Sports

BBC honor for Federer

December 15, 2017
Roger Federer
Roger Federer

LONDON — Roger Federer has been voted BBC overseas sports personality of the year for a record fourth time after an astonishing season during which he picked up two more Grand Slam titles.

The Swiss, 36, returned from six months out with knee trouble to win the Australian Open before picking up a record eighth Wimbledon crown and ended the season with a 52-5 record, ranked world No. 2 behind his great rival Rafael Nadal.

Federer previously won the award, which is voted for by the public, in 2004, 2006 and 2007. Muhammad Ali and Usain Bolt have each won it three times.

“It makes me incredibly proud that the UK public have chosen me as the BBC overseas sports personality of the year for 2017,” said Federer.

“The support that the UK crowds give me whenever I’m here is amazing and to be recognized on the shortlist alongside some of the greatest sports people of all time is extremely humbling.”

He overcame competition from American football quarterback Tom Brady, swimmer Katie Ledecky, para-athlete Tatyana McFadden, athlete Sally Pearson, and darts player Michael van Gerwen.

Federer and the other award winners will be honored during Sunday’s BBC Sports Personality of the Year ceremony in Liverpool.

Hewitt to play doubles

Former world No. 1 Lleyton Hewitt will come out of retirement to play doubles at next month’s Australian Open in Melbourne, reports said Friday.

The 36-year-old will partner Sam Groth, 30, who has announced that the January 15-28 Grand Slam will be his last tournament.

“It’s going to be a bit of fun -- that’s what the Australian Open is about,” Hewitt told the Melbourne Herald-Sun newspaper.

“I’m going to really enjoy it. We’ve been hitting a lot of balls, hitting every day, and we’re not just going out there making up the numbers. We want to give it a fair crack.”

Hewitt, a US Open and Wimbledon singles champion, retired from top-level tennis after his home Grand Slam in January last year.

It is not the first time he has returned to action since. In last year’s Davis Cup tie with the United States, Hewitt and John Peers, came close to upsetting Bob and Mike Bryan in an epic doubles five-setter.

Groth said: “It’s something Lleyton and I have talked about and it’s perfect for me.

“I was there when ‘Rusty’ (Hewitt) retired in 2016 and it’s great that he’ll be there with me when I bow out.” — Agencies


December 15, 2017
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