The USTA has recognized Juan Martin del Potro and Petra Kvitova for their efforts by presenting them with their annual award.
The US Open Sportsmanship award is given out to recognised players for their efforts both on and off the court. It was founded in 2012 with the aim of praising players who ‘promote excellence in sportsmanship through the game of tennis.’
“Juan Martin and Petra have not only captivated us at this year’s US Open, but shown incredible class in doing so,” said USTA Chairman, CEO and President Katrina Adams. “With Petra’s incredible comeback story and Juan Martin’s ability to capture the New York crowd, we couldn’t be happier to honor these great competitors with our US Open Sportsmanship Awards.”
Both players have recently endured injury problems affecting their careers. Del Potro returned to the tour in 2016 after a lengthy hiatus from the sport due to a serious wrist injury, which almost forced him to retire from the sport. This year he has exceeded expectations by knocking out Dominic Thiem and Roger Federer to reach the semifinals of the US Open. His best grand slam performance since Wimbledon 2013.
“To me, it’s great after all my wrist problems, come back and see how much the love from the fans comes to me is great,” Del Potro commented about the positive reception he gets from the New York crowd.
Kvitova’s struggles started in December. An intruder broke into her apartment and slashed her hand with a knife during a confrontation. The two-time Wimbledon champion suffered extensive nerve damage to her left hand and was once warned she may not be able to play again. Nevertheless, she managed to return to action at the French Open. At the US Open she reached the quarterfinals before going out to Venus Williams.
“It’s tough to say right now but overall, I think it’s amazing [to reach the quarter-finals],” she told the BBC. “I didn’t really think that I could come so far. “I’m just glad that I could show it here, that there is a way to play well again. So from my side, in a couple of days, I hope that I will say, good job. But not just now.”
Del Potro and Kvitova have received a trophy and a donation of $5000 to a charity of their choice.
Previous winners
2012
Recipient Male: Bob & Mike Bryan
Recipient Female: Sam Stosur
2013
Recipient Male: David Ferrer
Recipient Female: Li Na
2014
Recipient Male: Roger Federer
Recipient Female: Caroline Wozniacki
2015
Recipient Male: Kevin Anderson
Recipient Female: Venus Williams
2016
Recipient Male: Kei Nishikori
Recipient Female: Angelique Kerber
