schwartzman wishes Dominic Thiem the ATP Sportsmanship Award
Diego Schwartzman has spoken in an interview for his opponent and good friend Dominic Thiem. The Argentine, who himself is nominated for the ATP Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award for 2019, believes in Thiem's victory.
by Lukas Zahrer
last edit: Dec 10, 2019, 11:59 am
"I think Thiem can win him, he showed his fighting spirit and respect for all his opponents throughout the year, which was spectacular," said Schwartzman in an interview with Argentine sports daily Ole.
"He has had many great years in his career, and this season he was able to go one better, and with his greater achievements and consistent style, he has a good chance of winning the award," Schwartzman added.
Alongside Thiem and Schwartzman, world number one Rafael Nadal and 20-time Grand Slam winner Roger Federer have also been nominated for the award. Since 2004, the Stefan Edberg Award always went to one of the two all-time greats. Twice the Spaniard won the award, Federer triumphed 13 times.
Thiem is considered one of the fairest athletes on the ATP tour, but he has compared to Federer and Nadal not the international radiance that plays a role in the coronation.
The award goes to the player who convinced the season with the highest level of professionalism and integrity, who was always fair, and who promoted tennis the most by off-field activities.