LONDON — In a testament to his character as much as his captivating tennis, Spanish sensation Carlos Alcaraz has been honoured with one of the sport’s most prestigious peer-voted accolades. The Association of Tennis Professionals (ATP) announced that Alcaraz is the recipient of the 2023 Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award, marking the second consecutive year the 20-year-old has claimed the prize.
The award, named after the revered Swedish champion renowned for his impeccable conduct, is voted for exclusively by the players on the ATP Tour. This means Alcaraz’s on-court demeanour, respect for opponents, and overall integrity have been endorsed by the very competitors he battles week-in, week-out—including legends like Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and Roger Federer, who, as active players, also cast their votes.
A Peer-Selected Honour of the Highest Order
Winning the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award once is a significant milestone for any player. To win it in back-to-back years, especially at such a young age, underscores a profound and consistent respect from the locker room. The award criteria focus on fair play, professionalism, and integrity, both in victory and defeat. For Alcaraz to be chosen by his peers—a group that includes his fiercest rivals and the sport’s most decorated champions—speaks volumes about the impression he has made beyond his thunderous forehands and magical drop shots.
Alcaraz now joins an elite list of multiple-time winners, a pantheon that includes the award’s namesake, Edberg, as well as modern icons. Notably, Roger Federer, a paragon of sportsmanship throughout his career, won the award a record 13 times. Rafael Nadal has claimed it five times, and Novak Djokovic has been honoured on seven occasions. To be recognized in the same breath as these legends, so early in his journey, is a unique feather in the young Spaniard’s cap.
Alcaraz’s Reaction: Humility and a Role Model’s Aspiration
Upon receiving the news, Alcaraz expressed his gratitude and humility. In a statement, he said, "I am so happy to win the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award again. To be chosen by my fellow players means even more, because they are the ones who see you on the court every day, in the good moments and the difficult ones. Thank you to everyone who voted for me." His words reflect an understanding that this honour is distinct from those earned through rankings or titles; it is an evaluation of character.
Alcaraz has often spoken about the importance of being a role model. His on-court behaviour consistently showcases a blend of fiery competitiveness and respectful decorum. He applauds opponents' winners, rarely disputes line calls without cause, and is quick to offer a genuine smile or handshake at the net. This duality—the ferocity of a champion and the grace of a sportsman—is what resonates with fans and players alike. He added, "I always try to be a good person first, and a good athlete second. This award motivates me to keep being that person on tour."
The Hallmarks of an Alcaraz Match: Intensity with Integrity
What does sportsmanship look like in the heat of a Grand Slam final or a crucial Masters 1000 battle? In Alcaraz’s case, it is demonstrated through consistent actions that have become hallmarks of his matches:
- Grace in Defeat: Even in his most painful losses, such as his recent exit at the Australian Open, Alcaraz is forthright in praising his opponent’s performance.
- Respect for the Game: He maintains a positive demeanor, rarely showing negative outbursts directed at his team or the officials.
- Fair Play: Instances of him conceding points when he feels a ball was in, or immediately correcting a call in his favour, have been noted.
- Connection with Fans: His joyful interaction with crowds, win or lose, shows a respect for the sport’s supporters.
This conduct does not dilute his competitive fire; rather, it enhances it. It creates a narrative where his victories are celebrated not just for their brilliance, but for the manner in which they are achieved. Fellow players see this consistency. They witness the effort he puts into every point and the respect he shows them regardless of the outcome, making his selection for this award a logical one.
A Bright Future for Tennis’s Ambassador
At a time when the tennis world is navigating the transition from the legendary "Big Three" era, the emergence of a talent like Alcaraz who possesses both generational skill and exemplary character is a boon for the sport. He is becoming a global ambassador, attracting new fans with his electrifying play and retaining them with his likable and respectful persona. The ATP itself highlighted this, stating in its announcement that Alcaraz "continues to inspire fans and fellow players with his exceptional conduct on and off the court."
While his 2023 season was punctuated by a sensational Wimbledon victory over Novak Djokovic and a return to World No. 1, awards like the Stefan Edberg Sportsmanship Award may ultimately form a crucial part of his legacy. In an intensely individual and pressurized sport, maintaining one’s principles is a challenge. That Alcaraz has managed to do so while carrying the weight of being tennis’s next great hope makes this peer-voted recognition all the more meaningful.
As he looks ahead to the clay-court season and the defence of his Wimbledon title, Alcaraz does so not just as a champion, but as a certified sportsman in the eyes of Novak Djokovic, Rafael Nadal, and every other player on tour. This award, voted for by his rivals, is a powerful reminder that in tennis, how you play the game matters just as much as winning it.