Nadal, Barty, Bryan bros. receive 2019 ‘Ambassador of the Year’ awards

Melbourne, 20 January 2020 – Rafael Nadal, Ashleigh Barty, Mike and Bob Bryan have been honoured in the International Tennis Writers’ Association’s annual “Ambassador of the Year” awards.

The awards are given each year to one man and one woman after a vote by the 120-plus members of ITWA, which represents the world’s leading tennis journalists. The awards recognize a combination of achievements on the court, conduct that shows tennis in the best possible light and co-operation with the media.

Isabelle Musy, Rafael Nadal, Simon Cambers
Rafael Nadal receives his award from ITWA’s co-presidents, Simon Cambers and
Isabelle Musy (photo credit: GETTY IMAGE)

Rafael Nadal, who won another two Grand slams in 2019 and finished the year as World No 1, remains as honest as he’s always been when it comes to facing media. He provides great answers during his press conferences.

Isabelle Musy, co-President of ITWA, said: “Once again last year, Rafa showed great sportsmanship and has been a role model for his sport. He always takes his media responsibilities seriously, he is very much aware of the importance of the sport’s public image. Rafa, thank you for who you are and what you do”

Ash Barty
Ash Barty

Ashleigh Barty won her first Grand Slam single title at the French Open in 2019. She also won the WTA tour finals and finished the season as the year-end N°1.

Simon Cambers, ITWA’s co-President, said: “Ash enjoyed great success on the court in 2019 but this award also recognizes how generous she has been with her time and how she conducts herself on and off the court.”

This year, ITWA also decided to give a special award to the Mike and Bob Bryan in recognition of their amazing career achievements and also for their professionalism and their friendliness with the media.

Simon Cambers, ITWA co-President, said: “We could have given you this award every year. You have always been very cooperative with the media and you have done so much for doubles. Congratulations.”

Mike and Bob Bryan, Simon Cambers, Isabelle Musy
Mike and Bob Bryan receive their awards from ITWA’s co-presidents, Simon Cambers and Isabelle Musy (photo credit: Tennis Australia)

The awards are given each year to one man and one woman after a vote by the 120-plus members of ITWA, which represents the world’s leading tennis journalists. The awards recognise a combination of achievements on the court, conduct that shows tennis in the best possible light and co-operation with the media.

Previous winners

  • 2018: Kevin Anderson & Simona Halep
  • 2017: Roger Federer & Rafael Nadal, Petra Kvitova
  • 2016: Andy Murray, Angelique Kerber
  • 2015: Andy Murray, Garbiñe Muguruza
  • 2014: Roger Federer & Caroline Wozniacki
  • 2013: Bob and Mike Bryan & Li Na
  • 2012: Andy Murray & Serena Williams
  • 2011: Novak Djokovic & Caroline Wozniacki
  • 2010: Rafael Nadal & Kim Clijsters

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