In a historic first for the prestigious Champions of the World award, a prominent French sports newspaper has jointly named tennis legends Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer as the male winners for 2017. The decision marks the only time since the award's inception in 1975 that two athletes have shared the top honor in the men's category. The publication's editorial team explained that while Nadal and Federer did not receive identical numbers of votes, their extraordinary achievements throughout the year merited a joint submission to the journalists' ballot, and the duo was elected by an overwhelming majority.
Nadal and Federer each produced remarkable seasons in 2017, reaffirming their status as two of the greatest tennis players in history. Federer, who turned 36 in August, captured his 18th and 19th Grand Slam singles titles by winning the Australian Open in January and Wimbledon in July. He also claimed titles in Indian Wells, Miami, Halle, and Shanghai, finishing the year ranked world No. 2. His resurgence after a six-month injury layoff in 2016 captivated the tennis world. Nadal, 31, returned to dominance on clay by winning his 10th French Open title, tying the record for most singles majors at the time with 16. He also triumphed at the US Open, his third hard-court major, and finished the year ranked No. 1 after winning six ATP titles, including Monte Carlo, Barcelona, Madrid, and Beijing.
The two rivals also faced off in four matches during the season, with Federer winning all four—including a five-set classic in the Australian Open final and a semifinal victory at Wimbledon. Yet Nadal's consistency and determination on clay and hard courts earned him the year-end top ranking. Their rivalry, marked by mutual respect and sportsmanship, produced one of the most memorable seasons in recent memory. The joint award reflects their collective impact on the sport and the view that neither could be singled out above the other.
In the women's category, American swimmer Katie Ledecky was named Champion of the World for 2017. The 20-year-old added six new world championship medals to her already extraordinary collection at the 2017 World Aquatics Championships in Budapest. She won gold in the 400-meter, 800-meter, and 1500-meter freestyle events, as well as the 4x200-meter freestyle relay. She also earned a silver in the 4x100-meter freestyle relay and a bronze in the 200-meter freestyle. Ledecky's dominance in distance freestyle swimming continued to set new standards; she broke her own world records in the 400-meter and 800-meter freestyle during the year, and her 1500-meter world record from the 2015 World Championships remains unmatched.
Ledecky's success in 2017 followed her spectacular performance at the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she won four golds and a silver. She became the first female swimmer to win the 200-, 400-, 800-, and 1500-meter freestyle titles at a single World Championships (2015) and repeated the feat in 2017 with the addition of relay medals. Her work ethic, technical precision, and mental toughness have drawn comparisons to Michael Phelps, though she maintains a humble demeanor. This was Ledecky's second Champions of the World award, having previously won in 2013, and she became only the fifth woman to win the honor multiple times.
The French newspaper's Champions of the World award has a storied history, recognizing the most outstanding athletes across all sports. Previous male winners include footballers Zinedine Zidane (1998, 2000, 2003), swimmer Michael Phelps (2008, 2012, 2016), and tennis stars such as Novak Djokovic (2011, 2014, 2015), and Rafael Nadal himself (2010, 2013). Federer had won in 2004, 2005, and 2006. The 2017 joint award for Nadal and Federer is only the second time in the award's history that a duo has been recognized; the first was French tennis players Guy Forget and Henri Leconte in 1991, who won the French Champions of the World category after leading France to the Davis Cup title.
The 2017 season was particularly notable for the resurgence of veteran athletes. Federer and Nadal, both in their 30s, defied the trend of younger athletes dominating their sport. Their return to the top of the men's game after injuries and dips in form inspired millions and reinforced the idea that experience and adaptability can triumph over youth. Nadal's 10th French Open title tied him with Bjorn Borg and Chris Evert for most titles at a single Grand Slam event, while Federer's 19th major set a new men's record. Their rivalry, which began in 2004, has produced some of the most memorable matches in tennis history, including the 2008 Wimbledon final and the 2009 Australian Open final.
Ledecky's 2017 campaign also highlighted the depth of women's swimming. She competed against strong opponents like Italian Federica Pellegrini in the 200-meter freestyle and American teammate Leah Smith in the 400-meter freestyle. Despite the competition, Ledecky's margin of victory in her best events remained substantial. In the 800-meter freestyle at the World Championships, she won by more than five seconds. Her training regimen, which involves intense pool sessions and cross-training, has set a new benchmark for endurance swimming. Coaches and analysts note that Ledecky's ability to maintain a strong pace over long distances, combined with a powerful kick, makes her nearly unbeatable in the 400-meter and longer events.
The recognition by the French newspaper is significant because the award is voted on by sports journalists from around the world, making it a comprehensive global honor. Past winners have included legends such as Usain Bolt (2008, 2009, 2012, 2015), Serena Williams (2013, 2015), and Tiger Woods (2000, 2001). The 2017 list of nominees also included other standout athletes such as footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton, and basketball player LeBron James, all of whom had exceptional years. The choice of Nadal and Federer and Ledecky underscores how cross-border popularity and dominant performances can transcend specific sports.
Nadal and Federer's joint award also serves as a reminder of the intense but respectful rivalry that has defined men's tennis for over a decade. Both players have frequently praised each other's achievements and contributed to the sport's global growth. Federer's elegant, all-court style contrasts with Nadal's relentless power and topspin, making their matches compelling for fans. In 2017, they both achieved something that many thought impossible: returning to the pinnacle of the game after being written off by critics. Federer had not won a Grand Slam since Wimbledon 2012 before his Australian Open victory, and Nadal had not won a major since the 2014 French Open before his 2017 Roland Garros triumph.
Katie Ledecky's continued success has also been a story of consistency and evolution. After her Olympic breakthrough in 2012, she dominated the 2013 and 2015 World Championships, but 2017 showed that she could maintain her supremacy even as younger challengers emerged. Her ability to drop time in her key events, despite the increasing pressure, is a testament to her dedication. In the 1500-meter freestyle, she holds the world record at 15:25.48, set in 2015, a time that is over 10 seconds faster than the second-fastest swimmer in history. Ledecky has also expressed interest in competing in longer open-water events, though she continues to focus on pool swimming.
The Champions of the World award not only celebrates peak performance but also the stories behind them. For Nadal and Federer, 2017 was a year of returning from injury and doubt. Federer had taken the latter half of 2016 off to recover from knee surgeries, and many wondered if he would ever challenge for major titles again. Nadal struggled with a wrist injury that forced him to withdraw from the 2016 French Open and ended his season early. Their respective comebacks were among the most inspiring narratives in sports. The French newspaper's decision to honor them together highlights the collective nature of their achievements: they pushed each other to new heights and captivated audiences worldwide.
For Ledecky, the award reinforces her position as the leading female swimmer of her generation. At just 20, she already holds four individual Olympic gold medals, 15 world championship golds, and multiple world records. Her training in the demanding program at Stanford University, combined with her natural talent, has set a new standard for distance swimming. Coaches often point to her mental preparation and ability to execute race plans under pressure. Her 2017 performance in Budapest demonstrated that she is still improving, breaking her own world record in the 400-meter freestyle with a time of 3:56.46, a feat few thought possible.
The recognition of these three athletes by the French newspaper is also a reflection of the global reach of sports journalism. The award, which has been given annually since 1975, involves a poll of more than 100 journalists from various countries. The selection process takes into account not only sporting achievements but also the athlete's influence on their sport and society at large. Nadal, Federer, and Ledecky are all known for their off-court philanthropy and sportsmanship, further strengthening their cases for the honor. Nadal runs a foundation that supports disabled children and promotes social integration, while Federer's foundation focuses on education in Africa. Ledecky has been involved in charitable initiatives related to children's health and aquatics development.
In summary, the 2017 Champions of the World awards recognized two tennis greats in an unprecedented shared honor and a swimming prodigy who continues to redefine her sport. The joint selection of Nadal and Federer reflects the unique nature of their rivalry and mutual excellence, while Ledecky's individual award underscores her sustained dominance. The stories of these athletes' 2017 seasons serve as a testament to hard work, resilience, and the power of sport to inspire. Their achievements will be remembered as a high point in an already illustrious careers, and the decision by the French newspaper's journalists ensures that they will be celebrated together in the annals of sports history.
Source:L'Équipe News