Rafael Nadal announced the winner of this year's Laureus Sport for Good Society Award.
The Real Madrid Foundation won the award and it was only fitting that Nadal was on hand to make the announcement since he is a huge fan of Real Madrid, who are on the brink of winning La Liga.
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The award is given to organizations that have helped improve society and sport through education and inculcating a sense of enjoyment and belonging through sports, amongst other endevours.
"The Laureus Sport for Good Society Award is given to an organisation, team, or body that uses the value of sport to help improve society," Nadal said. "This year's winners have helped more than one million people use sport to better their lives through education and supporting each other. They believe sport is about more than just physical exercise. It can teach life skills and discipline, as well as providing enjoyment and a sense of belonging.
"I am delighted that the winners are not only from Spain, but are connected to a club I love. The winner of the Laureus Sport for Good Society Award for 2022 is the Real Madrid Foundation."
Six tennis players were nominated for various categories at the Laureus World Sports Awards, but only one ended up in the winners’ circle.
US Open champion Emma Raducanu won the Laureus World Breakthrough Award, beating fellow tennis player Daniil Medvedev, who won the men's singles title in New York.
Raducanu became just the sixth tennis player to win this award, with the others being Marat Safin, Rafael Nadal, Amelie Mauresmo, Andy Murray, and Naomi Osaka.
Novak Djokovic and Ashleigh Barty were nominated for the World Sportsman and the World Sportswoman of the year awards respectively. However, they lost to Formula One star Max Verstappen and sprinter Elaine Thompson-Herah respectively. Wheelchair tennis stars Diede de Groot and Shingo Kunieda were nominated as well, but neither could win.
Rafael Nadal recuperates from rib stress fracture as comeback in Madrid nears
Rafael Nadal has had an impressive season so far, winning 20 of 21 matches. His only defeat came in the final of the Indian Wells Masters against Taylor Fritz.
Nadal couldn't perform at his best because of some pain he felt in his chest during the match. He later confirmed that he had suffered a rib stress fracture and would be out for 4-6 weeks. The Spaniard thus withdrew from the Monte-Carlo Masters and the Barcelona Open.
Nadal has returned to training and is slated for a return to competitive action in Madrid. The Madrid Masters begins on 1 May.
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What is the foot injury that has troubled Rafael Nadal over the years? Check here