STARNBERG, December 26, 2021
Novak Djokovic has been named 2021 European Sportsperson of the Year, an annual sports award presented by Polish Press Agency (PAP) for the 64th time. In a vote consisting of a panel of 26 European news agencies, the World No. 1 from Serbia received 172 points, 33 more than Polish football player Robert Lewandowski, who finished second. Recently crowned Formula One champion Max Verstappen from the Netherlands came in third with 125 points.
This is the fourth year that Djokovic has won the award. The first time the 34-year-old Belgrad native won it was in 2011, beating Germans Sebastian Vettel and Dirk Nowitzki. Djokovic’s second award came in 2015, pipping British Formula One driver Lewis Hamilton and Dutch athlete Dafne Schippers. In 2018, the 20-time Grand-Slam champion was ahead Ballon d’Or winner Luka Modric of Crotia and Lewis Hamilton.
An honor to receive my very own Serbian stamp. Thank you to my generous country for this rare gift! I’m humbled!! Excited to share we’ll partner with the Serbian National Postal Service on @novakfoundation projects for every child to have the opportunity to attend preschool 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/Ww8Zma95NU
— Novak Djokovic (@DjokerNole) December 17, 2021
